"And where are you going?"
"To the forks of the Alleghany as direct as we can go," Washington answered. "Can you go with us and show us the nearest way?"
"I can just as well as not," replied the Indian, "and I can take your pack along, too."
From this point Washington was considerably relieved by transferring his pack to the back of the savage. They traveled very rapidly for ten miles, when Washington's feet grew sore, and he became very weary.
"You are taking us too much northeasterly," said Mr. Gist to the Indian, suspicious that he was intentionally taking them out of their way.
"That is what I think," added Washington. "I am quite confident that we are bearing too much to the northeast."
The truth was, that both Washington and Mr. Gist were suspicious that the Indian was proving treacherous, though neither of them suggested the idea to the other.
"But let us encamp here," continued Washington, "for I need rest."
"I will carry your gun, and that will relieve you," said the Indian, a suggestion that strengthened suspicions already awakened.
"No; I prefer to carry my own gun," replied Washington; "you will do your part if you carry my pack."