There was little in this statement to enlighten us; but I afterward came to understand why he spoke so proudly of his father, as will any lad who reads of what occurred nearabout Paris in the year 1804.
It can well be fancied that we looked upon this French lad as a friend, after once hearing his story, and that we trusted him fully, knowing he had little cause to feel kindly toward our enemies. In fact, so well convinced was I of his friendliness that, regardless of Alec’s warning look, I explained why we were sailing across Lake Erie at a time when Americans had every reason to shun the Canadian shore.
“I shall help you to find out all you have come to learn,” Leon said enthusiastically, having regained his cheerfulness immediately I confided in him. “Trust me to point out a safe harbor, and this night you may sleep at my mother’s house.”
There was a great question in my mind as to whether Alec and I were warranted in going ashore, for it seemed at the moment as if we had already learned that which should be told my father without delay, and I believed we ought to return at once.
“We will do as Leon suggests,” Alec said, answering the question which he read in my eyes. “In order to accomplish our work we must know more. It is not enough that we go back and say there is yet an encampment of the enemy on Long Point.”
“But we can discover no more by going ashore,” I objected; and Leon, fearing lest it was in my mind to put about at once, cried imploringly:—
“Surely you will not take me with you? I can conduct you to a place where it will be easy to make a landing.”
“You shall be left as near to your home as is safe for us,” I replied, and immediately Alec added, as if his was the right to direct our movements:—
“We will sleep at your mother’s home, Leon, and in payment for the rescue you shall show us during the night so much of the British encampment as we may wish to see.”
“I am ready to do whatsoever you shall direct,” the lad replied, and I made no protest, for suddenly, as it were, Alec Perry had taken upon himself the leadership. I had become no more than a follower who must obey his commands.