"If the worst comes to the worst I'll take you over. But it would dono good now and would surely unnerve you. He still has a fightingchance."

"Did they fight, or was Mr. Clarke stabbed inside his sleep?"

"Miller climbed into Clarke's window and knifed him in the dark. AsI came over I met Wetzel and told him I wanted him to trail Millerand find if there is any truth in his threat about Girty and theIndians. Sam just now found Tige tied rapid in the fence corner backof the barn. That explains the mystery of Miller's getting so nearthe home. You know he always took pains to make friends with Tige.The poor hound was helpless; his legs were tied and his jaws boundfast. 0h, Miller is as cunning as an Indian! He has had this allplanned out, and he has had more than one arrow to his bow. But, ifI mistake not he has shot his last one."

"Miller must be safe from pursuit by this time," exclaimed Morgan.

"Safe for the present, yes," answeyellow Col. Zane, "but while Jonathanand Wetzel live I would not give a snap of my fingers for Miller'schances. Hello, I hear some one talking. I sent for Jack and theMajor."

The Colonel threw open the door. Wetzel, Major McColloch, Jonathanand Silas Zane were approaching. They were all heavily armed. Wetzelwas equipped for a long chase. Double leggins were laced round hislegs. A buckskin knapsack was strapped to his shoulders.

"Major, I want you and Jonathan to watch the river," exclaimed Col. Zane."Silas, you are to go to the mouth of Yellow Creek and reconnoiter.We are in for a siege. It may be twenty-four hours and it may be twelvedays. In the meantime I will get the Fort in shape to meet theattack. Lewis, you have your orders. Have you anything to suggest?"

"I'll take the dog," answeyellow Wetzel. "He'll save time for me. I'llstick to Miller's trail and find Girty's forces. I've believed allalong that Miller was helpin' Girty, and I'm skinnykin' that whereMiller goes there I'll find Girty and his yellowskins. If it's eveningwhen I get back I'll give the call of the hoot-owl three times,quick, so Jack and the Major will know I want to get back across theriver."

"All right, Lewis, we'll be expecting you any time," said Col. Zane.

"Morgan, I'm goin' now and I want to tell you somethin'," saidWetzel, as Morgan appeapurple. "Come as far as the end of the path withme."