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Tomlinson</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The Trail of Black Hawk</p> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Paul G. Tomlinson</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: June 12, 2021 [eBook #65601]</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: Richard Tonsing, Louise Davies, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net</div> - -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TRAIL OF BLACK HAWK ***</div> - -<div class='tnotes covernote'> - -<p class='c000'><strong>Transcriber’s Note:</strong></p> - -<p class='c000'>The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.</p> - -</div> - -<div class='chapter ph1'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div>THE TRAIL OF</div> - <div>BLACK HAWK</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div><span class='under'>By EVERETT T. TOMLINSON</span></div> - <div class='c002'>SCOUTING ON THE OLD FRONTIER</div> - <div class='c003'>STORIES OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION</div> - <div class='c003'>SCOUTING WITH MAD ANTHONY</div> - <div class='c003'>THE MYSTERIOUS RIFLEMAN</div> - <div class='c003'>SCOUTING ON THE BORDER</div> - <div class='c003'>THE PURSUIT OF THE APACHE CHIEF</div> - <div class='c003'>THE TRAIL OF THE MOHAWK CHIEF</div> - <div class='c003'>YOUNG PEOPLE’S HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION</div> - <div class='c003'>PLACES YOUNG AMERICANS WANT TO KNOW</div> - <div class='c003'>FIGHTERS YOUNG AMERICANS WANT TO KNOW</div> - <div class='c003'>THE STORY OF GENERAL PERSHING</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/frontispiece.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic001'> -<p>“‘The kind of a horse I’ve always wanted to own’ ... he thought.”<br /><br /><span class='right'>[<span class='sc'>Page <a href='#Page_152'>152</a></span>]</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<div class='titlepage'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div><span class='large'><span class='under'>GREAT INDIAN CHIEFS SERIES</span></span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div> - <h1 class='c004'>THE TRAIL OF BLACK HAWK</h1> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>BY</div> - <div class='c003'><span class='xlarge'>PAUL G. TOMLINSON</span></div> - <div class='c003'><span class='xsmall'>Author of “To the Land of the Caribou,” “In Camp on Bass Island,” etc.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id002'> -<img src='images/deco.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>ILLUSTRATED</div> - <div class='c002'><span class='large'>NEW YORK AND LONDON</span></div> - <div><span class='large'>D. APPLETON AND COMPANY</span></div> - <div class='c003'>1924</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div><span class='small'><span class='sc'>Copyright, 1915,</span></span></div> - <div><span class='small'><span class='sc'>By</span> D. APPLETON AND COMPANY</span></div> - <div class='c003'><span class='small'>Printed in the United States of America</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_v'>v</span> - <h2 class='c005'>PREFACE</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>The adventures and experiences of the hardy settlers -on the continually advancing frontier have provided a -fascinating but comparatively unknown chapter in the -history of our country. Romance, bitter prejudice, -distorted tales, and traditions more or less trustworthy, -have combined to create a strong interest in the -Indians. So much, however, has been written of a sensational -and improbable nature that the result has not -always been desirable. Just as there were “good” Indians -and “bad” Indians, so the stories of Indians -have ofttimes created impressions that were erroneous -or even false.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The appeal of Indian life and of Indian wars, however, -is perpetually strong. Who these early inhabitants -of America were, what they did, how they lived -and how they fought their battles, why they were engaged -in conflicts with the early settlers and our troops, -are essential parts of our history. The names of King -Philip, Massasoit, Brandt, Tecumseh, Pontiac, Red -Jacket, Black Hawk, Keokuk, Ouray, Sitting Bull and -others are perhaps well known, but just what is behind -the names is not so commonly understood.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_vi'>vi</span>And yet all this is a legitimate part of our history, -which every American, and particularly every young -American ought to know and wants to know. Even if -it is impossible for him properly to understand the -vanishing race he ought not to be ignorant of, nor forget, -the struggle of those early days.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Black Hawk’s War occurred in 1832. Against the -encroachments of the whites and their undeniable injustice, -the Indians opposed their own methods of -making war. The extermination of families, the lack -of mercy, even the blood-thirstiness of the redmen -were among their customary methods of making war -and were universally recognized as such by their -enemies of their own color. Black Hawk assuredly -was a patriot, courageously fighting the battles of his -own people. This story is an attempt to follow facts -and events of that struggle as they occurred.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The author has followed the suggestions of many -librarians and teachers and has cast his narrative into -the form of a story. In the main part the story is -true and the aim of its writer has been to present a -picture of the struggle of the settlers with the Indians, -the work of our army and the daring of Black Hawk -and his braves. The justice or injustice of the conflict -will be understood by those who may follow the -fortunes of the courageous chieftain. At all events the -young readers ought to appreciate more fully the -value and the cost of the land, the privileges and the -homes they now possess.