The major threw him a sharp look. Then he added some hasty advice.
"It is my duty to advise you that the Indians in this section are restless. If you go on, you risk meeting hostiles."
"We'll still go on," said Ellis.
Major Dismuke halted and when they had drawn away from him Ellis said softly, "Sorry, Joe, but we have to get out of here."
"Yes, we have to get out."
"It wasn't really a lie."
"Ellis, let's face it. It was a lie. But we had to tell it. As soon as we get set, we're sending that mule back."
"All right with me. But let's get set."
The youngsters scrambled back into the wagon. Joe untied the team and climbed up on the wagon seat. He was not happy, for the baby was still feverish, but he was relieved. Emma wouldn't care to stay anywhere near this fort as long as the baby was ill. It was too rough, and the wagon was better. Somehow and somewhere Joe would get another mule and send this one back. He shook his head. Ellis's quick wit in raising the smallpox scare had averted what would have been an intolerable situation.
They stopped for lunch, and drove on. Ellis rode ahead to scout and Joe's sick heart throbbed when the baby babbled in delirium. A few minutes later, Emma spoke softly,