Part 6 (2/2)
A visitor from any of the faraway settlements was a matter of moment, and Peleg advanced to the door to see who the newcomer might be.
The man was a stranger to both boys. As soon as he spied the lads he said, ”Is Daniel Boone in this settlement?”
”He is, sir,” answered Peleg promptly.
”Where can I find him? I would have word with him.”
”Daniel, do you tell your father there is a gentleman here who desires to speak to him.”
”I am a messenger,” spoke up the stranger, ”a courier from Governor Dunmore. 'Tis a matter of importance, and Mr. Daniel Boone will do well to report promptly.”
Peleg looked at the messenger, who was not much older than he. His air of importance was not lost upon the young settler, who laughed slightly when, after Daniel's departure in search of his father, he turned again to the visitor.
”It is a great honour I have for Daniel Boone,” suggested the courier.
”That depends somewhat, I fancy, upon who you are and what you have to bring him.”
”I have told you already that I am a messenger from Governor Dunmore. It is meet in you, young man, to respect men who are high in authority.”
”I do respect the Governor,” said Peleg dryly.
”Then you should have respect for the Governor's messenger.”
”I have respect for all who are respectable.”
”What mean you by that?” demanded the visitor hotly; as he spoke he leaped from the seat on the back of his horse and advanced threateningly upon Peleg.
His att.i.tude changed, however, when Peleg quietly stood his ground and even slightly smiled at the pompous words and manner of the visitor.
The return of young Daniel Boone interrupted the interview.
”My father will be pleased to see you,” said the lad, glancing questioningly first at Peleg and then at the messenger.
”Of course he will see me,” declared the courier. ”Why did he not return with you?”
”He is awaiting your coming and bade me conduct you to our home.”
”Is it far from here?”
”No, sir”
”Very good. I shall be pleased to go with you and give my message to Daniel Boone.”
Peleg was an interested observer of the departing visitor, and his interest would have been still keener had he known how much the message from Governor Dunmore concerned his own future.
CHAPTER VII
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