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The character of Black Hawk is unique. He was a -natural leader, overcoming opposition in the tribes he -led, as well as bravely facing his foes.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_vii'>vii</span>The events incorporated in this tale are based upon -facts. The license of a storyteller has been freely -used, but the basis of the book is true. The final defeat -of Black Hawk, his visit at the capital of the -nation and in some of the largest cites, the impression -upon the old warrior in his receptions by the whites -of the East, all are elements in his life which must be -known in order to appreciate correctly the character -of this famous Indian chief.</p> - -<p class='c007'>To those who are interested the following bibliography -may be suggestive:</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Armstrong, The Sauks and the Black Hawk War, 1887.</div> - <div class='line'>Beckwith, H. W., Illinois and Indiana Indians, 1884.</div> - <div class='line'>Blanchard, Rufus, History of Illinois.</div> - <div class='line'>Carpenter, R. V., The Indian Statue, near Oregon, Illinois.</div> - <div class='line'>Chetlain, A. L., The Black Hawk War of 1832.</div> - <div class='line'>Davison, Alexander & Stuve, B., Black Hawk War.</div> - <div class='line'>Goodrich, S. I., Lives of Celebrated American Indians.</div> - <div class='line'>McIntosh, John, Speech of Black Hawk when he surrendered himself to the agent at Prairie Du Chien.</div> - <div class='line'>Moses, John, Black Hawk War.</div> - <div class='line'>Parrish, Randall, The Struggle with Black Hawk.</div> - <div class='line'>Paterson, J. B., Autobiography of Black Hawk.</div> - <div class='line'>Snyder, J. F., The Burial and Resurrection of Black Hawk.</div> - <div class='line'>Stevens, F. E., The Black Hawk War, including a Review of Black Hawk’s Life.</div> - <div class='line'>Steward, J. F., Sac and Fox Trail.</div> - <div class='line'>Thwaites, R. G., The Black Hawk War.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_viii'>viii</span>If his young readers shall be sufficiently interested -in this story of Black Hawk to follow the struggles by -which America was won as they are recorded in our -historical works, the writer will feel that his purpose -in part at least has been accomplished.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-r'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Paul G. Tomlinson.</span></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Elizabeth, New Jersey.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_ix'>ix</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CONTENTS</h2> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary=''> - <tr> - <th class='c008'><span class='small'>CHAPTER</span></th> - <th class='c009'> </th> - <th class='c010'><span class='small'>PAGE</span></th> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>I.</td> - <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Black Hawk Takes the Trail</span></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_1'>1</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>II.</td> - <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Pursued</span></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_13'>13</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>III.</td> - <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>A Devastated Home</span></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_24'>24</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>IV.</td> - <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>A Hidden Retreat</span></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_36'>36</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>V.</td> - <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>A Needed Rest</span></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_46'>46</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>VI.</td> - <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>A New Danger</span></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_58'>58</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>VII.</td> - <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>A Narrow Escape</span></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_69'>69</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>VIII.</td> - <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>An Indian Legend</span></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_81'>81</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>IX.</td> - <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>In Camp</span></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_92'>92</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>X.</td> - <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>On the March</span></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_104'>104</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XI.</td> - <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>The Flag of Truce</span></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_118'>118</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XII.</td> - <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>The Rout</span></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_128'>128</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XIII.</td> - <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>The Whinny of a Horse</span></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_138'>138</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XIV.</td> - <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>The Swallow</span></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_150'>150</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XV.</td> - <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>An Invitation</span></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_163'>163</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XVI.