e he stood, notwithstanding Raven
had asserted that the rest of his party were in their encampment; and
when the chief grew angry, and almost menacing, on the withdrawal of
the old ferryman, he resolved to adopt the surest means of safety
without delay. No sooner was the ferry-boat seen to shoot out from the
land than Boone motioned the whites to enter the inclosure. As they
turned towards the gate, the chief made a movement to intercept them;
but Boone drew forth a brace of pistols that had been concealed under
his hunting-shirt, one of which he pointed at Raven, and with the
other intimidated the rest who had advanced likewise, until his
friends were all within the palisade.

[Illustration: Boone drew forth a brace of pistols that had been
concealed under his hunting-shirt, one of which he pointed at Raven,
and with the other intimidated the rest who had advanced on himself,
until his friends were all within the palisade.--P. 56]

Boone did not wish to be the first to shed blood, and in their own
language asserted as much to the savages; but at the same time he
warned them not to commit any violence in the settlement at their
peril. The chief had not thought there would be any necessity for
bloodshed so soon, and perhaps not at all, if Glenn could be enticed
from his house, while Posin and his comrades might obtain his money.

Nor did he expect to meet with Boone, (renowned among all the tribes
for his wisdom and prowess,) much less to be anticipated on the very
threshold of the enterprise. His rage grew intense on finding himself
outwitted and defied. He drew forth his tomahawk, and though not
venturing to throw it, (for he perceived Glenn and Sneak behind, with
their guns in readiness to fire,) he shook it threateningly at Boone
as he closed the gate, and then strode away sulkily in the direction
of the bushes, where some of his followers had been seen partially
concealed.

When the gate was secured, the inmates of the little fort crowded
about Boone and overwhelmed him with questions.

"Do you think they can get over the posts?" inquired Joe.

"Will they come before father returns?" asked Mary.

"Do you think they will attack us at all?" interrogated Glenn.

"There can be no doubt of it," replied Boone; "but if we do our duty,
I think we shall be able to resist them. We must be ready to defend
ourselves, at all events--and in the mean time we must watch through
the loopholes on every side to prevent a surp