Ross Douglas left the blockhouse, where he had found the father he
had never known, and at a rapid pace walked toward General Harrison’s
quarters. The young man’s countenance reflected his contending
emotions—the varied and exciting experiences through which he had gone.
He was glad he had learned La Violette’s history—but sorry he had heard
of his father’s misspent life; he rejoiced at the thought that the sweet
girl loved him, that he loved her, that she was to be his wife—yet he
grieved over his father’s impending fate. Then, also, he sincerely pitied
Amy Hilliard, and worried that La Violette was still among the British
and Indians. Indeed, his heart was torn and bleeding!
On reaching the commander’s tent, he pushed past the orderlies at the
door and stood in the General’s presence. He was preoccupied and did not
stop for ceremony, but said abruptly:
“General, I have seen Hiram Bradford, and have returned, as you ordered.”
Harrison was closely studying a map that lay spread out upon a rough
table before him. Without looking up, he made reply:
“And you found him much changed?”
“In many ways, General.”
The commander lifted his head and answered sharply:
“I noted no change in the scoundrel, except in his appearance. His health
is broken; but he is the same cool, unscrupulous, defiant knave.”
Ross winced, but sturdily returned:
“We didn’t observe alike, General Harrison. I found him in ill-health,
weak, repentant——”
The hero of Tippecanoe whirled about upon his stool. His rugged face
darkened ominously. A storm was brewing.
“My young friend,” he interrupted in hard, cold tones, “you talk as if
you came to plead his case.”
“I came to intercede in his behalf,” Ross replied calmly.
General Harrison sprang to his feet, his face black with rage.
“By heavens!” he cried. “You are——”
Then the grizzled warrior stopped suddenly. He bit his thin lips—and was
silent. At last he said quietly, but firmly:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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