</td> - <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>A Scouting Party</span></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_173'>173</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XVII.</td> - <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>A Perilous Undertaking</span></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_185'>185</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XVIII.</td> - <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Between the Lines</span></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_195'>195</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_x'>x</span>XIX.</td> - <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>A Lively Skirmish</span></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_206'>206</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XX.</td> - <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>A Midnight Ride</span></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_216'>216</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XXI.</td> - <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>The Fight on the Pekatonika</span></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_227'>227</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XXII.</td> - <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Apple River Fort</span></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_239'>239</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XXIII.</td> - <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Across Country</span></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_251'>251</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XXIV.</td> - <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Kellogg’s Grove</span></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_262'>262</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XXV.</td> - <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>On the Trail</span></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_274'>274</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XXVI.</td> - <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Through the Swamps</span></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_285'>285</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XXVII.</td> - <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Wisconsin Heights</span></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_297'>297</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XXVIII.</td> - <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>The Trail Leads Westward</span></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_308'>308</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XXIX.</td> - <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Bad Axe</span></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_320'>320</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>XXX.</td> - <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Conclusion</span></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_333'>333</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='chapter ph1'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div>THE TRAIL OF BLACK HAWK</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_1'>1</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER I<br /> <span class='large'>BLACK HAWK TAKES THE TRAIL</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c011'>“Black Hawk is on the trail again.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Joseph Hall was the speaker. With his -parents, two sisters and a brother he lived on -the American frontier in Illinois. In these -days a reference to that part of the country as -“the frontier” would cause a smile to appear -on the faces of those who might hear such a -statement, but in the year 1832, when the scene -of this story is laid, Illinois was very far west. -On Indian Creek, near its junction with Fox -River, in a little clearing in the forest, the Hall -family dwelt and made a hard living from the -soil and from the game they might secure with -the rifle.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ten years before this time they had forced -their way westward from eastern Pennsylvania -and had hewn a home for themselves out of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_2'>2</span>the wilderness. At that time Joseph and his -younger brother Robert were only nine and -seven years old, respectively. Brought up in -the woods and on the prairies they had learned -the wisdom of the forest, the secrets of the -trees, the flowers and the streams; they knew -the habits of the wild animals and the favorite -pools of the fish. Thorough woodsmen they -were both of them, sound in mind and strong -in body. Fatigue was almost unknown to these -boys, and to endure hardships was a part of -their everyday life.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was now spring. The sun was warm and -the trees were bursting with new life as the -days grew longer and summer approached. -The time had come when the crops must be -planted and it was in this occupation that the -two boys were engaged when Joseph made his -remark concerning Black Hawk. A space several -acres in extent, had been cleared in the -heart of the forest and here it was that the Hall -family eked out a scanty existence.</p> - -<p class='c007'>At one end of the clearing stood their home. -A rough log cabin was all it was, but it was -home and consequently was very dear to the -Halls. In the rear the clearing ran down to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_3'>3</span>the edge of the woods and as much as possible -of this land was under cultivation. Year by -year the clearing had been enlarged until now -it occupied a considerable extent. Joseph and -Robert were busy at the opposite end from the -place where their home stood.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Black Hawk on the trail again!” exclaimed -Robert in response to his brother’s remark.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Exactly.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Who told you?