's advent cheered the whole camp. He
soon found acquaintances and friends among the French volunteers from
Kaskaskia, with whom he exchanged creole gestures and chatter with a
vivacity apparently inexhaustible. He and Kenton had, with wise
judgement, separated on escaping from the Indian camp, Kenton striking
out for Kentucky, while Oncle Jazon went towards Kaskaskia.

The information that Beverley would be shot as soon as he was returned
to Hamilton, caused Colonel Clark serious worry of mind. Not only the
fact that Beverley, who had been a charming friend and a most gallant
officer, was now in such imminent danger, but the impression (given by
Oncle Jazon's account) that he had broken his parole, was deeply
painful to the brave and scrupulously honorable commander. Still,
friendship rose above regret, and Clark resolved to push his little
column forward all the more rapidly, hoping to arrive in time to
prevent the impending execution.

Next morning the march was resumed at the break of dawn; but a swollen
stream caused some hours of delay, during which Beverley himself
arrived from the rear, a haggard and weirdly unkempt apparition. He had
been for three days following hard on the army's track, which he came
to far westward. Oncle Jazon saw him first in the distance, and his old
but educated eyes made no mistake.

"Yander's that youngster Beverley," he exclaimed. "Ef it ain't I'm a
squaw!"

Nor did he parley further on the subject; but set off at a rickety trot
to meet and assist the fagged and excited young man.

Clark had given Oncle Jazon his flask, which contained a few gills of
whisky. This was the first thing offered to Beverley; who wisely took
but a swallow. Oncle Jazon was so elated that he waved his cap on high,
and unconsciously falling into French, yelled in a piercing voice:

"VIVE ZHORSH VASINTON! VIVE LA BANNIERE D'ALICE ROUSSILLON!"

Seeing Beverley reminded him of Alice and the flag. As for Beverley,
the sentiment braced him, and the beloved name brimmed his heart with
sweetness.

Clark went to meet them as they came in. He hugged the gaunt Lieutenant
with genuine fervor of joy, while Oncle Jazon ran around them making a
series of grotesque capers. The whole command, hearing Oncle Jazon's
patriotic words, set up a wild shouting on the spur of a general
impression that Beverley came as a messenger bearing glorious news from
Washington's army in the east.

It was a great relief to Clark when