"Is it anything serious?" Jean asked in a low voice.
"I am afraid so," Dane replied. "I told you that Pete would suddenly turn up with important news, and I was right. The rebels are stirring up trouble."
"But you must see daddy before you go," Jean said. "He will be greatly disappointed if you don't."
"Certainly I must see him. Let us go at once, as there is no time to lose."
Together they made their way to the house, leaving the people around the fire gazing curiously after them. As they entered, they saw the Indian bending over the sleeping child, and watching it most intently. Mammy was standing by on the defensive, fearful lest she was about to lose her little charge.
"Doan let him take her, Mistah Dane," she cried. "I can't spare Babby.
Drive him out ob de house."
Pete at once straightened himself up to his full height, and smiled as he looked upon the agitated woman.
"Injun no tak' babby," he said. "Injun no cabin. Babby no mamma."
"Bress de Lo'd fo' His goodness!" Mammy fervently exclaimed, lifting on high her hands, "and let all de earf gib t'anks unto His holy name fo' ebber an' ebber."
The Colonel was greatly interested over Dane's departure, and asked him several questions.