"Certainly!" said Samuel, modestly; "I can, and will do so, if you will be good enough to listen to me." "I shall only be too happy. Still I don't understand!" "That is unnecessary. You must know that I have obtained my information from hunters and redskins." "Hunters! Redskins!" cried Joshua. "Don't you know they swarm about here? I never go out without meeting some of them. So I say stop at home." "Explain yourself, brother," said Joshua, sulkily. "Well, you think yourself very far from all white folk. You are very much mistaken. Learn, then, that though we are in the centre of the most warlike tribes of Indians, you have new forts not very far off, including a fur station." "Can it be possible?" exclaimed Joshua. "And my friend and brother, are you aware what magnificent river runs at your own door? The Missouri!" Joshua bowed his head on his chest and was silent, while Samuel rubbed his hands and smiled slyly. "What do you think of the information?" he said at last. "If you are certain of what you say, it is excellent." "Then you give up the idea of your journey?" "Certainly not. Admitting that all you tell me be true, it is of the highest importance for me to visit the fur station and all other settlements above and below us on the river, in order to become friendly, and prevent rivalry." "What rivalry?" half screamed Samuel. "Any that might arise. Of course they will soon know all about me and might interrupt my commercial speculations." "A fool will have his own way," cried his brother. "Abuse is not argument, my brother," said Joshua. "I apologise; but you are determined to go. I see you are; then heaven protect all in your absence." "Will you take no advice?" ventured Susan. "I have made up my mind," he replied; "I never alter." "But, father," cried Diana, "what are we to do during your absence? You leave us wholly undefended." "Silence, daughter," said the squatter, smiling; "don't be so tragical. I do not leave you undefended, as you say. Your uncle will watch over you. Your brother Henry commands in my absence. You have a fort. What more is wanted?" "How do you mean to travel?" asked Susan. "In the boat I launched today, with Sam, Jack, and two servants. I do not take away many defenders." "But you are not here to lead." "That is enough," he cried; "I have decided. Besides, it would be absurd not to visit my new neighbourhood." No more was said. The squatter was escorted by all to the riverside. He bade them all adieu, kissed his wife and daughter, shook hands with his brother, gave his son Henry some last directions, entered the boat, and was off in a very few minutes, whistling "Yankee Doodle," perhaps in reality to hide his strong emotion from his two sons. CHAPTER XV. NEW CHARACTERS.