“May I offer a suggestion, governor?” asked the man addressed as Colonel Boyd, gracefully saluting his superior officer. “Certainly.” And Governor Harrison bowed low over the pommel of his saddle. “Then, this is what I would suggest: That we form a semi-circular barricade of our wagons, and encamp under their cover. Also, that we double the usual number of our sentries. I like the site no better than you do, but men and teams are exhausted—and we can go no farther. We must make the best of it.” “Very well,” Harrison answered decidedly. “I don’t like the plan. But perhaps extra vigilance will save us from a night-attack; that is, if the Indians be in the vicinity—which we do not know. Give the command, colonel. The men are impatient.” This order the governor addressed to Colonel Owen, one of his aides. The officer whirled his horse and dashed away. At that moment two men, followed by a large dog, emerged from the fringe of woodland, and with rapid strides approached the group of officers. “Whom have we here?” muttered Harrison, straining his eyes through the semi-gloom. “Ah! scouts. Now we shall know something positive of the savages.” As the two shadowy figures drew near, the governor spurred forward to meet them. The other officers followed his example; and soon the two scouts were surrounded by a ring of jingling spurs and rattling scabbards. One of the newcomers stopped suddenly and looked hurriedly about him, as though seeking a chance to escape. The other advanced boldly until he stood at the commander’s side. Then he lifted his hat and announced with quiet dignity: “Governor, I have the honor to inform you that my companion and myself have performed our mission, and are ready to report.” “Who are you?” inquired the commander, bending forward and peering into the speaker’s face. “Ross Douglas—a scout in your service.” “Yes, to be sure,” Harrison answered. “I should have known you from your manner. But the darkness bothered me. And your companion?” “Bright Wing, the Wyandot.” “I am ready to receive your report.” “Here?” “Yes—and at once.” “We went up the valley as you directed. We continued our course until we came in sight of the Prophet’s Town——” “You are sure that you made no mistake—that you saw the Prophet’s Town?” Harrison interrupted. “We made no mistake,” Douglas replied a little stiffly. Without heeding the young scout’s tone or manner, the governor continued: “And how far are we from it?” “About ten miles.” “Did you encounter any savages?” “A few—when we were within a short distance of the place.” “You saw no large body of Indians—nothing like a war-party?” “None.” “How did those you saw deport themselves?” “They fled.” “In the direction of their village?” “They did.” “In what language did you address them?” “We tried several different Indian tongues.” “Judging from what you know of Indian character, and what you have seen to-day, Douglas, do you think the savages desire peace or war?”