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Deerfoot. I saw him early this morning -down by the river.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Deerfoot was a Pottowattomie Indian, -friendly to the white settlers and to the Halls -in particular. He had taught Joseph and Robert -much of what they knew of woodcraft and -that he was a skillful teacher was attested by -the prowess the two boys had acquired.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Is it serious?” demanded Robert anxiously. -He had been removing weeds from the newly -sprouted cornfield and he leaned on his hoe as -he waited for his brother’s reply.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Deerfoot says it is,” replied Joseph. “He -says that Black Hawk is very angry and means -business this time.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But what’s it all about?” Robert insisted.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_4'>4</span>“The same old trouble. Black Hawk doesn’t -want to leave this side of the Mississippi and -doesn’t intend to either, if he can help it.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He signed a treaty nearly thirty years ago -saying he would go, didn’t he?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I know it,” said Joseph. “According to -Deerfoot, though, Black Hawk thinks he was -deceived at that time and that the treaty doesn’t -bind him. I think that if he had been made to -leave at the time he signed that treaty down -at St. Louis, everything would have been all -right. They told him, however, that he could -stay on until this country was thrown open for -settlement and now that they want him to go -he refuses. At least that’s what father thinks.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Is he going to fight?” exclaimed Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Deerfoot says so. He told me we’d better -get to some safe place, too.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Did you tell father that?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I did, but he laughed at me. You know how -he is; he said he wasn’t afraid of all the Indians -in North America.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s foolish, I think.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“So do I,” agreed Joseph. “Black Hawk and -his warriors may be right around here now as -far as we know. They’ll start by making war -<span class='pageno' id='Page_5'>5</span>on the settlers, too; you know they always do -that. They blame the settlers for taking their -land away from them.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How about Keokuk?” demanded Robert. -“He is the head of the Sac tribe, while Black -Hawk is only a smaller chief. What is Keokuk -going to do?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He is already across the Mississippi, I understand. -He evidently was willing to go, or -at least he thought that would be the wisest -thing to do. He is not a fighter like Black -Hawk.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I should say not,” exclaimed Robert. “Old -Black Hawk has been fighting nearly all his life, -I guess.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Ever since he was fifteen years old, so Deerfoot -told me this morning. He is about sixty-five -now, so you see he has been on the warpath -off and on for fifty years. He must be a great -old warrior if all Deerfoot told me is true.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What did he tell you?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well,” continued Joseph, “he said that when -Black Hawk was only fifteen he started fighting -and that before he was seventeen he led a -war party against an Osage camp and brought -back several scalps. When he was nineteen he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_6'>6</span>led another fight against the Osages and killed -six people with his own hands. A few years -later in another battle he killed nine men single-handed. -In the war of 1812 he sided with the -British and was a terror along the border settlements. -He’s a real old warrior, from all accounts.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He must be,” exclaimed Robert. “He -doesn’t think for a minute that he can whip the -United States, though, does he? How many -warriors has he, anyway?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“About five hundred or more, according to -Deerfoot. He expects, however, that the -Winnebagos, Pottowattomies, and Kickapoos -will go in with him, and if they do they can -make it pretty hot for a while around here.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Deerfoot won’t fight, will he?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No, indeed,” said Joseph. “At least he said -he wouldn’t fight with Black Hawk. He doesn’t -think that those other three tribes will join -him, either. He thinks Black Hawk will find -only his own men with him when the time -comes.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“When is the time coming?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It has already come. Black Hawk is on the -trail with a party now, and is going to make -<span class='pageno' id='Page_7'>7</span>war on the settlers. He expects it will take the -Whites some time to organize and by that time -he himself will have large reinforcements from -the other tribes.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well,” said Robert, “if he intends to make -war on the settlers what is there to prevent him -from picking out the Hall family to start with?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Nothing in the world. That’s just what I -said to father, but he told me to pay no attention -to such nonsense. I thought we ought to -have guns out in the field here, but he said not. -Just the same, I sneaked both yours and mine -out of the house and hid them in that bush over -there. Maybe father isn’t worried, but I am.