“Indeed but I shall,” said Bart excitedly. “If I am to go, I shall go.”
The Doctor came up then and seemed torn by two opinions, speaking out frankly to the lad upon the point.
“I don’t want to send you, Bart, and yet I do,” he said, rather excitedly. “It seems an act of cruelty to send you forth on such a mission, but it is my only hope.”
“I’ll go, sir,” cried Bart, earnestly. “I’ll go for your sake and Maude’s.”
“Thank you, my brave lad,” cried the Doctor with emotion, “but it is going to be a terrible night.”
“The safer for our purpose, sir,” replied Bart. “There, sir, I won’t tell a lie, and say I do not feel timid, because I do; but I mean to mount and ride off boldly, and you’ll see I’ll bring back plenty of help, and as quickly as I can.”
“But wait another night, my lad; it will be finer perhaps. There is no moon, and if it clouds over, you will never find your way to the lake.”
“Black Boy will, sir, I know,” said Bart laughing. “I am keeping him without water on purpose.”
“A clever idea, Bart,” said the Doctor.
“Yes, sir,” said Bart, “but it is not mine. It was the Beaver’s notion. Those dismounted Indians are coming right in, sir, I think,” he said.