rimeval forest, while on the other one hundred or more acres had been
cleared and planted to corn. The stalks of corn were higher than the
head of the tallest man in the band.

"Come on!" called Peleg to Israel and his friends. "Let the men who are
riding go around by the road and we'll cut across lots through this
cornfield."

The suggestion at once was acted upon, and the men on foot, among whom
were most of the boys and younger men in the rescuing party, ran into
the cornfield where they were soon concealed from the sight of their
companions. Around them the stalks were standing so high that it would
have been an easy matter for one not accustomed to such places to lose
his way.

Meanwhile, the mounted men continued on their way. It was unknown to
them, as it was also to their companions in the cornfield, that the
keen-eyed Indians had been aware of the departure of the courier from
Bryant's Station. Indeed, it was suspected afterward that intentionally
the red men had permitted him to proceed through their lines. All the
warriors apparently were eager for the messenger to return and bring the
men who doubtless would respond to his appeal.

Consequently, when the mounted men drew near the forest opposite the
cornfield, they had no information or even suspicion that Girty's
warriors, concealed behind the trunks of the great trees, were awaiting
their coming. Steadily advancing, the horsemen soon were drawing near
the place where the ambuscade had been formed.

Meanwhile, Peleg and Israel, in advance of their comrades, had been
moving through the cornfield. They had arrived at a point which they
thought must be midway in the great field, when at the sound of a gun
both young pioneers stopped short, and Israel seized Peleg's arm as his
face became pale and he said, "What has happened?"

There was slight need for Peleg to reply to the startling question. On
the August air arose the reports of many rifles and the terrifying
whoops of the Indians.

It was impossible for the men in the cornfield to see what was occurring
in the road. They were aware of the attack, of course, and there was
slight doubt in the mind of any that the entrance of the men on foot
into the cornfield had been seen by their watching enemies.

"Keep close to me," said Peleg to his companion. "It is every man for
himself, now, but I want you to stay by me. We will take our chances
that way."

Peleg started when a whoop wilder and fiercer tha