“Over this way, sir, you will find him; I will show you where,” Bob answered; and Sandy trailed along, too, as if he believed that the settler had some particular reason for wanting to see their father.
As Mr. Wayne was one of those who had been talking most vehemently about emigrating further west, Sandy chose to think that his mission now might have some bearing on that issue.
But it did not. On the contrary, both boys were astounded to hear what Mr. Wayne had to say, when presently he came upon their father.
“It was the boy who saw them,” the settler started to say, as he glanced down at his son, about eight years of age, and rather a manly little fellow. “It was at the time we were all so excited last night that we missed him. I hunted wildly around, as perhaps you may remember; and when I began to fear he had been carried off in the river, I finally discovered him, standing there on the bank, watching the water by the light of the fires.”
“Yes, I remember,” remarked Mr. Armstrong, as the other paused for breath; “but you have something more to tell, because I do not see how this has any connection with my affairs, neighbor.”
“Wait,” the other went on, “and you will see whether it has or not. Only a little while ago my good wife called me to her, and said that Rufus had been making certain remarks about two strange men he saw, and that she thought he ought to repeat in my hearing. So I questioned the lad, and learned this. While he was standing by the water’s edge last night, after you and your family had gone up to the blockhouse with all your possessions, Rufus saw two burly men, who were dressed like Kenton and Boone, he says, pass out to your cabin, Mr. Armstrong, and enter by the door!”
“Oh!” exclaimed Sandy, with his usual impulsiveness.
“Those terrible French trappers!” murmured Bob; “what could they want there?”
“They did not stay inside very long,” the settler continued; “and then, after looking out in a queer way, as if they did not wish to be seen, he says they hastened to the bank, and went sneaking off, down-river way.”
“But why did he not tell this before?” asked Mr. Armstrong, plainly disturbed by the news.