Wetzel, seeing that he was no longer pursued, slackened his pace and proceeded thoughtfully toward the settlement.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

That same day, several hours after Wetzel’s departure in quest of the turkey, Alfred Clarke strolled over from the fort and found Colonel Zane in the yard.  The Colonel was industriously stirring the contents of a huge copper kettle which swung over a brisk wood fire.  The honeyed fragrance of apple-butter mingled with the pungent odor of burning hickory.

“Morning, Alfred, you see they have me at it,” was the Colonel’s salute.

“So I observe,” answered Alfred, as he seated himself on the wood-pile.  “What is it you are churning so vigorously?”

“Apple-butter, my boy, apple-butter.  I don’t allow even Bessie to help when I am making apple-butter.”

“Colonel Zane, I have come over to ask a favor.  Ever since you notified us that you intended sending an expedition up the river I have been worried about my horse Roger.  He is too light for a pack horse, and I cannot take two horses.”

“I’ll let you have the bay.  He is big and strong enough.  That black horse of yours is a beauty.  You leave Roger with me and if you never come back I’ll be in a fine horse.  Ha, Ha!  But, seriously, Clarke, this proposed trip is a hazardous undertaking, and if you would rather stay—­”

“You misunderstand me,” quickly replied Alfred, who had flushed.  “I do not care about myself.  I’ll go and take my medicine.  But I do mind about my horse.”

“That’s right.  Always think of your horses.  I’ll have Sam take the best of care of Roger.”

“What is the nature of this excursion, and how long shall we be gone?”

“Jonathan will guide the party.  He says it will take six weeks if you have pleasant weather.  You are to go by way of Short Creek, where you will help put up a blockhouse.  Then you go to Fort Pitt.  There you will embark on a raft with the supplies I need and make the return journey by water.  You will probably smell gunpowder before you get back.”

“What shall we do with the horses?”

“Bring them along with you on the raft, of course.”

“That is a new way to travel with horses,” said Alfred, looking dubiously at the swift river.  “Will there be any way to get news from Fort Henry while we are away?”

“Yes, there will be several runners.”

“Mr. Clarke, I am going to feed my pets.  Would you like to see them?” asked a voice which brought Alfred to his feet.  He turned and saw Betty.  Her dog followed her, carrying a basket.

“I shall be delighted,” answered Alfred.  “Have you more pets than Tige and Madcap?”

“Oh, yes, indeed.  I have a bear, six squirrels, one of them white, and some pigeons.”