“A Winnebago,” announced Joseph, when he had obtained a closer glimpse of the red man.
“We’d better wait for the others,” advised Robert. “He probably can’t speak English and we can’t find out what he wants.”
Several soldiers soon joined the brothers, among them a man who understood the Winnebago tongue. He shouted to the Indian and learned that he was a deserter from Black Hawk and wished to join the Whites. The interpreter questioned him closely and upon relating what had been said to General Henry, the Winnebago was given permission to attach himself to the army.
“Who was he? What did he say?” Robert demanded of Deerfoot, who was now riding with the two boys and John Mason.
“He Winnebago,” replied Deerfoot. “He say Black Hawk only two miles away, and much weary.”
“Hooray!” cried Robert excitedly. “We’ll catch him soon.”
The news had spread throughout the army, spurring the men on to even greater efforts than before.
“We won’t catch them tonight, I’m afraid,” remarked Mason. “It will be dark before long.”
“It always gets dark just at the wrong time,” Robert complained.
“How are you going to prevent it, Red?” laughed Mason.