“I know of him and understand that he and a group of his friends have settled north of here, in some of the new lands over near the Savannah River.”

“That’s right. In fact, I’ve moved into the same general settlement. Have you also heard of Big Elk’s renegades attacking the forts just west of us?”

“Aye, that I have, and we regret the loss of lives and property. We hope the Indians have gone back to their villages after meeting with the militia.”

“It was the cowardly militia that went home, back to Savannah, and the Indians are still a threat.”

He went on to describe what had happened, and that all trade had been cut off between the British and the Indian tribes. Finally, he said that a group of settlers had chosen Elijah Clarke to be their leader and were deciding what to do.

Ethan could see the drift of the conversation and said, “Well, trade is important to all of them, and I reckon they’ve been forced to disband by now.”

“That’s what I’ve come to tell you. This is a group of Creeks that are outcasts from their own people and have been condemned as bandits. In fact, some traders reported that they have set up their tents in Cherokee territory, and they know about where it is. We realize you live among the Quakers, but Clarke suggested that you might join us for a few days to keep from having to face another raid. Next time it may be down here, as you also live near the edge of ceded lands.”

“We know the Indians around here fairly well, and they’ve always been peaceful. I’m not much for fighting and would rather stay here to protect my own place. Besides, I’ve heard that Clarke is pretty well known as a wild man, inclined to violence.”

“There will be several dozen of us going, and we just want to arrest Big Elk and his men to prevent more attacks on our families, and send a signal to others that might be tempted to go on the warpath. These few renegades are going against the treaty that was signed last year by both the Creek and Cherokee chiefs.”

Ethan was still unconvinced. “I’ll have to think on it. Where will the group be?”

“We’ll be meeting two hours after sunrise tomorrow, where the lower Cherokee path crosses Rock Comfort Creek.”

“I know where it is. I can’t say now, but I’ll be there if I can come.”

“We’ve made a list of settlers, and Kindred Morris is on it. I think I’ll go by and see him. Do you know where he might be?”

“There’s no need for that. He’ll not be wanting to go.”