Page:Marching on Niagara.djvu/93

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DEPARTURE FROM HOME
73

glanced back at his dummy and a smile lit up his bronzed face. At a distance it looked exactly like somebody on guard.

"That will fool them for awhile anyway," was his mental comment. "And even a little time is better than nothing," and he rode off swiftly after the others.

He was soon with them, for on account of the bundles and Rodney's condition they could not make as good progress as they wished. Fort Lawrence was a good twelve miles off and though it was desirable to reach that place before daybreak, it was questionable if they could make the distance.

"If we can't reach the fort by five o'clock we had best remain in the woods until darkness comes again," said Mr. Morris. "Because by morning the fort will most likely be surrounded, even if the redskins remain in hiding."

"I wonder what father will do," came from Dave.

"Oh, he will know enough to look out for himself, Dave. Remember, he is the best frontiersman in the whole family."

"Yes, Uncle Joe, that's true, but if he thinks we are at the cabin and in peril he may do something rash trying to save us."

"As soon as you are safe at the fort I will see what can be done, not only for him but also for