Butler had been accompanied to Cherry Valley by a young Tory or renegade named Wyatt, who had distinguished himself by cunning and cruelty.

It was said that Wyatt had built up for himself a semi-independent command, and was becoming a great scourge.
"That's our Braxton," said Henry.

"He is rising to his opportunities.

He is likely to become fully the equal of Walter Butler." But they could do nothing at present to find Wyatt, and they went somewhat sadly back to "The Alcove." They had learned also from the runner that Wyatt had a lieutenant, a Tory named Coleman, and this fact increased their belief that Wyatt was undertaking to operate on a large scale.
"We may get a chance at him anyhow," said Henry.

"He and his band may go too far away from the main body of the Indians and Tories, and in that case we can strike a blow if we are watchful." Every one of the five, although none of them knew it, received an additional impulse from this news about Braxton Wyatt.