s known that the
Indians had departed. Before noon the fighting force of white men was
increased to one hundred and sixty-seven. Among those who entered came
Daniel Boone, or Colonel Boone as some now called him, since he had
received his commission from Colonel Clark.

"What does this mean?" demanded Israel when he saw his younger brother
Daniel among the men in the assembly, "What are you doing here?"

"I think I have as good a right to come as you," retorted Boone's
younger son. "I am almost seventeen."

"And old enough to know better," laughed Peleg, who was fond of the boy
and many a time had taken him with him on his expeditions into the
forest.

The officers, who had hastened to the place as soon as reports of its
peril had been brought, now assembled, and at once called the men of
Bryant's Station to a conference.

"It is known," explained Colonel Todd, "that Colonel Logan has
collected a strong force in Lincoln and that it will be here within
twenty-four hours. If we wait for his coming we shall be that much
stronger when we start in pursuit of Girty and his savages. What do you
think?" he asked, addressing Boone, who stood leaning upon his rifle in
the rear of the assembly.

"It will be wise to wait," replied Boone quietly. "I have never found it
to be a mistake to get ready before you attempt to do anything. Girty,
according to his story, has treble our numbers. The trail which the
Shawnees have left behind is so plain and so broad that I am suspicious
that they have made signs which they hope will lead us to pursue them.
My advice is to wait until Colonel Logan shall come with his men."

The younger members of the force, however, were unwilling to delay. To
them appearances were convincing that the Indians had fled because they
were alarmed. Now was the time, they declared, when the savages ought to
be chased and taught a lesson! If there should be a delay even of a day
in following them, the Indians would gain such an advance that they
could not be overtaken and punished for their evil deeds.

The fiery zeal of the young men was not to be denied. Against the
counsel of Boone and others of the older scouts, who had long
experience in dealing with their Indian enemies, a swift pursuit
instantly was begun. Many of the men were mounted on horses, but the
entire mass, horse and foot, kept well together.

The eager party had not gone far from Bryant's Station before a halt was
called, when it was disco