Part 30 (1/2)
”You can keep your pistol.”
”I intend to.”
”But you are not to use it, sir, without my orders.”
”I am not going to use it at all, except in self-defense.”
”You will not be called upon to defend yourself. I am going on a divine mission. G.o.d has shown me the way in a Vision. I wish no man's help who must be driven.”
”You'll not get any help, sir. I wouldn't have gone on that survey with you if I'd known what was in your mind.”
Brown searched his son's eyes keenly.
”You will not betray me to my enemies?”
”I can't do that. You're my father.”
He turned to Frederick.
”Nor you?”
The tears were streaming down the boy's face. He was hysterical from the strain of the fight.
”You heard me, sir,” the father stormed.
”What did you say?” Frederick stammered.
Oliver explained.
”He asked if you were going to betray his plans to those people on the Pottawattomie.”
A far-away expression came into his eyes.
”No--no--not that.”
”Then you'll both follow and keep out of my way until we have finished the work and then come back with me?”
”Yes,” Oliver answered.
”Yes,” Frederick echoed vaguely.
Townsley and Weiner were coming with the pair of grays to be hitched to the wagon. Weiner led his own pony already saddled. When they reached the wagon all signs of rebellion had pa.s.sed.
”Are you ready?” Townsley asked.
”Ready.” Brown's metallic voice rang.
The horses were hitched to the wagon, the provisions and equipment loaded. Brown turned to his loyal followers:
”Arm yourselves.”