The lad was eager to continue his questioning, but evidently he saw something in the glance of his father which precluded further attempts, and he became silent. It was not until the following morning that Peleg learned of the reason, and then only in part, for the coming of their recent visitor. "Peleg," said Daniel Boone quietly, "would you prefer to remain here in the settlement, or go with me on a scout?" "I would rather go with you," responded Peleg promptly. "It is possible that we may be gone two months or more." "Yes, sir." "And may have to travel something like eight hundred miles." "I shall do my best." "You are well aware, lad, that we shall meet many hard experiences." "Yes, sir." "And you are not afraid?" "Not if you are to find the way." Daniel Boone smiled and reached for Peleg's new gun. He examined the weapon critically, raising it to his shoulder and sighting it several times. "'Tis a handy rifle, lad," he remarked, when his inspection was ended. "Have you tried it?" "Yes, sir." "And is it true?" "It is as far as I am able to make it so." "If you go with me, is this the gun you will take?" "Yes, sir." "Why do you not prefer to remain in the settlement? There is work to be done here. The gardens are to be cared for and the game must be provided for the people. Here is where I should remain were it not that when I hear the call of Governor Dunmore I realize that there is work for me which I must not neglect." Peleg was silent as he watched the great scout. Even while the man was speaking there came into his eyes an expression such as the boy had seen only when he and his friend had been together in the forest. It was the look of one seeing visions, and yet there was also in it the expression of a man of resolute purpose. "'Twill not do," continued Daniel Boone turning again to Peleg, "to take any chances. I had thought at first to take Sam Oliver with me, but now it seems good to me for you to go, if you so desire." "I do." "I suggest that you try out your new rifle several times before we leave. The time to prepare is before we start. After we have gone on our way a hundred miles or more 'twill be difficult then to correct any fault or change any plans. More than half the winning of any battle depends upon the preparations one makes, I care not whether it be a fight with the Indians or with one's own weaknesses. There are other rifles from which you may make a selection," Boone added. "Yes, sir, but I think I prefer this. I have made it myself and have tested and tried it every way. I have chosen a name for it." "What have you named it?" inquired Boone. "Singing Susan." "And you have sufficient bullets?" "Yes, sir." "And powder?" "Yes, sir," responded Peleg. As he spoke he showed a huge powder-horn which he had polished and upon which he had carved the following dire warning: "Ye mann what steles this powd^r horne, Will go to helle as sure as y^re borne."