And so it was that, look at the matter in whatever light they chose, it seemed a wise step for them to call in the services of the straggling patriot that had joined them in the rather curious manner already told. The only hesitation with the young men came from the consciousness that they were sure to violate either the expressed or understood command of the Mohawk. But they argued themselves into a justification of the step by the manifest advantages to be gained in taking it. "Find out what Rosa thinks about it," finally suggested Ned, when the two had gone over all the arguments to each other. Jo stepped over to where his sister was sitting and put the question to her. "Whatever you think best," was her answer. "I don't feel, Jo, that I am competent to give advice." "There can be no doubt that it is the best thing for us to do, but we hesitate because it will be a direct disregard of the wishes of Lena-Wingo himself." "If the move is for the best, he will find no fault with you. But, Jo, are you sure that if you put yourself under charge of that man it _will_ be for the best?" CHAPTER XXIV. THE NEW GUIDE. Minturn looked in the face of his sister a moment, as if he would read her very thoughts. Then he asked in a whisper that not even Ned Clinton overheard: "Do you mistrust him, Rosa?" She regretted her words, and answered: "I ought not to have said it, Jo, but I didn't like his looks when he first joined us; have you ever seen him before?" "I think I have, though I can't recall the place or occasion." "Well, that makes a different matter of it; do as you think best." Believing that his sister had come to his view of the case, Jo so stated to Ned, and there was no further hesitation. While this little conference was going on, Worrell remained seated, acting as if he had no concern in the matter. He busied himself in examining his rifle, and making sure it was in order. A minute or so before Jo was prepared to make a definite proposition to him, he rose to his feet, and assumed an attitude of intense attention, as though some faint signal had fallen on his ear. Then as the young scout turned to address him, he spoke first: "Well, I guess I'll have to bid you good-morning." "And why so?" asked Jo, in some surprise. "To tell the truth, this is too dangerous a place to stay any longer. I hear sounds in the woods that lead me to think there are some of the redskins not very far off, and I prefer to dig out; maybe it'll be safer and better for you to wait till Lena-Wingo comes back, and he'll get you out better than I can." "No one could do better than the Mohawk if he were only here, but the trouble is he isn't here just now, and we've come to the conclusion that it is not safe to wait for him. Where do you mean to go?"