CHAPTER V.
THE SCOUTING PARTY.
In the morning, after partaking of breakfast, Gummery Glyndon prepared for his scout. During this, he was urged by Percy Vere to allow him and his cousin to accompany him.
The hunter was inclined, at first, to refuse this request, but on reflection, he consented.
“They are smart boys, both of ’em,” he told himself, “and the surveyors always lend them their rifles when they go with me. I’d rather have them any time than the soldiers—these reg’lars ain’t worth shucks in an Injun skirmish—it would be as good as three of us, and if the Injuns are thick among the hills, and I opine so, I shall want some help along. Yes, Percy, you can go.”
These last words were uttered aloud.
The two boys were quite pleased at being permitted to join in the scout, and Blaikie and Robbins readily loaned them their rifles. The surveyors were well provided in this respect as each had a breech-loading, repeating rifle, besides the old-fashioned single-barreled, smooth bore one. The boys got the single-barreled ones, of course. But they were perfectly satisfied with them, and, by much practice, had gained considerable skill in their use.
“Do you know, Percy, I have an idea,” said the elder boy, as they equipped themselves for the adventure.
“Have you? How does it feel? Tell me, so I’ll know when I have one.”
“Oh, pshaw! you are always at your joke. My idea is that Smoholler might give me some intelligence concerning my father.”
“Very likely; but do you think it safe to trust yourself in Smoholler’s power?” suggested Cute.