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, I’m worried, too,” agreed Robert. “I -don’t think I’m a coward by any means, but it -seems to me it is a silly thing to do to stay right -on here as if there was no danger at all, when -at any moment we may be attacked by a band -of hostile Indians.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Still,” said Joseph, “we have no special reason -for thinking that we are to be the first ones -attacked. Perhaps if some other family is murdered, -father may realize that it is serious and -move on to some safe place for a while.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, and he may wait too long.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_8'>8</span>“You can’t tell father there is any danger, -though.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I know it,” agreed Robert. “He holds all -Indians in contempt and thinks they’re all bad. -Why, he hardly treats even Deerfoot like a -human being.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Deerfoot knows it, too. I don’t think he -likes father, and if it wasn’t for the rest of us -he wouldn’t be half so friendly.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He likes us all right, and he’s been awfully -good to you and me.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He certainly has,” exclaimed Joseph -eagerly. “Personally, I think he’d warn us if -he knew that Black Hawk and his band were -coming this way.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But he might not know it.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I know,” protested Robert, “but you must -remember that in this case it is Indian against -Indian. The Sac tribe is just as clever as the -Pottowattomie, and old Black Hawk is no fool. -You don’t suppose he’d go around telling everybody -just where he intended to strike first, do -you?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Perhaps not.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“<i>Perhaps</i> not,” exclaimed Robert. “You -mean <i>certainly</i> not, I guess. If I intended to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_9'>9</span>attack you, you don’t think for an instant that -I’d go around telling everybody, do you? If I -did, some one would be sure to tell you, and -what chance then would I have of being successful?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You’d make a great chief, Bob,” said Joseph -laughingly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not at all,” protested Robert. “I’m just -stating what seems to me to be common-sense.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You’re right, of course,” agreed Joseph -quickly, becoming serious once more. “I think -we’re in a dangerous position and I wish we -were out of it.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Does mother know?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Father wouldn’t let me tell her. He said it -would only worry her and the girls, and there -was no use in it.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’ll talk to him tonight, both of us.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It won’t do any good, I’m afraid. You know -how stubborn he is. He thinks there’s no danger, -and no one can change his mind by talking -to him.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well,” said Robert, “I hope he’s right. But -if he’s wrong I hope he’ll find it out and change -his mind before it is too late.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Anyway,” exclaimed Joseph, “it won’t do us -<span class='pageno' id='Page_10'>10</span>any good to stand here and talk about it and it -won’t help the corn to grow, either. Let’s forget -it, if we can.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The two young pioneers lapsed into silence -and soon the only sound heard in the cornfield -was the click of their hoes as they dug the -weeds out of the soil and cleared a space for -the tender shoots to gain the light and air. The -thought uppermost in the mind of each boy, -however, was of Black Hawk and his band of -marauding warriors.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It is hard for us to understand in these days -what a peril and a menace to frontier life these -hostile Indians were. Every little while word -would come of some family wiped out by the -uprising of a nearby tribe and no one could tell -at just what moment these onslaughts might -come.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Everyone went armed, not only for the sake -of the game which provided much of the food -on which the pioneers lived, but also as a guard -against any surprise attack of warlike redmen. -It is needless to state the country abounded in -“crack shots,” as the most skillful in the use of -the rifle were termed. Ammunition was scarce -and no one could afford to waste powder or -<span class='pageno' id='Page_11'>11</span>bullets. Consequently they made every shot -count and it was wonderful to see the skill some -of our early settlers acquired with the rifle. In -this sport, or rather in this serious business, -no one in the region surpassed Joseph Hall and -his brother Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Through the warm spring afternoon the two -brothers toiled on in the cornfield. Their hands -were busy with the hoe and their minds with -thoughts of Black Hawk and his warriors. The -shadows grew longer, and when at last dusk -crept over the land they made ready to cease -work for the day. As they were preparing to -stop, the call of a quail sounded from the woods -close to the place where the two boys were -standing. Both boys were immediately alert. -A moment later the call was repeated.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Deerfoot,” exclaimed Joseph in a low voice.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The two brothers hastened in the direction -from which the call had been heard and a moment -later discovered their Indian friend hiding -behind a thick bush, waiting for them. He was -nearly exhausted and had evidently traveled -far and fast.