CHAPTER XIII
THE GRAND HUNT
With a winter approaching, the severity of which none of them could more than guess at, it was the most natural thing in the world for the Ohio river settlers to wish to lay in a goodly stock of dried venison and buffalo meat.
From the friendly Indians they had learned just how this "pemmican" was prepared; and, while it could not be compared to fresh meat, still, to tide over a protracted season, when possibly game could not be had, it promised to prove valuable indeed.
Already in every cabin could be seen long strips hanging from the rafters of the living-room, or drying before the fire when rainy weather prevented its being cured in the hot sunshine.
Still, the meagre quantity in hand was a source of considerable anxiety to the serious-minded men of the settlement. Should the Indians come in sufficient force to harass them to any great extent, their hunting might be stopped. Hence, only a day or two after the departure of Mr. Armstrong and his three companions, a general hunt was proposed.
Of course it was not intended that all the defenders of the settlement should be away at the same time. They were formed into two companies, one of which would be out for a couple of days; and, upon reaching home laden with spoils, the second detachment might try their luck.
In this round-up it was hoped to secure so large a supply of game that the housewives would be able to put away all the pemmican they wanted.
Of course Bob and Sandy were heart and soul in the proposed grand hunt. They had already brought in enough meat to enable Kate and the mother to store away a vast quantity for winter use; but, being good providers, the boys hardly knew when to stop. Besides, both of them loved the chase, since the spirit of the true sportsman flowed with the blood through their veins.
And so it chanced that they accompanied the second party that went forth. It was policy for these hunters to seek new fields for their raid on the storehouse of Nature, since their comrades must have sadly depleted the number of deer and buffaloes toward the east. Accordingly they had turned in the direction of the setting sun.
The Armstrong boys had possibly done more tramping within ten miles of the settlement than any other white person. Most of their time had been spent in the forest, with gun or trap in hand. Thus they knew the best places for game, and were able to post the balance of their party when they sallied forth that day.