We return to the white men. The grief of Roughgrove, and of all the party, when it was ascertained beyond a doubt that Mary had been carried off by the savages, was deep and poignant. The aged ferryman sat silent and alone, and would not be comforted, while the rest made the necessary arrangements to pursue the foe. The sled was so altered that blankets, buffalo robes, and a small quantity of food could be taken in it. Bullets were moulded and the guns put in order. Joe was ordered to give the horses water, and place a large quantity of provender within their reach. The hounds were fed and then led back to their kennel, and Glenn announced, after Roughgrove declared his determination to go along, that Ringwood and Jowler alone would be left to guard the premises.
“My goodness!” said Joe, when he understood that he was expected to make one of the pursuing party, “I can’t go! My head’s so sore, and aches so bad, I couldn’t go ten miles before I’d have to give up. Let me stay, Mr. Glenn, and take care of the house.”
“Do you forget that Mary is in the hands of the Indians? Would you hesitate even to die, while striving to rescue a poor, innocent, helpless maiden? For shame!” replied Glenn.
“I’d spill my heart’s blood for her,” said Joe, “if it would do any good. But you know how I was crippled last night, and I didn’t sleep a bit afterwards, hardly.”
“Dod”—commenced Sneak.
“Joe,” said Boone, “from the vigorous manner in which you fought the wolves, I am induced to believe that your present scruples are not well founded. We will need every man we can obtain.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t mind it at all,” said Joe, “if it wasn’t that you’re a going to start right off now. If I only had a little sleep—”
“You shall have it,” said Boone. Both Glenn and Roughgrove looked inquiringly at the speaker. “We will not start to-night,” continued he. “It would be useless. We could not overtake them, and if we did, it would cause them to put Mary to death, that they might escape our vengeance the more easily. I have duly considered the matter. We must rest here to-night, and rise refreshed in the morning. We will then set out on their trail, and I solemnly pledge my word never to return without bringing the poor child back unharmed.”
“I hope my head’ll be well by morning,” said Joe.
“I know it will be well enough,” said Glenn; “so you need entertain no hope of being left behind.”