e was shorely made fur an ambush," said the shiftless one as
they waded across. "Ef we had a hundred good men we could turn back
their whole army for good, 'cause they can't flank so easy, ez them high
banks on both sides run ez fur ez I kin see."

"And here is the thicket in which we can lie," said Paul.

"They can't catch a glimpse of us from the other side. They can see only
the fire and smoke of our rifles," said Henry.

"An' since we're here in our nest," said Shif'less Sol, "we'd better set
still an' rest till they come up. I 'low we'll need all our strength an'
nerves then."

CHAPTER XIV

HOLDING THE FORD

The five lay down in the thicket, completely hidden themselves, but
commanding a splendid view of the deep, clear stream and the gorge by
which the red army must approach. They were calm in manner, nevertheless
their hearts were beating high. The sunshine was so brilliant that every
object was distinct far up the gorge, and Henry felt sure the Indian
army would come into sight, while it was yet beyond rifle shot. Nor were
the leaders likely to send forward scouts and skirmishers, as they
apprehended no danger in front. It was on their flank or rear that they
expected the five to hang.

The five did not speak and the silence was complete, save for the usual
noises of the forest. Birds chattered overhead. Little animals rustled
now and then in the thickets, fish leaped in the river, but there was no
sound to indicate that man was near. They were not nervous nor restless.
Inured to danger, waiting had become almost a mechanical act, and they
were able to lie perfectly still, however long the time might be.

They saw the column of smoke fade, and then go quite away. There was
not a fleck on the sky of blazing blue, and Henry knew that the red army
had broken up its camp, and was on the march. He had a sudden fear that
they might send ahead scouts and skirmishers, but reflection brought him
back to his original belief that they would not do so, as they would not
foresee the transference of the five to their front.

The hours passed and Shif'less Sol, who had been lying flat upon the
ground, raised his head.

"I hear wheels," he said laconically.

Henry put his own ear to the ground.

"So do I," he said.

"Wheels of cannon and wagons."

"Beyond a doubt."

"Them that we're lookin' fur."

"There are no others in the wilderness. Long Jim, how's your voice
today?"

"Never better, Henry. I c