“I reckon I don't know much about what the Rebels is fighting for,” said John Duff; “but I like your looks, Colonel, and wharever you're going there'll be a fight. Me and my boys would kinder like to go along.”
Clark did not answer at once, but looked John Duff and his men over carefully.
“Will you take the oath of allegiance to Virginia and the Continental Congress?” he asked at length.
“I reckon it won't pizen us,” said John Duff.
“Hold up your hands,” said Clark, and they took the oath. “Now, my men,” said he, “you will be assigned to companies. Does any one among you know the old French trail from Massacre to Kaskaskia?”
“Why,” exclaimed John Duff, “why, Johnny Saunders here can tread it in the dark like the road to the grogshop.”
John Saunders, loose limbed, grinning sheepishly, shuffled forward, and Clark shot a dozen questions at him one after another. Yes, the trail had been blazed the Lord knew how long ago by the French, and given up when they left Massacre.
“Look you,” said Clark to him, “I am not a man to stand trifling. If there is any deception in this, you will be shot without mercy.”
“And good riddance,” said John Duff. “Boys, we're Rebels now. Steer clear of the Ha'r Buyer.”