"He is an Indian trader, who lives at the mouth of Turtle Creek."
"Well acquainted with the country, I suppose he is," suggested Washington.
"He ought to be, for he has been at his business several years, and is an intelligent, responsible man."
"Such a man as we need to see, I should think," continued Washington; "so I agree to follow you to Frazier's without a single objection."
"A storm is brewing, and will soon be upon us," said Mr. Gist. "I fear that a hard time awaits us."
"I expect as much as that," replied Washington. "Such a journey as we propose can be no child's play at any season of the year."
That a storm impeded their progress is quite evident from Washington's journal:
"The excessive rains and vast quantity of snow which had fallen prevented our reaching Mr. Frazier, the Indian trader's, until Thursday, the 22d."
"The French general is dead," was the first announcement of Mr. Frazier, on learning the object of the expedition.