Colonel Clark nodded. “We’ll have to have volunteers, Charleville. I don’t have more than eighty men, including the men under Captain McCarty at Cahokia. I’ve sent for him to return with them. We can’t do anything more until morning, gentlemen. Thank you for responding so quickly.” “I’ll have a full company raised before sunset tomorrow, sir,” Captain Charleville promised. [Illustration: uncaptioned] Chapter IX THROUGH THE DROWNED LANDS The next morning Father Gibault rang the church bell, signaling all people to assemble at the church. Immediately the villagers came streaming out of their houses or stores. Colonel Clark and Jim waited outside for them to appear. Jim had brought his drum, and played it loudly to attract their attention. Willie Watson came running to the church; when he saw Jim, he pushed through the crowd to him. “What’s all the excitement, Jim? What’s happened?” Willie asked breathlessly. Jim didn’t lose a drumbeat as he replied, “Wait and find out, Willie. Colonel Clark is going to talk to the people.” As soon as everyone was quiet, Father Gibault told them that Colonel Clark had an important message for them. Then Colonel Clark told them that even now Hamilton was in command of Vincennes and was planning to attack Kaskaskia as soon as the weather permitted. Before the citizens could recover from this shock, Clark had outlined his plan of an immediate march on Vincennes and a surprise attack on Fort Sackville. He said he would need volunteers to help build a supply boat he would send ahead for his army. “I’ll help. I’ll help,” came the cry of the men from every quarter. “And we’ll help, too,” the women cried. “We’ll make flags for your army. You’ll need banners to carry.” Colonel Clark smiled and nodded. “Those of you who will help with the boat and supplies, step over on this side. And you who will volunteer to go to Vincennes, sign up with Captain Charleville.” The men quickly made their choices, and Jim began to play his drum again to interest the men in joining Captain Charleville’s company. “Jim,” asked Willie, who had stood quietly up to now, “are you going to Vincennes?” “Of course, Willie. I haven’t asked Colonel Clark, but he’ll be needing a drummer, I know.” “If you’re going, I am, too,” Willie said, excitement making his voice shrill. “I think my mother has a rifle which belonged to my father. I can take it with me.” Jim looked doubtfully at Willie. “Can you fire a rifle?” Willie shook his head. “No, but I can learn.” Jim grinned. “It takes a lot of practice, Willie, but I’ve an idea. If you’ll let me have your father’s rifle, I’ll let you take my drum. You can play it well, and I’ve had experience with rifles. My father taught me to use one.” Willie smiled. “Will you, Jim? Sure—you can have the rifle.”