Part 7 (1/2)
TWO SCOUTS
Peleg resumed his congenial occupation, working steadily upon the rifle which he was fas.h.i.+oning. The barrel had been part of a gun which belonged to one of the men who had fallen in the recent attack by the Indians, its stock having been shattered by the blow of a hatchet. After the weapon had been found, instead of throwing it aside as its finder was tempted to do, Peleg had taken it for himself. All the way from c.u.mberland Mountain he had carried the barrel, which was all that he had saved of the rifle. He was aware of the confidence which its recent owner had in its qualities, and he had determined to fas.h.i.+on from it a gun for himself upon which he might rely.
A smile of satisfaction lighted up the countenance of the young hunter when after several hours had elapsed he critically examined his new weapon, the parts of which now had all been joined.
At supper time at the home of Daniel Boone, of whose family Peleg had been made a member since the death of James, the visitor of the afternoon was recalled by a question of Israel Boone, the second of the five sons of Daniel Boone.
”Why did not that man stay all night?” he inquired of his father when the family was seated about the rude table.
”He would not remain,” replied his father quietly.
”Who was he?” continued Israel.
”A messenger from Governor Dunmore.”
The lad was eager to continue his questioning, but evidently he saw something in the glance of his father which precluded further attempts, and he became silent.
It was not until the following morning that Peleg learned of the reason, and then only in part, for the coming of their recent visitor.
”Peleg,” said Daniel Boone quietly, ”would you prefer to remain here in the settlement, or go with me on a scout?”
”I would rather go with you,” responded Peleg promptly.
”It is possible that we may be gone two months or more.”
”Yes, sir.”
”And may have to travel something like eight hundred miles.”
”I shall do my best.”
”You are well aware, lad, that we shall meet many hard experiences.”
”Yes, sir.”
”And you are not afraid?”
”Not if you are to find the way.”
Daniel Boone smiled and reached for Peleg's new gun. He examined the weapon critically, raising it to his shoulder and sighting it several times.
”'Tis a handy rifle, lad,” he remarked, when his inspection was ended.
”Have you tried it?”
”Yes, sir.”
”And is it true?”