“My father is never deceived,” she answered. “He believes that the farm will certainly be attacked, and that if those living there are not prepared, they will run a great risk of being cut off.”
The lieutenant and I had dismounted, and were holding our horses by the bridle, while we talked to the Indian girl.
“If I could get hold of these deserters, I should feel warranted in returning to assist your friends,” observed the lieutenant to me. “But do you think that we can depend upon the information this girl gives us?”
“I feel sure that we may,” I answered. “And as I should not like to be absent while Clarice and Uncle Jeff are exposed to danger, I would certainly urge you to return. Perhaps our friend here may be able to assist us in discovering the runaways!”
I turned to Maysotta and asked her whether she or any of her people had seen the two truants, or had observed the light of a camp-fire anywhere in the forest.
“Are you seeking for any one?” she asked.
I told her that two of the lieutenant’s men, forgetful of their duty, had gone off by themselves, and that they might now be of use, could they be discovered, in defending the farm.
“Will they be punished for what they have done?” she inquired.
I told the lieutenant what she said.
“Not if they return to their duty,” he answered.