Jean started at this order, and quickly left the room. She was greatly excited, for she realised that serious trouble of some kind was on foot. She believed that the rebels were about to attack that helpless band of Loyalists on the A-jem-sek as others had planned to do to the ones at Loyal. What she had gathered from Dave's words led her to believe that the latter attempt had failed. This was the first news she had received, and it greatly relieved her mind. But what about the others, those suffering men, women and children but a short distance away?
She was thankful when Dave at last left the house, and she was once more alone with the invalid. The latter was very still, staring straight before him. Jean crossed the room and stood by his side.
"I want to know the truth," she began. "Is an attack to be made upon those Loyalists?"
"What do you mean?" the man asked in surprise.
"Just what I said. The rebels planned to wipe out the Loyalists down river, and it looks to me as if they are about to try the same upon the ones on the A-jem-sek."
"Nonsense, girl," was the impatient reply. "It is foolish to think of such a thing."
"Well, what is the meaning, then, of this gathering of men from various parts who are so anxious to do something before the rangers arrive? They surely intend some mischief."
"Just a little fun, Miss, that's all. The boys like a lark occasionally. It keeps them in good spirits."
"Are they all like Dave?"
"Why, don't you like him?"