"Bring in Captain Colfax. I want him to make some new friends," said
Oliver Pollock, who was in the greatest of good humors.

Captain Adam Colfax of New Hampshire, who found the climate of New Orleans
very warm, came in in a minute or two, and his was a figure to attract the
attention of anybody. Middle aged, nearly as tall as Jim Hart, red haired,
with a sharp little tuft of red whisker on his chin, and with features
that seemed to be carved out of some kind of metal, he was a combination
of the seaman and landsman, as tough and wiry as they ever grow to be. He
regarded Oliver Pollock out of twinkling little blue eyes that could be
merry or severe, as they pleased.

"Captain Colfax," said Oliver Pollock, "These are the five from Kentucky
of whom you heard. They are to go with you on your great journey as far as
Kentucky, but they are to do as they please. They are scouts, warriors,
and free rangers. You will find them of great service."

He introduced them one by one, and Adam Colfax gave them a hearty grip
with a hand which seemed to be made of woven steel wire.

"Good woodsmen and good riflemen I take it," he said, "and we may need
both. I hear that the Creeks, Cherokees, and others, are feeling full of
fight. Now, I ain't looking for a fight, but if it happens to get in my
way I'm not running from it."

"You old war horse," said Oliver Pollock, laughing, "it's your business to
get these supplies through, not to be shooting at Indians. I wish I could
go with you. It's a wonderful journey, but I have to stay here in New
Orleans. This is the gate and we must see that it is not closed. How many
canoes and boats have we now, Adam?"