This naturally brought up the subject of the boys’ journey and as Jack related the adventure with the Creeks, and the words of Tecumseh, the ancient woodsman put the trap aside and gave the matter his undivided attention. After the youngster had related all the details, old Joe began to ask questions; and when Jack had answered these at length, there was a silence. The trapper sat bolt upright, his shoulders resting against the wall, and his heavy white brows bent. “So them varmint Shawnees have got into the Muscogee country again, have they?” said he. “Well, I’ve been expecting it for some time now; but I didn’t think to hear of it so soon, for all that.” “As we couldn’t turn back from our hunt just yet,” said Frank, “Jack thought you’d carry the news to the settlements when you went in for your stores.” “That I will,” replied old Joe, grimly. “I’ll carry it right enough; and I’ll be heading that way in four days’ time. And it won’t be none too pleasant for them to listen to, youngsters; for the Spaniards in Florida and the British on the northern frontier will give the redskins rifles, and ball and powder, and with plenty of them same articles, the varmints’ll be more dangerous than ever.” “The Spaniards have never been any too friendly on the border,” said Jack, resentfully; “and the Creeks, when it gets too hot for them, will race for Spanish territory.” “I suppose the outbreak of the war with England will be of great advantage to Tecumseh,” spoke Frank. Congress had only recently declared war against the British because of that nation’s aggression on the sea. “And, if the truth were known, I’ll venture that’s one of his reasons for starting an Indian uprising at this time.” “Like as not. The Shawnees are a cute lot of redskins,” commented the old trapper. “And Tecumseh and his brother, the medicine man, are the sharpest of them all.” The boys slept well that night in the trapper’s cabin; and next morning after a good backwoods breakfast, they bid the old man good-bye. “Take care of yourselves,” said he. “With things as they are, there’s no telling what might happen. Always be on the safe side of anything that turns up, if you can fix it that way. For you are in the enemy’s country, and there are only three of you.” He shook each of them by the hand. “If you see my father,” said Jack, “tell him I’m all right and expect to keep that way.” “I’ll do it, son,” promised old Joe. “And say that we’ll be back as soon as we can finish up our errand,” said Frank. The trapper waved his hand to them as they rode away; and the huge dogs barked their good-bye as they disappeared in the green of the forest. CHAPTER IV ATTACKED BY INDIANS Their mounts having had a good rest and the boys themselves being more than usually refreshed, they made considerable progress that day. Night found them at the ford of a large stream. “Hello,” said Jack, as they drew up at the ford and gazed about, “this looks like a place I’ve seen before.”