This advice Joseph reported to his three companions, who all agreed with Captain Stone. Even Robert thought it might be advisable to wait. It was so decided and they immediately made preparations to spend the night at Apple River Fort.
CHAPTER XXIII
ACROSS COUNTRY
The Indians had evidently given up all idea of capturing the fort, for no sign of them appeared during the night, and in the morning it was even considered safe to venture outside the stockade. This was done with great caution, however, for it was never safe to count on anything that a hostile Indian might do.
“I wish I’d seen Black Hawk,” exclaimed Robert, while he and his three companions were eating breakfast. “You’re sure he was there, Deerfoot?”
“Me sure,” said the Pottowattomie confidently.
“He ought to know him when he sees him,” said Joseph. “You’ve seen him lots of times, haven’t you, Deerfoot?” he asked.
“Yes, plenty time,” Deerfoot assented.
“Just suppose I could have shot him,” exclaimed Robert excitedly. “Why, the whole war would probably have stopped at once, and think what a hero I’d be.”
“Wouldn’t you just as soon capture him, Red?” laughed John Mason. “As long as you intend to be a hero, wouldn’t you be willing to be one without any loss of life?”
“Yes,” agreed Robert. “I guess I’d just as soon capture him.”