s with them. Two of these weapons were in
the hands of the men who were to carry the young surveyor back to the
settlement.

Seizing these weapons and making certain that all were loaded and
primed, Peleg darted behind a huge maple, from which he was able to see
that the Indians were stealthily approaching. No cry had been heard from
them since the loud whoop they had given when first they had darted into
the open space and fired upon the unsuspecting men.

Peleg waited until the men who were carrying the surveyor had had an
opportunity to withdraw to a considerable distance among the trees, and
as he saw the red men were coming nearer he abruptly fired upon them. He
first discharged Singing Susan, and then, before the smoke had cleared,
he fired the other two guns in quick succession.

A low exclamation of pleasure escaped his lips when he saw that his
shots had taken sufficient effect to cause the Indians hastily to
disappear from sight and to send forth several of their noisy
challenges.

Taking advantage of the favouring opportunity, the young scout reloaded
his own rifle and, casting the other two guns from him, ran at his
utmost speed in the direction in which his recent companions had
disappeared.

As soon as he had overtaken them he was aware that the Indians were
again closing in upon the retreating band. He was startled to find that
the red men were moving in the form of a semicircle. By this means they
doubtless hoped to cut off the men before they could regain the safety
of the settlement.

Bidding his friends make haste with their burden, Peleg once more fired
upon the yelling Indians. His main purpose was to try to impress upon
their minds the fact that the retreating band was armed and prepared to
defend itself. He was more and more disturbed, however, by his
increasing fear that their retreat would be cut off, and all three might
fall into the hands of the yelling savages.

Several times the same maneuvers were followed, Peleg bidding his
friends, who still were carrying the young surveyor, to precede him on
their way back to the settlement, while he himself remained behind to
fire Singing Susan at such of the Indians as exposed themselves. After
each shot he hastily reloaded his rifle and withdrew to join his
companions.

After his third shot Peleg was almost persuaded that escape was
impossible. The semicircle had been extended until he was fearful that
if the warriors should rush upon them