“Little Brother, you owe me a life.”
“Take it!” proudly answered the Jumper, holding out his war-ax.
“You shall pay me another way. I must give a talk to Old Tassel before the Cherokees go to water. You must take me through John Watts’ Chickamaugas. You must take me to Turkey Town unseen. You shall leave me near the town and no one shall know you brought me.”
“I can do that, Tsan-usdi,” quietly agreed the Jumper.
Sevier’s face grew troubled.
“It will be hard to see Old Tassel alone. Watts’ Chickamaugas will go there to perform the rites.”
“The Chickamaugas went to water before you reached the Creek country.”
“Good! I remember Major Hubbard said that back in Jonesboro, only he’s always hearing of war-parties to excuse his killings.” Then to himself, “—— those hostiles. They’ve been on the red path for years. They don’t count if the rest of the nation can be held back.”
“If we are to reach Turkey Town in time we must travel all night. We must cross that before dark.” And with a shiver the Jumper pointed north across the traps of the slime-covered swamp.
“It shall be done. I must take my horse out.”