here I found a
boat!"

Col. Waldron ordered his horse and in a short time had gathered a force
and hastened to the farm. It was all too true. The Indians had made
their attack. Madam Ursula Cutt had been killed and robbed of her jewels.
The three hay-makers had been shot, and their scalps taken for trophies.

But little Dick, who might have been there, was safely rocked in his own
cradle that night and saved to become Secretary Waldron, an important man
in New Hampshire history.

THE DEFENSE AT OYSTER RIVER

Thomas Bickford viewed with satisfaction his house and fortress now
complete. Building in 1694 was attended with many difficulties, as John
and William, his sons, well knew, for they had helped.

"Boys, you've worked well. A holiday for you tomorrow," promised their
father.

Early the following morning the boys started off on an exploring tour,
for they had but recently come to the Oyster River shores, several miles
north of Portsmouth where they had lived with their grandmother.

The river had much to interest the boys. At night they returned home
filled with excitement over the large hollow oak they had found almost a
mile below.

"It was just like a house, father. We planned the rooms and played there
all day."

"And saw no Indians?" their father inquired with some anxiety.

"Yes, on the opposite bank we saw several creeping up the river, but we
had a fine hiding place."

The boys little knew that on that 17th day of July, some two hundred
Indians were stealing cautiously up the Oyster River, on both sides, to
the Upper Settlement. Their plan was to divide into small groups and
attack each house at sunrise, the next morning. A single shot was to be
the signal.

On the following day by some mistake the shot was given before the
Indians were ready.

"What does that mean?" exclaimed Thomas Bickford, who from his home had
heard the crack of a gun far up the river on that early morning of July
18th. Instantly he recalled the stealthy Indians that the boys had seen
the previous day, and he sensed immediate danger.

"Quick!" he called to his wife and boys. "Run to the boat! I believe the
Indians are afoot!"

Hurrying into their clothes, they rushed to the river and jumped into the
boat. Bickford passed them the oars.

"Down the stream," he pointed, "and get around the bend as soon as you
can! The savages are up the river!"

"You are not coming?" they asked in alarm as he remained on shore.