Jonathan Zane, who had been sent for, joined the trio at this moment, and was acquainted with the particulars.  The Zane brothers were always consulted where any question concerning Indian craft and cunning was to be decided.  Colonel Zane had a strong friendly influence with certain tribes, and his advice was invaluable.  Jonathan Zane hated the sight of an Indian and except for his knowledge as a scout, or Indian tracker or fighter, he was of little use in a council.  Colonel Zane informed the men of the fact that Wetzel and he had discovered Indian tracks within ten miles of the Fort, and he dwelt particularly on the disappearance of Wetzel.

“Now, you can depend on what I say.  There are Wyandots in force on the war path.  Wetzel told me to dig for the Fort and he left me in a hurry.  We were near that cranberry bog over at the foot of Bald mountain.  I do not believe we shall be attacked.  In my opinion the Indians would come up from the west and keep to the high ridges along Yellow creek.  They always come that way.  But of course, it is best to know surely, and I daresay Lew will come in to-night or to-morrow with the facts.  In the meantime put out some scouts back in the woods and let Jonathan and the Major watch the river.”

“I hope Wetzel will come in,” said the Major.  “We can trust him to know more about the Indians than any one.  It was a week before you and he went hunting that I saw him.  I went to Fort Pitt and tried to bring over some men, but the garrison is short and they need men as much as we do.  A young soldier named Clarke volunteered to come and I brought him along with me.  He has not seen any Indian fighting, but he is a likely looking chap, and I guess will do.  Captain Boggs will give him a place in the block house if you say so.”

“By all means.  We shall be glad to have him,” said Colonel Zane.

“It would not be so serious if I had not sent the men up the river,” said Captain Boggs, in anxious tones.  “Do you think it possible they might have fallen in with the Indians?”

“It is possible, of course, but not probable,” answered Colonel Zane.  “The Indians are all across the Ohio.  Wetzel is over there and he will get here long before they do.”

“I hope it may be as you say.  I have much confidence in your judgment,” returned Captain Boggs.  “I shall put out scouts and take all the precaution possible.  We must return now.  Come, Lydia.”

“Whew!  What an awful night this is going to be,” said Colonel Zane, when he had closed the door after his guests’ departure.  “I should not care to sleep out to-night.”

“Eb, what will Lew Wetzel do on a night like this?” asked Betty, curiously.

“Oh, Lew will be as snug as a rabbit in his burrow,” said Colonel Zane, laughing.  “In a few moments he can build a birch bark shack, start a fire inside and go to sleep comfortably.”

“Ebenezer, what is all this confab about?  What did my brother tell you?” asked Mrs. Zane, anxiously.