ith lips tight
pressed. Could the Indians hold off and see the water enter the
fort--see their prey enter, unharmed? It almost passed belief.

Now the head of the procession was at the gate, and in safety. One by
one and two by two those in the fore did enter. Those at the rear
scarcely could stand the suspense longer; their backs prickled, their
feet quickened in spite of their firm resolve to show no fear; they
dared not look behind.

Then, at the last, they hastened, fast and faster. At any moment a
volley might overtake them; the women clutched their skirts, prepared
to run; in low voice they urged the children--"Go ahead of us! Quick!
We're almost there, dears. Mother's coming. Don't be afraid."

And they were inside, every one!

The gate swung to, in an instant. A great cheer rang. The women sank
here and there, spent with the strain; their knees had given out. The
children cheered and laughed and cried. Rough arms hugged loved forms.
Trick had met trick; thanks to the brave women of Bryant's Station!

"The men's turn, boys!" That was the shout now. "A dozen of us to give
those rascals on the Lexington road a fling. The rest to the spring
side of the fort, and be ready for the yellow hides when they come
whooping."

The sallying party were cautioned.

"Not too far, but make all the racket you can. Don't spare powder.
And when you hear our scrimmage, turn for home."

Thirteen men were told off to pretend a battle with the insulting
Indians who to the southeast of the fort were gamboling and challenging
on the road which led from the Ohio River to Lexington near the
Kentucky River. The thirteen hastened out, as if in earnest for a
fight. The Indians fell back, egging them on. Rifles spat smartly,
muskets whanged in answer; in a few minutes the sounds were those of a
battle--and in the timber opposite the other end of the fort Captain
Caldwell the British Ranger lifted his hand in signal.

His three hundred warriors sprang to their feet. Their time had
arrived. The garrison had taken the bait--their eyes and guns were
busy and the spring end of the fort was undefended.

"Whoo-oo-oop!" The yell burst deafening. With brandished gun and
hatchet the three hundred rushed pellmell into the clear and straight
for the gate and the flanking palisades. They were within one hundred
yards--seventy-five yards--fifty yards--forty--and--

"Crack! Crash!"

Every port-hole spurted smoke and flam