CHAPTER XVIII
HOW SOLOMON SHIFTED THE SKEER
In the spring news came of a great force of British which was beingorganized in Canada for a descent upon New York through Lake Champlain.Frontier settlers in Tryon County were being massacred by Indians.
Generals Herkimer and Schuyler had written to Washington, asking forthe services of the famous scout, Solomon Binkus, in that region.
"He knows the Indian as no other man knows him and can speak hislanguage and he also knows the bush," Schuyler had written. "If thereis any place on earth where his help is needed just now, it is here."
"Got to leave ye, my son," Solomon said to Jack one evening soon afterthat.
"How so?" the young man asked.
"Goin' hum to fight Injuns. The Great Father has ordered it. I'lllike it better. Gittin' lazy here. Summer's comin' an' I'm a bornbush man. I'm kind o' oneasy--like a deer in a dooryard. I ain't hadto run fer my life since we got here. My hoofs are complainin'. Iain't shot a gun in a month."
A look of sorrow spread over the face of Solomon.
"I'm tired of this place," said Jack. "The British are scared of usand we're scared of the British. There's nothing going on. I'd loveto go back to the big bush with you."
"I'll tell the Great Father that you're a born bush man. Mebbe he'lllet ye go. They'll need us both. Rum, Injuns an' the devil havej'ined hands. The Long House will be the center o' hell an' its linefences 'll take in the hull big bush."
That day Jack's name was included in the order.
"I am sorry that it is not yet possible to pay you or any of the menwho have served me so faithfully," said Washington. "If you need moneyI shall be glad to lend you a sum to help you through this journey."
"I ain't fightin' fer pay," Solomon answered. "I'll hoe an' dig, an'cook, an' guide fer money. But I won't fight no more fer money--partly'cause I don't need it--partly 'cause I'm fightin' fer myself. I got alittle left in my britches pocket, but if I hadn't, my ol' Marierwouldn't let me go hungry."