othing escaped his eyes, now
used to the darkness.

Henry looked back once and saw the great fleet following a little
distance behind and in ordered column, making no noise save for the
plash of oar, sweep, and paddle, and the occasional rattle of arms.
Talking had been forbidden, and no one attempted to break the rule.

They came closer and closer to the shore, and Henry searched the forest
with straining eyes. Nothing moved there. The night was windless, and
the branches did not stir. Nor did he hear any of the slight sounds
which a numerous party, despite its caution, must make.

"They ain't waitin' for us," said Shif'less Sol.

"We've give them the slip."

"You must be right, Sol," said Henry. "We're within range if they are
there, and they'd have fired before this time."

Ross and Jim sent the boat toward a little cove, and it struck upon the
narrow beach, with the woods still silent and no enemy appearing. Henry
leaped ashore, and was quickly followed by the others. Then they slipped
into the woods, reconnoitered carefully for a little while, finding
nothing hostile, and returned to the river.

The landing of the whole force destined for the attack was made rapidly,
and with but little noise. The boats, all with skeleton crews, swung
back into the stream, where they anchored, ready to receive the army if
it should be driven back.

Then the white force, led by Adam Colfax and Major Braithwaite, the
scouts going on ahead, plunged with high courage and great hopes into
the woods.

CHAPTER XXIV

THE DECISIVE BATTLE

The white army was soon hidden in the forest. It was, beyond a fact, the
largest force of its kind that had yet assembled in this region, but it
disappeared as completely as if it had ceased to be at all. A mile from
the river it stopped, and the two commanders held a short conference
with Boone and Kenton. The manner and great reputation of Boone inspired
the utmost confidence, and they were very anxious not only to hear what
he said, but also to do what he suggested. The council was short, and it
was held in the darkness with the soldiers all about.

"Send Henry Ware and his comrades forward to see if the way is open,"
said Boone, "an' if it is, we should rush their camp with all our might.
A night attack is usually risky, but it won't be long until day now, an'
if we can get a start on 'em it will be worth a heap to us."

Adam Colfax and Major Braithwaite agreed with him, and Hen