The news that Dave and Henry had encountered the Indians quickly spread, and Captain Ecuyer, who was in charge of the stronghold, sent for them, that he might learn the details. They knew the captain well, and readily told him all. “I shall have to look into this,” said the commandant of Fort Pitt. “The Indians must be cleared out of this district entirely.” CHAPTER VII THE START FOR THE EAST The news that the Indians were still in that vicinity alarmed James Morris exceedingly, and he shook his head sadly when he remembered that it had been arranged for Rodney to start for the east with little Nell and the twins on the following Monday. “I hardly think it will be safe,” said he, to Rodney. “I should not wish anything to happen to you and the others.” “There are six men to go along, besides Sam Barringford,” answered the young soldier who had fought so bravely at the battle of Bushy Run. “There can be only small bodies of Indians around, and they will not dare to attack us if we keep a good watch.” “The Indians may unite for an attack,” said Mr. Morris. “Better wait until we are certain the way is clear.” And so the start for the Morris homestead was delayed. Dave and Henry had returned to Fort Pitt on Friday night, and Saturday morning Captain Ecuyer sent out a body of fifty regulars and six frontiersmen, to scour the vicinity for Indians. With the number went Sam Barringford and another old hunter, Tony Jadwin, both of whom knew that territory well. Jadwin had been Mr. Morris’s right-hand man at the trading post, and was counted an Indian trailer of extraordinary ability. “I’d like to go with them myself,” said Dave, but his father demurred. Henry was glad enough to give his ankle a rest, and Rodney thought he had better reserve his strength for the trip eastward. “Oh, Henry, please don’t go out among the Indians again!” cried little Nell, to her brother. “And don’t you go either, Cousin Dave,” she added. “We are not going just yet,” said Henry, giving his sister a kiss. “Oh, I hate the Indians so!” went on the miss, with a stamp of her foot. “Not all Indians,” replied Dave, with a smile. “Don’t forget White Buffalo.” “Oh, he is only an Indian in looks,” answered Nell. “He has a white man’s heart—Uncle Sam told me so.” “By the way, where is White Buffalo?” asked Henry. “He has gone to visit his tribe,” answered Rodney. “He thinks the different factions will unite now and sue for peace. Sir William Johnson is going to give them all a chance to bury the hatchet, and White Buffalo thinks it is a grand chance for his tribe to unite once more and live in peace.”