as beloved by the old woman, the chief, and all the tribe: and none
suspected that he was not contented and happy.

On the 1st of June, a large party was starting from the village for the
salt-licks on the Scioto, to make salt. Boone pretended to be indifferent
whether he went or not. The truth was, however, that he was very anxious
to go, for he thought it would afford a fine opportunity for him to
escape. He seemed so indifferent about the matter, that the party urged
him to accompany them, and off he started. For ten days most of them were
busy making salt, while Boone and two or three of the best marksmen
hunted for the benefit of the rest. He watched his chance for escape, but
none occurred; he was closely observed, it was impossible for him to
attempt it. To his great sorrow, he was forced to return home with the
salt-makers.

They had scarcely got back, when the whole village was summoned to the
council-house, to attend a council of war. Boone, as belonging to one of
the principal families, went to this council. Here he met four hundred
and fifty armed Indians, all gayly painted. One of the oldest warriors
then struck a large drum, and marched with the war-standard three times
round the council-house: this was the sure signal that they were about to
make war upon some enemy. But who was the enemy? What was Boone's
surprise when it was announced that they meant to attack Boonesborough!
He resolved now that he would escape, even at every hazard, and alarm the
settlement. Still his prudence did not forsake him.

The old warriors at once commenced gathering together a supply of parched
corn, and beating up more recruits for the expedition. All the new men
(Boone among the rest, for he was forced to join them) were then marched
off to the "winter-house" to drink the war-drink. This was a mixture of
water and bitter herbs and roots, and was to be drank steadily for three
days, during which time no man was to eat a morsel. Even if a deer or
buffalo passed by, no man was to kill it; the fast must be kept. In fact,
no man was allowed even to sit down, or rest himself by leaning against a
tree. This was done by the old men to purify the young warriors, as they
said, and to gain the favor of the Great Spirit. All this was a common
practice with the tribe before they went to battle; and the more strictly
the fast was kept, the greater (as they supposed) were the chances of
success. During these three days, Boone, like the r