“Let’s ask your father,” I said; and we went to where he was in the garden.
To my great delight, his description tallied with my idea. The boat had been carried up stream, and full of eagerness we set out, but it was too late to do much that day, and we soon returned, after planning to start at daybreak the next morning, Pomp having undertaken to awaken me, while I arranged with Sarah for a basketful of provisions, so that we might be able to spend a good long day.
In the course of the evening I related the finding of the hut to my father, and my hope that the boat might be discovered too, but he shook his head.
“Extremely doubtful, my boy. But wait a bit and then go and search, though, if you like; and even if you do not find it, you will have a glorious ramble along the river-bank.”
“Will you come too, father?” I said.
“I should like to, but I have promised for several days to go over to the settlement to meet the General and Colonel Preston. Take Morgan or Hannibal with you, if you like.”
“Oh no, father,” I said, “Pomp will be guide enough; I believe he often steals off to go long distances into the forest after woodchucks and squirrels.”
“You will take a gun, I suppose. Any game will be welcome.”
“Yes, father.”
“And take care not to get into danger.”