“Have the Indians come back, father?” I asked, eagerly.
He looked round quickly, starting slightly, for he had not seen me approach, and he was deep in thought.
“No, boy,” he said, sighing, “but it seems we are not to enjoy our homes in peace; a new enemy is in the field.”
I looked at him, waiting to hear more, but he was silent, and began walking slowly to and fro till breakfast was ready.
During the meal he said suddenly—
“Put on the best things you have, my boy. I am going up to the settlement this morning. I thought you would like to go.”
I was not long in getting ready as soon as the meal was ended, and, to my surprise, I found my father in uniform, and with his sword by his side; but he looked so quiet and stern that I did not like to question him, and walked on steadily by his side, as he drew himself up and marched forward, just as if his clothes had brought back old days, and made him the stern, firm soldier once more.
It was a glorious walk. The sun was scorchingly hot, but our whole way was between the great sweet-scented pines, whose needle-like leaves glistened like silver as they reflected back the sun’s beams, and shaded our way. After a time we began to have glimpses of the big river, and at last as we approached an opening I caught sight of a large ship, and uttered an exclamation.
“Yes,” said my father, as he saw what had taken my attention; “it is a fine ship, but unfortunately she is not a friend.”
I looked up at him inquiringly.