He was surprised at the extent of the fortifications. In the center was a parade-ground large enough to admit of the evolutions of a regiment.
This parade-ground was surrounded by broad, level walks, the space between the walks and the stockade being occupied with warehouses, the sutler and trader's stores, barracks, officers' quarters, and stables, all built of sun-dried bricks.
A tall flag-staff arose from the parade-ground, and from it floated the Stars and Stripes.
Leon could see nothing of Eben, but he did see three or four men lounging in front of the open door of one of the buildings, and toward them he bent his steps.
The building proved to be a stable, and the men were government teamsters.
When they saw Leon approaching, they ceased their conversation and looked at him with curiosity.
"Good-afternoon!" said the boy, speaking in as steady a voice as he could command. "Do any of you happen to know a hunter named Eben Webster?"
"I reckon," replied one of the men; "and we don't know nothing good of him, neither."
"Have you seen him about here to-day?" asked Leon.