ce
coming to the assistance of our friends."

I thought that Carlos was right in his conjectures, as did my father
when I told him of them. Carlos also spoke to Captain Norton on the
subject in a way which induced him, at all events, to be cautious in
further trusting Spotted Wolf. He also issued an order to all the men
to keep an eye on Spotted Wolf, and to shoot him without ceremony should
he attempt to escape.

Before long we came upon a well-defined trail made by wheeled vehicles,
as also by the feet of horses and men, and we had no doubt that it led
directly to the fort which we desired to reach. We pushed forward,
therefore, with revived confidence, hoping before long to get within
strong walls, where, with the assistance of its present garrison, we
might bid defiance to all foes likely to attack us. As we approached,
however, we saw that it was little more than a block-house, and that no
flag waved above the stockade. Advancing nearer, we expected to be
hailed. No friendly voice, however, reached our ears.

"Can it be deserted? or have the Redskins got possession of it?" I
heard my father exclaim.

"We must not be taken by surprise," observed Captain Norton. He called
for two volunteers to go forward and ascertain the condition of the
fort. Tim, who was always ready for anything, sprang to the front. I
begged my father to let me accompany him. He hesitated; but he
considered that it would be setting a bad example to the men if he
refused, and he gave his consent. Tim and I immediately advanced,
looking out for any hole or opening through which the muzzle of a rifle
or the point of an arrow might appear. The building had lately suffered
either from fire or assault. Many of the palisades had been broken
down, and the buildings inside were roofless. No one was to be seen,
and the gate was open. We entered, still, however, keeping our rifles
ready for instant use. Not a voice was heard. We soon discovered what
had taken place. The small garrison had been overpowered and
slaughtered to a man. The larger number lay inside the house, into
which they had evidently retreated to defend themselves. The remainder
were found close under the stockade. Nearly all had been killed in a
hand-to-hand fight, and few, if any, had been shot down from the
outside.

"Depend upon it," said Tim, "there was treachery here, an' the gate was
opened at night to let the enemy in. A place like this might be
defende