“Yes, I thought that,” said Joses, “and I’m willing; but take care of yourselves, my lads; there is danger in the task.”
The Beaver nodded and smiled and went his way, while Bart joined the Doctor, who was eagerly watching the coming savages as they rode slowly across the distant plains.
“Bart,” he said at last, shutting up his glass, “you are very young.”
Bart nodded.
“But I find myself compelled to send you on a very dangerous errand.”
“To ride on to Lerisco, sir?” said Bart promptly. “I’m ready, sir; when shall I go?”
“Not so fast,” said the Doctor, smiling at the lad’s bravery and eagerness. “You must make some preparations first.”
“Oh, that will soon be done, sir; a few pieces of dried bison-meat and a bag of meal, and I shall be ready.”
“I was thinking,” said the Doctor, “that I ought to have sent you off before the Indians came, but I have since thought that it is better as it is, for we know now where our enemies are. If I had sent you yesterday, you might have ridden right into their midst.”
“That’s true, sir. But when shall I go?”