"Where's the rest of the troops?" was the new-comer's first question. "I've come to hurry them up."
"Are they needed sorely?" asked Barnabas.
"Aye, men," Shippen replied. "When I left Wilkesbarre night afore last Colonel John Butler was up above the valley at the mouth of the Lackawanna, with a force of Tories and Indians from Canada. He's holding off for reinforcements, but they may come any time. Our people are in the forts, but they won't be able to offer much resistance."
"God help them!" muttered Barnabas. "Push on, Luke. You'll find the Wyoming troops half a day's march behind. Bid them travel with all haste. Meanwhile, we'll let no grass grow under our feet."
"I'll trust you for that, man. I'm off."
"Wait," added Barnabas. "You met none on the way, Luke?"
"Not a soul. Why do you ask?"
"No matter," said Barnabas. "Good-bye."
"Good-bye, comrade," replied Shippen, and his long strides quickly carried him out of sight.
"Now for a hard march," said Barnabas to his men, "and God grant we arrive in time. We are sorely needed, few as we are."