“You’re right, I have,” returned Dawson, gleefully, “and you are here to help us. I’ve got two Yanks here with me, and they are just as good as they make them.”
“I thought I heard you mention Leon’s name. Is it Leon Sprague?”
“Yes, sir,” returned the owner of that name. “I am here and ready to assist him in any way I can.”
“I am glad to see you here,” continued Mr. Dawson, “for I shall know that we are going to stand some show.”
“Now, father, what shall I do first?” asked Dawson, who was impatient to get to work.
“Hitch the first two mules you can get to that wagon, and by the time you have done that your mother will be ready for you. Leave one dog behind you, so that I can readily follow your trail.”
“Why, are you not going to stay, too?”
“No; I must go on with the squad, and run my risk of getting away afterward,” replied Mr. Dawson. “I will be missed if I don’t go with them, and I want you and your mother to get a good start. Be lively, and work as hard as you can, for I don’t know when we shall be back.”
“What shall I do after I get the mules hitched up?” asked Dawson. “Will it be safe for me to drive around in front of the house?”
“You can go where you please. There will be nobody to bother you. Keep up a good heart till I come.”