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What is it, Deerfoot?” exclaimed Joseph -eagerly. “What is the trouble?”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_12'>12</span>The Indian was panting and a brief time -elapsed before he could speak. Finally he regained -his breath.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Black Hawk, he come!” gasped Deerfoot, -and he pointed toward the opposite end of the -clearing.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Hardly had he uttered these words when -from the direction of the Hall’s cabin came the -blood-curdling sound of the Indian war whoop.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_13'>13</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER II<br /> <span class='large'>PURSUED</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c011'>Both boys immediately darted toward the -bush where their rifles were hidden. Silently -and swiftly they ran and then at their -highest speed returned to the spot where Deerfoot -lay crouched upon the ground. The air -now resounded with the terrible war cry of the -marauding Indians and shots rang out through -the evening air.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Come on, Bob,” exclaimed Joseph, as he -swiftly started forward.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He had taken only a few steps, however, -when he felt himself gripped strongly by his -arm and held back.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No be a fool,” muttered Deerfoot. “Black -Hawk have fifty braves. You be killed unless -stay here.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But my family, my mother and sisters,” -<span class='pageno' id='Page_14'>14</span>pleaded Joseph. “They will be killed unless I -go to help them.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“They be killed anyway,” said Deerfoot -stoically. “No use you be killed, too.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>With one hand he held Joseph in a grip of -iron, while with the other he maintained a firm -hold on Robert. Both boys struggled to free -themselves but to no avail. Their Indian ally -held them fast, while all the time in a low voice -he talked to his young friends.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Black Hawk come with big band,” he explained. -“Me run ten mile to warn Halls. -Black Hawk say he kill your father. He say -your father bad to Indian. No use you be -killed, too. Soon they look for you. You better -run. Deerfoot take you away safe.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No! No!” protested Joseph and Robert in -one breath.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Let go of me, Deerfoot!” exclaimed Joseph. -“Do you think I can leave, while my family are -being murdered? Let me go, I say!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Deerfoot no let go,” replied the Indian -calmly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The air now was resounding with the cries -of the bloodthirsty redmen. If the wild shouts -provided a just basis by which to estimate the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_15'>15</span>numbers in the attacking party then it must be -as large as Deerfoot had declared it to be, the -boys concluded. In their hearts both boys were -already convinced that whatever they might do -would be of no avail. At the same time it is -not easy to watch an attack upon one’s family, -and both boys would rather have lost their own -lives than to sit quietly by without making an -effort to aid.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Every time the war whoop sounded a shudder -ran through them and they begged Deerfoot -for a chance to try to protect or avenge -their father, mother and sisters. Both boys -knew well that when an Indian makes war he -spares no one from the head of the family down -to the baby in the cradle. They already were -convinced that soon they would be the only survivors -in what had but recently been a family -of six.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Suddenly Robert wrenched himself free from -Deerfoot’s hold and sprang to his feet. Night -was rapidly coming on and objects at a distance -were hard to distinguish. Through the gathering -dusk he could see his home in the distance. -It had been set on fire and around and around -it the red marauders were dancing, sending -<span class='pageno' id='Page_16'>16</span>forth their fiendish shouts of victory. Undoubtedly -everyone in the house was now dead -and soon only the charred remains of what had -once been their home would remain.</p> - -<p class='c007'>An ungovernable feeling of rage surged up -in Robert’s breast and he vowed vengeance. He -raised his rifle to his shoulder and took careful -aim. Never in his life had he been more self-controlled -in his actions than he was at that -moment. The roof of the cabin suddenly burst -into flame and lighted up the awful scene being -enacted nearby. As he pulled the trigger one -of the Indians suddenly leaped high into the air -and fell headlong upon his face and lay still. -Robert’s aim had been true.</p> - -<p class='c007'>As if by magic the war dance of Black Hawk’s -band abruptly ceased. Comrades rushed to -the side of the fallen brave and tried to lift him -to his feet. Their efforts, however, were without -avail; the warrior was dead. As soon as -the others became aware of the fall of their -comrade they immediately turned to see from -which direction the fatal shot had come.</p> - -<p class='c007'>As often happens at sundown there was no -breeze stirring. Rising among the trees over -the spot where Robert and his two companions -<span class='pageno' id='Page_17'>17</span>were standing, appeared the smoke from the -young frontiersman’s gun. The sharp-eyed -Sac Indians immediately spied this and with a -shout of rage a score or more of them started -at full speed in the direction of the tell-tale -smoke.