hours. As soon as this had been
decided Boone cast himself upon the ground and, apparently confiding in
the ability of Peleg to protect the camp, was soon sleeping soundly.

Just before daybreak the entire band departed from the Falls of the
Ohio. In advance went Daniel Boone as guide, while Peleg was to serve as
the rear guard.

"It is a long race," the scout explained to his companions. "We have
four hundred miles to cross before we arrive at the settlement on the
Clinch River. Our safety depends largely upon the promptness with which
you do my bidding. If there is one of you who is not willing to obey me
in every particular I shall greatly prefer to have him go by himself."

Every member of the party, however, assured the scout that his word was
to be law and that every one would implicitly follow his directions
throughout the long journey. When daylight came it was manifest in the
faces of the surveyors that the terror of the forest was still strong
upon them. Every man was armed, and every one carried a small pack upon
his back.

It was impossible to make as good time on the return as had been made by
Boone and Peleg in the journey to the Falls. However, both hunters were
urgent and seldom stopped even when heavy storms came upon them.

At last, when the long journey had been safely made, and the settlement
on the Clinch River had been gained, the spirits of the surveyors
revived, although they were free to declare that it was the care and
wisdom of Boone and his young companion which had brought them safely
through the wilderness.

Nearly eight hundred miles had been covered by the two scouts in their
long journey, and only sixty-two days had been required to complete it.

Boone and his companion, however, were not to be permitted to rest long.
Less than a week had elapsed after their return when Boone called Peleg
aside one morning and explained to him that a new project, and one still
more perilous than that through which they had safely come, was now to
be undertaken.

CHAPTER XI

THE ADVENTURE OF THE SCHOOLMASTER

"Peleg," said the great scout, "Governor Dunmore has sent another
request to me."

"Has he?" inquired Peleg eagerly.

In spite of the perils and labours of the long journey which had been
made to the Falls of the Ohio, Peleg was eager to be with Daniel Boone
wherever he might be. The boy's admiration for his friend had increased
with every passing day. The coolness and calmness