“I suppose you felt sorry for them when they were murdering our family and burning our home,” exclaimed Robert hotly.
“That’s different,” agreed Joseph. “At the same time I don’t suppose they know any better and that is their way of making war.”
“That doesn’t excuse them, though,” retorted Robert.
“Of course it doesn’t,” Joseph admitted. “I’m for getting even with them just as much as you are. Don’t worry about that. And I agree with you that the quicker we let them know that we won’t stand for this sort of business the better it will be for all concerned.”
“That’s exactly the way I feel,” said Mason. “Personally I have nothing against the Indians. There are good ones and there are bad ones, just as there are good and bad white men. This country has got to be safe for settlers to live in though, and I am going to do my best to help make it that way. As you say we must let the Indians know that we intend to put a stop to this wholesale murder and massacre.”
The sun by this time was high in the heavens and a stop was made to refresh the horses and to give the men a short breathing spell. They halted in a clump of trees near the bank of the river. The men stretched themselves on the ground and completely relaxed. It was a peaceful scene and it would have been difficult for an observer to realize that danger lurked near at hand. One of the scouts stationed as a lookout soon testified to this fact, however.
When a half-hour had elapsed the march was resumed. The route still lay along the bank of the river, most of it over the open prairie. Occasionally they crossed a swamp or passed through a clump of woods and at such times extreme caution was exercised. One man was sent ahead to spy out the land, while the others followed in single file, prepared for any emergency that might arise.
Thus far no sign of the enemy had been discovered, however. At the same time the scouts did not relax their caution for an instant. They were too familiar with the ways of the redmen to think themselves ever secure from an attack.
The day wore on and the shadows grew longer. Some of the horses began to show signs of fatigue, but not so The Swallow. He stepped as lightly as ever and apparently was as fresh as when he started. Joseph became more enthusiastic over his new pony every moment. The other horses were tired, however, and soon it was decided to stop for the night.
“There’s a large swamp just ahead,” explained Walt. “I think we ought to get through that before we pitch camp. On the other side is a long stretch of prairie and we should be safe from any surprise out there in the open.”