with
every indication of self-control, as well as of strength,
stamped upon his face and form" 28

"The Indian had been able to draw his knife and
struck at her again and again while the bear held
him in one of her most fervent hugs" 76

"Boone quickly rallied his startled followers and when
the red men returned the hardy settlers were ready
and awaiting their coming" 116

"One of the men who had been stationed as a guard
was shot early in the morning" 126

"The scout, with his family, returned to Boonesborough" 220

"Silently the men crossed the ford" 276

SCOUTING WITH DANIEL BOONE

CHAPTER I

IN THE WILDERNESS

"What is that?"

At the question the two pioneer boys stopped abruptly. From within the
forest they had heard the sound of a snapping branch. The sound itself
had not been loud, but the quiet of that September day in 1773 had been
sharply broken by the slight noise from the brush. For a brief time both
boys listened intently and then one of them went back a short distance
along the trail over which the little procession had advanced, carefully
looking for signs of danger on either side.

And there was need for caution. Under the leadership of Daniel Boone
five families besides his own had been making their way slowly through
the unbroken wilderness from the settlement on the Yadkin in North
Carolina. At Powell's Valley, through which they recently had passed,
forty men had joined the little company, thereby adding greatly to its
strength, and increasing the confidence of the hardy settlers.

As the little cavalcade spread out in a long line, an advance guard of
five opened the way, while three rear guards, of two each at irregular
intervals, were stationed to prevent surprises from the hostile Indians
or attacks by the prowling beasts of prey that were wont to follow the
trail of men in the wilderness.

At this time the band was crossing Powell's Mountain, and the extreme
rear guard was made up of James, the oldest son of Daniel Boone, and his
friend, Peleg Barnes, the latter being one of the number that had been
added to the company when the settlers arrived at Powell's Valley.
Persuaded that no enemy was near, the two boys resumed their positions
and proceeded on their way.

Each boy was dressed in a hunting costume and wore leggings and fri