"And," said David, laying a heavy hand on the other's shoulder, "they have the approval of both their mother and myself, Brady, so please pay no more attention to what we are doing here. The redskin will be able to travel in a few days. Perhaps he may take a message to his people from us, and be the means of bringing about a lasting truce--who knows? At all events he is going to be doctored by Robert, and no one will lay a finger on him without accounting to me!" Anthony Brady was no fool, though doubtless a most impulsive man. He knew that the conditions were most unfavorable for a continuance of the argument, so, shrugging his broad shoulders, and with a last scowl at the impassive face of the young Shawanee brave, he turned on his heel in disgust. "Well, have your way, Armstrong," he said, moodily. "But, if I happen to run across this young savage in the forest, he will never return to his people to tattle about our weakness." "And if you attempt any treachery, Brady, you will answer to me for it, remember," declared David, sternly. "An' to me, by the pipers!" echoed O'Mara, shaking his head aggressively. "Have no fear as long as he is in your charge, neighbor, for I am not the man to stir up strife over one wretched Injun; but, after he _leaves_ you the case is different, and he can be safely potted by any white with a ready gun," and with this dark threat Brady stalked away. And the one who had been the cause for all this excitement did not utter a single word to show that he understood what a world of gratitude he owed to the two boys. But there was a look of intelligence in his face. He understood, and would not forget. The night was now gathering around them. Fires had been started, and every soul in the new settlement seemed to be busily engaged. Already had the Armstrong tent been raised, and things were assuming rather a cheery look around them. And, while they worked, many times did the eyes of those pioneers wander down to the placid surface of that broad and swift river, concerning which they had heard such extravagant tales. Supper was presently ready. It consisted of the simplest of fare, for luxuries were utterly unknown among these early settlers along the Ohio; but there was plenty and to spare, and their good wives knew how to cook it in an appetizing manner. Nor was the young Indian forgotten. He sat up and ate in silence. Not one word did he speak to express any gratitude, save when he was through, and ready to lie back again, at which time he gave a grunt, and remarked: "Ugh! good!" "I guess he doesn't know much English," observed Sandy, chuckling. "That may be," replied his brother; "but I've heard Pat say that these Indians never tell what they think. I reckon he _feels_ it all right, for I can see something in those snapping black eyes of his that tells me so every time he looks at either of us."