As the pioneers had smoked their pipes at his father's cabin fire, he had heard many appalling accounts of bloody conflicts with the Indians, of massacres, scalpings, tortures, and captivity.
David's father had taught him, very sternly, one lesson, and that was implicit and prompt obedience to his demands.

The boy knew full well that it would be of no avail for him to make any remonstrance.
Silently, and trying to conceal his tears, he set out on the perilous enterprise.

The cattle could be driven but about fifteen or twenty miles a day.

Between twenty and thirty days were occupied in the toilsome and perilous journey.

The route led them often through marshy ground, where the mire was trampled knee-deep.