. One, tall, well built, and of
middle age, was of military appearance, and Henry knew by the deference
paid to him that he must be the chief man of the place.

"What is it?" he asked in a voice of much anxiety.

"The stranger brings news of an attack," replied one of the sentinels.

"Of an attack by whom?"

"By Indian warriors in great force," said Henry. "I've just escaped from
them myself, and I know their plans. They are in the woods now beyond
the clearing."

"To the palisade, some of you," said the man sharply, "and see that you
watch well. I believe that this boy is telling the truth."

"I would not risk my life merely to tell you a falsehood," said Henry
quietly.

"You do not look like one who would tell a falsehood for any purpose,"
said the man.

He looked at Henry with admiration, and the boy's gaze met his squarely.
Nor was it lacking in appreciation. Henry knew that the leader--for such
he must be--was a man of fine type.

"My name is Braithwaite, Major Braithwaite," said the man, "and I
believe that I am, in some sort, the commander of the fort which I now
fear is planted too deep in the wilderness. I had experience with the
savages in the French war and I know how cunning and bold they are."

Henry learned later that he was from Delaware, that he had earned the
rank of major in the great French and Indian war, and that he was brave
and efficient. He had opposed the planting of the colony on the river,
but, being out-voted, he had accepted the will of the majority.

Major Braithwaite acted with promptness. All the men and larger boys
were now coming forth from the houses, bringing their rifles, and as he
assigned them to places the Indian war cry rose in the forest on three
sides of the fort, and bullets pattered on the wooden palisade.

CHAPTER XIII

AT THE FORT

The cry of the warriors in the woods was answered by a single cry from
the log houses. It was that of the women and children, but it was not
repeated. They had learned the frontier patience and courage and they
settled themselves down to helping--the women and all the children that
were large enough--and to waiting. The men at the palisade replied to
the Indian volley, some shooting from the crest, while others sent their
bullets through loopholes.

Major Braithwaite was standing erect near Henry. After the volley and
reply, followed by silence, he took one look about to see that the
palisade was well-manned. Then it se