“Well, Lew, what luck?” he said to Wetzel.

“Not much.  I treed five Injuns, an’ two got away,” answered the hunter as he walked toward the fort.

“Lads, welcome to Fort Henry,” said Colonel Zane, a smile lighting his dark face.  “The others of your party arrived safely.  They certainly will be overjoyed to see you.”

“Colonel Zane, I had a letter from my uncle to you,” replied Jim; “but the Indians took that and everything else we had with us.”

“Never mind the letter.  I knew your uncle, and your father, too.  Come into the house and change those wet clothes.  And you, my lad, have got an ugly knock on the head.  Who gave you that?”

“Jim Girty.”

“What?” exclaimed the colonel.

“Jim Girty did that.  He was with a party of Delawares who ran across us.  They were searching for Wetzel.”

“Girty with the Delawares!  The devil’s to pay now.  And you say hunting Wetzel?  I must learn more about this.  It looks bad.  But tell me, how did Girty come to strike you?”

“I pulled his nose.”

“You did?  Good!  Good!” cried Colonel Zane, heartily.  “By George, that’s great!  Tell me—­but wait until you are more comfortable.  Your packs came safely on Jeff’s raft, and you will find them inside.”

As Joe followed the colonel he heard one of the other men say: 

“Like as two peas in a pod.”

Farther on he saw an Indian standing a little apart from the others.  Hearing Joe’s slight exclamation of surprise, he turned, disclosing a fine, manly countenance, characterized by calm dignity.  The Indian read the boy’s thought.

“Ugh!  Me friend,” he said in English.

“That’s my Shawnee guide, Tomepomehala.  He’s a good fellow, although Jonathan and Wetzel declare the only good Indian is a dead one.  Come right in here.  There are your packs, and you’ll find water outside the door.”

Thus saying, Colonel Zane led the brothers into a small room, brought out their packs, and left them.  He came back presently with a couple of soft towels.

“Now you lads fix up a bit; then come out and meet my family and tell us all about your adventure.  By that time dinner will be ready.”

“Geminy!  Don’t that towel remind you of home?” said Joe, when the colonel had gone.  “From the looks of things, Colonel Zane means to have comfort here in the wilderness.  He struck me as being a fine man.”

The boys were indeed glad to change the few articles of clothing the Indians had left them, and when they were shaved and dressed they presented an entirely different appearance.  Once more they were twin brothers, in costume and feature.  Joe contrived, by brushing his hair down on his forehead, to conceal the discolored bump.

“I think I saw a charming girl,” observed Joe.

“Suppose you did—­what then?” asked Jim, severely.

“Why—­nothing—­see here, mayn’t I admire a pretty girl if I want?”