“It did; and you must sail the day after to-morrow, if not to-morrow night. It will be wise, perhaps, to sail in the dark.”
“So Jasper thinks, Major Duncan; and I know no one more to be depended on in such an affair than young Jasper Western.”
“Young Jasper Eau-douce!” said Lundie, a slight smile gathering around his usually stern mouth. “Will that lad be of your party, Sergeant?”
“Your honor will remember that the Scud never quits port without him.”
“True; but all general rules have their exceptions. Have I not seen a seafaring person about the fort within the last few days?”
“No doubt, your honor; it is Master Cap, a brother-in-law of mine, who brought my daughter from below.”
“Why not put him in the Scud for this cruise, Sergeant, and leave Jasper behind? Your brother-in-law would like the variety of a fresh-water cruise, and you would enjoy more of his company.”
“I intended to ask your honor's permission to take him along; but he must go as a volunteer. Jasper is too brave a lad to be turned out of his command without a reason, Major Duncan; and I'm afraid brother Cap despises fresh water too much to do duty on it.”
“Quite right, Sergeant, and I leave all this to your own discretion. Eau-douce must retain his command, on second thoughts. You intend that Pathfinder shall also be of the party?”
“If your honor approves of it. There will be service for both the guides, the Indian as well as the white man.”