"None," and the colonel rose to his feet as he held out both hands to the boys.
A fervent hand-clasp was the only token of parting, and the lads went directly from this interview to prepare themselves for the journey.
Captain Dillard came up as they were refilling the powder horns, and counting out an additional store of bullets.
"So the colonel has sent his son rather than risk the life of one of the men," he said half to himself, and Evan looked up with a smile as he replied:
"When favors are to be bestowed, captain, it is right the father should remember first his son."
"And this is a favor with a vengeance," Dillard muttered, after which, realizing he had been imprudent in thus voicing his apprehensions, he whistled a cheery tune as if there was no reason why he or any other in the encampment should be gloomy.
In less than ten minutes the boys had made their preparations for the scout, and were debating as to the best course to be pursued.
"Make straight for Cherokee Ford, lads, and trust to luck for all the remainder. I do not mean that you are to go blindly ahead without taking due precautions; but it seldom pays at such times to map out an elaborate plan, for much depends upon accident."
Then the captain turned abruptly away, most likely to avoid a leave-taking, and the two boys marched side by side out of the encampment, the men following them with their eyes but speaking no word, for each understood upon what a perilous venture they were embarked.
It was nightfall, and the young scouts were unfamiliar with the country over which it would be necessary to travel.