His voice was blotted out in a roar which shook the solid forest; a crimson flame shot up to the stars; then thunderous darkness buried us.
Half-smothered cries and shrieks came from the long convoy ahead, but these were quickly silenced, the frightened oxen subdued, and the column hastened on into the night.
"Now that the fort's exploded, look out for the Iroquois," said Mount, steadying his voice with an effort.
Cresap had given me a rifle. I halted to load it, then ran on to join Mount and Renard. We plodded on in silence for a while. Presently Mount asked me what I meant to do in Pittsburg.
"I mean to see Lord Dunmore," I replied, quietly.
Mount pretended to fear for his Lordship's scalp, but I was in no humour for jesting, and I said no more.
"What are you going to do to old Dunmore?" urged the big fellow, curiously.
"See here, my good man," said I, "you are impertinent. I am an accredited deputy of Sir William Johnson, and my business is his."
"You need not be so surly," grumbled Mount.
"You've hurt his feelings," observed the Weasel, trotting at my heels.