I have dreaded being left alone here with only Elta, too, though I wouldn't say so when I thought there wasn't anything else to be done." With this unanimous acceptance of the young engineer's plan, it took but a short time to arrange its details, and before dark everything was settled.

The Major was to leave for Madison the next morning, while Billy Brackett was to start down the creek that very evening, so as to be ready at daylight to begin his search for the missing raft at the point where it had been last reported.

By his own desire he was to go alone in the skiff, except for the companionship of his trusty Bim, who made a point of accompanying his master everywhere.

The young man was provided with an open letter from Major Caspar, giving him full authority to take charge of the raft and do with it as he saw fit.
Both Mrs.Caspar and Elta wrote notes to Winn, and gave them to Billy Brackett to deliver.

The major also wrote a line of introduction to an old soldier who had been his most devoted follower during the war.