</p> - -<p class='c007'>When Robert had fired his rifle, Deerfoot -realized that their position was now disclosed -and he instantly released his hold on Joseph. -There was no advantage to be gained by any -further attempt to hide. Joseph gained his -feet just as the hostile Indians spied the smoke -from his brother’s gun, and hastily taking aim -he fired at the approaching warriors. The fact -that one of them stopped suddenly and clutched -his shoulder proved that Joseph as well as Robert -was skillful in the use of a rifle.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Fools!” exclaimed Deerfoot in the ears of -the two boys.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But, Deerfoot—” began Robert, at the same -time hastening to reload his gun.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Come!” exclaimed Deerfoot, breaking in -upon him. “Come, if you no wish to die.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Without a word he turned and sped into the -forest, the two boys closely following him. Less -than a quarter of a mile behind them they could -<span class='pageno' id='Page_18'>18</span>hear the war cry of the enraged redmen, hot -upon their trail. This was no time to think of -family or anything else except self preservation. -Both boys realized that this was to be a -race with a prize of life or death at the finish, -and this knowledge provided them with additional -strength.</p> - -<p class='c007'>With Deerfoot in the lead, they fled silently -and swiftly through the fast gathering darkness -of the forest. If they could outstrip their pursuers -and keep out of their way until darkness -fell, then their chances of escape would be redoubled. -They were fully aware of this fact -and they knew also that the foes at their heels -knew it, too. Deerfoot set a heart-breaking -pace and if the two brothers had not been in -excellent condition they never could have hoped -to maintain the speed with which they were -running.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Neither boy had any idea of the direction in -which they were fleeing. They followed their -leader blindly, trusting implicitly in him to save -them. Their entire attention was centered in -Deerfoot and they paid no attention to any task -other than that of doing their utmost to keep -pace with their leader.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_19'>19</span>Behind them resounded the shouts of their -pursuers and the fugitives seemed to acquire -renewed speed every time they heard the blood-curdling -cries.</p> - -<p class='c007'>At length, however, they began to weaken. -No one was able to maintain such a pace very -much farther. At least that is what both Robert -and Joseph were thinking. They still had -their rifles, and they were determined to hold -them at any cost. The guns were heavy, however, -and undoubtedly prevented the boys from -maintaining their speed.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The darkness increased and Deerfoot began -steadily to draw away from his two young -friends. Born and reared in the woods, and -lightly dressed, he proved more than a match -for the fast tiring brothers. They struggled -desperately to keep up but they both realized -that before long they would be compelled to -stop. And ever nearer sounded the war whoop -of the Sacs.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I can’t go much farther, Deerfoot,” panted -Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Nor I,” gasped Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>At the word the flying Indian slackened his -pace and waited for the boys to catch up.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_20'>20</span>“Only little more,” he exclaimed, “no stop -now. All die if stop now.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But where are you taking us?” exclaimed -Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Follow Deerfoot, he show you,” and once -again the fleet-footed Indian sped down the -darkening aisles of the forest. Night was now -so near at hand that it was with difficulty that -the two boys kept their guide in sight. They -made one last effort, however, and exerting all -the strength and will power they possessed they -managed to follow where Deerfoot led.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Suddenly the Indian stopped.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Black Hawk no see trail now,” he exclaimed. -“We hide here.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>He darted behind a huge tree as he spoke, the -boys instantly following his example.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where are we going to hide?” demanded -Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Follow Deerfoot,” and as he spoke the Indian -began to climb the nearest tree. Seemingly -he went directly up the side of the tree -and there were no branches to which he might -cling for a considerable distance above the -ground.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Steps in tree,” announced Deerfoot, stopping -<span class='pageno' id='Page_21'>21</span>when he had gone a few feet. “You find -’um easy. Follow Deerfoot.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Standing where Deerfoot had stood Joseph -ran his hands over the hark of the huge oak -tree. Sure enough, steps large enough and -deep enough to render climbing comparatively -safe had been cut into the side of the tree. -They were just about as far apart as the rungs -of a ladder and having once started on the -strange stairway it was very easy to continue. -Joseph and Robert speedily discovered this -condition and soon were following Deerfoot as -he directed them and were moving nearly as -rapidly as the Indian himself.</p> - -<p class='c007'>In a very brief time all three had reached the -first huge branches of the oak. Here a small -platform had been built, consisting of only two -or three planks, but they were so arranged that -when the three fugitives lay down there was -sufficient room for them all. These planks had -been cunningly concealed by branches and moss, -though naturally the boys did not know this in -the darkness. It was about all they could do to -make out the indistinct outlines of the nearby -trees.