The other officers raised their voices in affirmation. Henry and his friends bowed. All three were affected deeply. But Henry said:
"Colonel Clark, you can't know how much we thank you for such an offer, but we three must go alone. If the army followed into the woods, and pressed the Indians closely, they would put their prisoners to death the very first thing. They always do it. In a case like this, only silence and speed can succeed. We must follow alone."
Daniel Boone spoke up in his gentle, but singularly impressive tones.
"The boy is right, Colonel Clark," he said. "If the job can be done it is these three alone who can do it."
"I suppose you are right," said Colonel Clark regretfully, "but it does hurt me to see you leave us, unhelped. When do you wish to go?"
"Now," replied Hen
