“Gone back home?” I eagerly asked.
“What do you think!” babbled Mrs. Davis. “Cousin Ericus has took that gal down toward the Clinch. He ’lows now he’s goin’ to keep the Injuns out of that valley—”
“Good God! Why did you let them go?”
Davis snorted angrily, and exclaimed:
“Let ’em go! How ye goin’ to stop her? ’Twas she that was bound to be movin’ on. Just made her daddy go.”
“When did they start?”
“Right after you lit out. Seems ’s if th’ gal couldn’t git shut o’ this creek quick ’nough.”
I ran from the cabin to get my horse and start in immediate pursuit. By the time I reached the animal, well rested during my absence, I became more reasonable. After all Black Hoof was traveling north. There would be small chance of another band raiding down the Clinch for some time at least. I needed rest. Night travel would advance me but slowly. I would start early in the morning.