It was a trying time, for the ears of all were ever on the alert to catch the first sign of an approaching enemy. Onward went Dave and Henry with their guns ready for instant use. Rodney guided the horses with the greatest of care, yet there were many jolts to the litter which more than once caused Joseph Morris to utter a groan he could not suppress.
It was calculated that if nothing out of the ordinary occurred the party would be able to reach Winchester in three days, but if the Indians followed them up and attacked them the journey would take much longer, for they would have to make a stand behind whatever breastworks they could manage to erect, and there remain until the coast was clear or the enemy drove them forth. There was also the ever-present possibility that the Indians would wipe out the expedition entirely, a possibility that made many of the married men shudder, as they thought of their wives and defenseless children.
"We can consider ourselves lucky if we reach Winchester without any more hair-raising," observed Henry, as they trudged along.
"Right you are," replied Dave. "The Indians seem worked up to the last degree. They'll trap us if they possibly can."
"There is one thing in our favor, Dave. Captain
