“And so am I!” burst out Nell. “Oh, that wicked, wicked Jean Bevoir!” “I do not wonder that you wished to bring the news home,” said Joseph Morris. “It is a fearful state of affairs. The fight must have been a losing one from the start. Peaceful Jones can be thankful that he escaped.” “I wanted to go to the trading post—to get somebody from the fort to go,” said Dave, brokenly. “But no one in command would take the responsibility.” “It is because of the rumors that are afloat,” answered his uncle. “Some say Pontiac is going to do his best to capture Fort Pitt and every place west of Fort Detroit.” The whole evening was spent in discussing the situation, Dave and Henry going over matters just as they had at the fort. It was a sober home-coming, and none of the older folks thought of going to bed until late. Lawson and Devine were told to make themselves at home. “Sam Barringford has gone to Fort Cumberland on business,” said Joseph Morris, in reply to an inquiry from Henry. “He will be back to-morrow or the day after.” The next day matters were talked over once more, and Dave told his uncle that nothing would satisfy him but to make the effort to reach the trading post and learn the truth concerning his parent. “Well, I do not blame you, Dave,” answered his uncle. “But to get out there from here will be no easy matter, and to go alone or with only a handful of men would be folly. By this time Jean Bevoir has probably put the post in a good state of defense, and, since Jones escaped, he must be on constant guard.” “I have a little plan to suggest, Uncle Joe. Why cannot we travel almost to the post and then go into quarters somewhere and send one or two men out in quiet? The men might go to the post, pretend to be friendly with Bevoir, and state that Peaceful Jones is dead, having been found so in the woods. Bevoir may then expose his plans and relax his vigilance, and we can watch our chances, rush in, and take possession.” This plan appealed strongly to Henry, and even Mr. Morris nodded as if he approved. Still, there were many things to consider, the planter told his nephew, and he wanted a few days to deliberate. That night he talked it over in private with his wife. “Dave wants to find out the truth about his father, Lucy,” said the planter. “I do not blame him, and I want to find out the truth myself, and see that justice is done. If he goes out to the trading post I feel it will be my duty to go with him.” “But, Joseph, I do not wish to stay here alone!” cried Mrs. Morris. “Remember, I have not only Nell but the twins to take care of!” “Henry will want to go with Dave, since they are like brothers,” continued Joseph Morris. “But Rodney can remain here, and so can some of the neighbors, if you wish it.” “And would you go out there alone with the boys?”