In the first place he was glad to hear that Simon Kenton
had once more escaped from the Indians; and the news from
Beverley, although bad enough, left room for hope. Frontiersmen
always regarded the chances better than even, so long as there was
life. Oncle Jazon, furthermore, had much to tell about the
situation at Vincennes, the true feeling of the French
inhabitants, the lukewarm friendship of the larger part of the
Indians for Hamilton, and, indeed, everything that Clark wished to
know regarding the possibilities of success in his arduous
undertaking. The old man'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.
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