“I have only done my duty,” replied the border king simply. “Say no more of it.”
But Hare, who, if he could not always be courageous, was at least grateful, would not be repressed on this point, and he continued to manifest his gratitude to his deliverer with childlike earnestness and simplicity.
“But how are you to get off, and when?” he asked.
“I do not know. Probably our red friends will help to put us in the way of getting to the nearest white settlement or to Fort McPherson.”
“Ah, I hope you get through safely, both for your sake and for mine. If you are lost, I shall be lost also. Yes; even if anything happens to delay you beyond the three weeks stipulated, my fate will be sealed.”
“Never fear. We shall doubtless get through without trouble, or one of us, at least; and even Congo could attend to your business. He could get assistance, you know.”
“Is there money enough at my command, I wonder?”
“How much can you raise?”
“About a thousand dollars. I will give you a letter which will enable you to get the money.”
“It ought to be enough. If it is not, I will make up the deficiency.”