amp, so
crowded was it with people and their household goods.

We left the two blacks to moor the boat, after telling Pomp to make
haste up and have some dinner, and Morgan and I hurried up to my
father's quarters. He was not there, and we learned that he was with
the General.

Under the circumstances we did not hesitate to go to the latter's tent,
where we found that a little council was being held, and that Colonel
Preston and the principal part of the other gentlemen of the expedition
were there.

"Well, sir," I heard Colonel Preston say, "my opinion is that further
inaction would be cowardly."

"I am sorry to go against my friend, Colonel Preston," said my father,
his voice coming clearly to me from under the looped-up sail which made
the tent, "but I feel convinced that in spite of the lesson they have
received, the Indians will attack again, and it would be extremely
unwise to leave our strong quarters and go to our homes until we are
satisfied that we can be safe."

"I must say, gentlemen," said the General, gravely, "that in spite of
the adverse opinions I have heard--some of which sounded to me rather
rash--I agree with Captain Bruton."

There was a loud murmur here.

"We have our women and children to think of."

"Of course, sir," said Colonel Preston; "and I think of mine as
seriously as any man here. But our close confinement is getting painful
for them all. We shall be having another enemy in our midst--fever--if
we do not mind. Now with all respect for Captain Bruton, I must say he
is carrying caution too far. At the slightest alarm we can again take
refuge in the fort."

There was a chorus of approval here.

"Our scouts have been out in every direction, and I am convinced that
there has not been for many days past an Indian within a hundred miles."

"You are wrong, sir," I said excitedly, as I stepped forward with Morgan
close behind me; and at the sight of us both, and what I had not thought
of till then, our blood-stained garments, there was a loud buzz of
excitement.

"What? Speak out. Are you wounded, boy?" cried my father, excitedly.

"No, father; I have escaped."

"But the Indians; you have seen them?"

"Yes," I said; and in the midst of a breathless silence, Morgan and I
told of our terrible adventures that day.

CHAPTER FORTY.

"I am wrong, Bruton," said Colonel Preston, as I finished my narrative,
and the last question had been answered--"quite wrong, gentlemen a