Part 30 (1/2)

The younger members of the force, however, were unwilling to delay. To them appearances were convincing that the Indians had fled because they were alarmed. Now was the time, they declared, when the savages ought to be chased and taught a lesson! If there should be a delay even of a day in following them, the Indians would gain such an advance that they could not be overtaken and punished for their evil deeds.

The fiery zeal of the young men was not to be denied. Against the counsel of Boone and others of the older scouts, who had long experience in dealing with their Indian enemies, a swift pursuit instantly was begun. Many of the men were mounted on horses, but the entire ma.s.s, horse and foot, kept well together.

The eager party had not gone far from Bryant's Station before a halt was called, when it was discovered that the retiring Indians had turned into the buffalo road and, almost as if they were attempting to make their trail still more evident, it was noticed that they had chopped many of the trees, on either side with their hatchets.

Boone shook his head when he discovered these indications of apparent carelessness in the band they were following.

”My opinion is,” he said soberly to Colonel Todd, ”that Girty is trying to lead us on. Just as our men ran into their trap on the way to Bryant's Station, I am afraid now that they will be led into another.”

”But it is too late to go back,” said Colonel Todd.

”Yes, I am afraid our men will not go back now. My only word of advice to you is to go ahead cautiously.”

”Will you be one of the advance guard?”

”If you so desire.”

”At least you are not afraid, and you will not see what is not there.”

”I shall do my best,” said Boone quietly.

As Peleg, who was standing nearby and had heard the conversation, looked into the face of his friend he became aware that the years of anxiety had left their mark upon his rugged countenance. There was, however, a deeper expression of gentleness on the face of the great scout which in no way detracted from the impression of strength which his entire body still produced.

Orders were soon given to camp for the night in the forest, and on the following day the little army arrived at the Lower Blue Licks. Just as the force, proceeding without any form of order, arrived at the southern bank of the Licking, some of the men saw several Indians climbing the rocky ridge on the opposite side. The red men halted when the Kentuckians appeared, looked at them intently a few minutes in silence, and then, as calmly and leisurely as if no enemies were near, disappeared over the top of the hill.

A halt of the white men was made at once, and several of the officers held a consultation.

Apparently there were differences of opinion among the leaders, for after a few minutes had elapsed Colonel Todd summoned Daniel Boone and inquired his opinion as to what had best be done. All the officers were now very serious.

The great scout, leaning upon his rifle, spoke in the deep, quiet tones he usually used: ”My opinion is that our situation is critical and difficult. The force before us without question is ready for battle and outnumbers us largely.”

”Why do you think that?” inquired Colonel Todd.

”Because of the easy and slow retreat of the Indians who just went over the crest of yonder hill. I am familiar with all this region and I am fearful they are trying to draw us on. About a mile ahead of us there are two ravines, one on either side of the ridge. There the Indians can hide and attack us at the same time, both in front and on our flanks, almost before we could know they were there.”

”What do you think is the best thing to do, then?” inquired Colonel Todd seriously.

”My advice,” said Boone, ”is to do one of two things: Either wait for the coming of Colonel Logan, who without doubt is on his way to join us; or, if it is decided to attack the Indians without waiting for him to come up, then my advice is that half our force ought to go up the river, cross the rapids, and fall upon the Indians from that side at the same time the others attack them from the front.”

”I am afraid that cannot be done,” said Colonel Todd, shaking his head.

”Whatever is done,” said Boone quietly, ”my advice to you is to go over the ground carefully before the men cross the river here. Send some scouts ahead. I have never found, Colonel Todd, that any man lost by being prepared for what might befall him.”

Every man in the little a.s.sembly was listening with deep attention to the great scout who was a man of silence unless his advice was sought.

When he ceased some urged the adoption of his recommendation to wait for the coming of Colonel Logan and his men. There were others, however, who were strongly in favour of advancing at once.

In the midst of the warm discussion Major McGary, one of the young officers who was unable to endure the thought of being near an enemy and not fighting, let out a wild whoop. At the same moment he waved his hand over his head, spurred his horse into the river and then shouted in his loudest tone, ”Let all who are not cowards follow me!”

Instantly the mounted men dashed into the river, every one apparently striving to be the first to gain the opposite sh.o.r.e. The men on foot also rushed into the stream, which for a time seemed to be a rolling ma.s.s of men and water. No order had been given and no order now was desired. Through the deep river horses and men staggered forward, with McGary still leading the way.