"They will be far behind us, lad. Was it in your mind that I would march in line like a soldier?" "What else can you do?" "Remain in advance to make certain no danger threatens. You and I will act as scouts; I reckon there may be others, but I have been hired to conduct all this party, first to the British outpost at Kaskaskia, and then to Cahokia." "You alone?" I cried, overwhelmed to learn that this young fellow was of so much importance in the eyes of a soldier like Major Clarke. "Not alone, for I count on takin' one Louis Nelson with me, an' he has it in mind that Paul Sampson will make the third." "But I am far too ignorant to share such an important duty!" "The lad who is willin' to face a gang of painted wolves such as besieged your cabin, and to do so almost single-handed, gives promise of bein' a comrade to my likin'. We'll lead the men, Louis, an' I dare venture to say there'll be no ambush we shan't scent out before the murderin' redskins succeed in doing any mischief." "And are you willing to take Paul Sampson?" I asked, still in a maze of bewilderment. "Aye, that I am, an' venture to say he'll turn out to be your equal after a little experience." I could hardly contain myself for joy at the thought that mine was to be a man's work; but ran off at full speed to make my mother acquainted with what I believed was rare good fortune. She, kind soul, was saddened because such an opportunity had presented itself to me, and although she spoke not a word against the enterprise, I understood what was in her heart, and said quickly, even though it cost me a pang to utter the words: "You are not pleased, mother, and I had thought it would make you glad because Simon Kenton had so much of faith in me. I will tell him I cannot go, and you may forget I have spoken of it." The tears were very near her eyelids as she drew me closer and said softly, hardly daring to trust her voice: "I would not keep you, my son, even though the parting give me great pain. On the frontier boys must speedily learn to be men, and it may be best for you to go. Perhaps we will join these settlers who intend to build up a town nearby, when you come back covered with glory." "Now you are making sport of me, mother," I replied reproachfully. "There is no glory to be gained in fighting savages." "To my mind you gained very much, Louis, when you ventured your life to save Mr. Sampson and Paul." I was at a loss to understand exactly what she meant, nor did I try very hard, for the look of pain was gone from her face, and I wanted to repeat the good news to Paul. I found him on the shore of the island, gazing across the water as if he saw in the muddy stream some wonderful vision, and instead of being surprised or elated when I told what proud position we were to occupy in the expedition, he said with a sigh: "It is enough if I am to be with you, Louis." "And your father? Will he give his consent?"