r
his return, he wandered into the neighborhood of Daniel Boone's home. It
was not long before he fell in with Boone, and completely charmed him
with his stories. Boone had known some sport in the forests himself, but
the adventures of Finley were to him marvellous. He was so much pleased
with the man, that he invited him, as it was now winter, to come to his
house, and make his home there through the season. The invitation was
gladly accepted; and in the cabin of Boone, again and again was the wild
beauty of the "Dark and Bloody Ground" laid before him. There was no end
to Finley's stories of this region. The wind whistled without, but the
fire blazed cheerfully within; and here they sat, on many a night, almost
till dawn, Finley talking, and Boone listening. The end of all this was,
that they determined, when spring opened, to go to Kentucky. Boone knew
that there were hardships and perils in the way, and Finley had
practically felt them; but what were dangers or difficulties to these
fearless men? The first of May was agreed upon as the day for starting,
and Finley was then again to meet Boone at his house.

It is not strange that other bold men, who heard Finley's stories, were
seized with the same desire for going west. Indeed, Boone helped to give
them that desire, knowing that a few brave spirits would be of great
service in the new country. He talked, therefore, warmly of the comforts
of a new home in the forest, where there was an abundance of game, and a
complete absence of towns and villages. Accordingly, on the first of May,
1769, when Finley repaired to Boone's house, he found four others ready
for the adventure: these were John Stewart, Joseph Holden, James Monay,
and William Cool. The people in the neighborhood, learning what was going
on, had likewise gathered to look with surprise upon these six men. What
could prompt men to leave the comforts of their quiet homes, and wander
off into the wilderness? They surely were crazy. Boone was much beloved
as a kind neighbor, and they mourned most over his madness. Nothing
daunted by all this, they were then ready for a start, and were now on
the point of leaving. We are told that, with tears in his eyes, Daniel
Boone kissed his wife and children; and if the story be true, I love him
the more for it. His spirit was beating for his new hunting-forests; he
could face all the dangers of the "Dark and Bloody Ground," but then it
was doubtful whether he was not parting