now who I am, don't you?" called Girty.

"Indeed I do know!" shouted young Reynolds: "Everybody south of the
Falls of Ohio knows that you are Simon Girty. I have a good-for-nothing
cur dog which I have named Simon Girty, or Simon Dirty, he looks so much
like you. If you have any reinforcements or artillery, bring them up!
But let me warn you that if you or any of those naked rascals with you
ever get into this fort we shall not use our guns upon them. We have no
powder to waste on such wretches. We have cut some big bunches of birch
switches and have scattered them all through the fort; and that is just
what we cut them for--to thrash you and your rascally comrades. And let
me tell you," he continued, "that you are not the only ones who are
expecting reinforcements! We have received word that the whole country
is aroused and marching to help us, Simon Girty!" he shouted. "If you
and your gang of murderers stay twenty-four hours longer before the fort
you will never be able to leave. Your scalps will be drying in the sun
on the roofs of our cabins."

A loud laugh from his friends greeted the words of the young backwoods
orator, and it was plain that the spirit which young Reynolds had
displayed had aroused the drooping courage of his companions. Many of
the men were aware that on more than one occasion the Indians had indeed
brought cannon with them, and by their aid had succeeded in destroying
two of the stations.

All became silent when Simon Girty once more stood up to reply. "It is
too bad," began the renegade, "it's a pity that such people should be
tomahawked and scalped! I can protect you now, if you will surrender,
but I give you fair warning if you do not I shall not be able to hold
back my warriors."

A derisive shout greeted this declaration, and in apparent sorrow Simon
Girty at once withdrew.

It was not known within the fort that he instantly ordered preparations
to be made for raising the siege. Throughout the night not a sound was
heard, and when daylight came the Indian camp was deserted!

When Peleg and Israel sought the place where the warriors had encamped
they found the fires still burning brightly and even pieces of meat
left on the roasting-sticks.

"You see!" said Israel gleefully. "They left just a little while before
daylight."

"Yes," said Peleg, "that is when they usually roast their meat. I wonder
if they are all really gone?"

The rejoicing at Bryant's Station was great when it wa