This act did not please the others of the party and one of them remarked, “Ye’ll find that handlin’ lazy, sneakin’ redskins is different from teachin’ school boys.”
“I’m of the opinion there’s human nature i’ the whole o’ them,” was the quiet reply.
The three men got along without unpleasantness until spring. One day in March Peter Cogan went out 92 to hunt and did not return. Later he was found dead and scalped.
For the first time in his life the horror of Indian treachery in time of peace was forced upon Mr. Allison’s mind. He had fought them and knew of their cruelty in time of war, but he had never lived on the frontier and had supposed the stories of outrages somewhat exaggerated and due to ill treatment. His views had been similar to those held by the Quakers of Pennsylvania. Surely this fiendish deed was unprovoked. With but two left, there was need of the utmost caution and neither of the men ventured far from the stockade.
One evening in May several guns were discharged in succession outside the enclosure. The first party from Virginia had arrived and the warmth of their welcome may be better imagined than described.
“What of home?” were the first words.
“All well.”
“But I thought to see the lad along wi’ you,” said Mr. Allison.
Then was told the story of the attack on the Ohio, when one man had been killed and Rodney had disappeared, whether killed or captured was not known.
“An’ you left, deserted him!” he cried, and his cry sounded like a scream. “Cowards each one o’ ye! Who’ll go with me to find the laddie? Not one? Then I’ll go alone.”