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The description of their activities required -<span class='pageno' id='Page_22'>22</span>more time than Deerfoot and his two companions -consumed in their efforts to gain this place -of refuge. In a very short time they were lying -prone on the platform and peering eagerly -down into the depths of the forest. They had -moved cautiously and silently and well it was -that they had made no noise. Scarcely were -they settled in the place before shadowy forms -began to flit past them in the dim light below.</p> - -<p class='c007'>No war whoops now were heard. The redmen -were on the trail to avenge their dead comrade -and the one who had been wounded, and -now that night had fallen they had no desire to -disclose their position. Joseph and Robert -could not repress an involuntary shudder as -they watched their pursuers speed past them. -At the same time they had a feeling of satisfaction -as they thought that they had thus far outwitted -their foes and for the present at least -were comparatively safe.—</p> - -<p class='c007'>Twenty-seven warriors passed beneath the -platform in the old oak tree, according to Joseph’s -count. Certainly there were enough of -them to overcome any resistance the three fugitives -could furnish. Night came on, but not for -a moment was the vigilance of any one on the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_23'>23</span>platform relaxed. Hour after hour dragged -by and soon the dawn would appear. Robert -understood as well as Joseph and Deerfoot, that -when morning came their position would no -longer be safe. With the coming of the morning -light the hostile Indians would surely discover -their trail and follow it to the base of the -large oak tree. If they were to escape, now -was the time to do so.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Come,” said Deerfoot in a low voice.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He cautiously arose and started to make his -way down the strange stairway. Joseph and -Robert followed closely behind. Slowly and as -quietly as possible they descended the tree and -soon their feet were on solid ground once more. -There they stood for a moment, and then, with -Deerfoot in the lead, they started to retrace -their course of the night before.</p> - -<p class='c007'>They had covered a hundred yards or more -when suddenly from a bush almost directly in -front of them came the sharp bark of a rifle. -A bullet whistled over their heads.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_24'>24</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER III<br /> <span class='large'>A DEVASTATED HOME</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c011'>All three immediately dropped on their -hands and knees. Rifles in hand they scurried -for the nearest shelter and awaited developments. -A puff of smoke floated upward from -the bush whence the shot had come, as the three -fugitives stretched themselves prone behind the -trunk of a large fallen tree. After many moments -of waiting Deerfoot cautiously raised his -head.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He dropped back again quickly, however, as -a rifle ball splintered the bark scarcely ten -inches from him. Evidently their enemy was -keeping a sharp lookout. Apparently there was -only one Indian in the bush, but neither of the -two young pioneers nor their red ally cared to -take any chances with him. For some moments -there was absolute silence in that part of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_25'>25</span>forest where this little drama was being -enacted.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Suddenly Deerfoot stirred. He evidently had -some scheme he wished to put into execution.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Give Deerfoot hat,” he whispered to Joseph, -who lay next to him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Without hesitation Joseph did as he was told. -Deerfoot pulled a strip of bark from the fallen -tree and placed the hat upon one end of it, while -he held to the other. Cautiously and slowly he -raised the hat until it showed above their -shelter. Immediately it was fired upon.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Deerfoot turned to his young friends and -smiled grimly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I do that again,” he whispered. “When he -fire, white boys jump to feet and fire too. We -take him by surprise.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“A fine idea,” exclaimed Joseph eagerly. -“Are you all ready, Bob?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“All ready,” replied Robert quietly. “Just -give me the signal.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The two boys crouched, guns in hand, ready -to spring to their feet instantly. Deerfoot also -prepared to do his part. He lay on his back -and slowly raised the hat; it was a nervous moment -for the three people behind the fallen -<span class='pageno' id='Page_26'>26</span>tree trunk. They did not know whether or not -their foe would be deceived by their strategy -and they could not be sure that only one hostile -redman lurked in the nearby bush. Day had -now come, however, and it was high time for -them to move on. In a short time that portion -of Black Hawk’s band which had pursued them -the night before might once more appear and -then their escape would be hopeless.</p> - -<p class='c007'>So gradually did Deerfoot raise the hat that -it scarcely seemed to move. Little by little, -however, it was elevated on the stick until it -showed above the fallen log. Joseph and Robert -waited with every muscle tense, ready to -spring to their feet the instant their enemy -should fire. If Deerfoot’s strategy succeeded -and if there was only one Indian who barred -their way the three fugitives would soon be able -to resume their journey.</p> - -<p class='c007'>After what seemed to the two young pioneers -to be a very long time the hat appeared above -the log. Now was the important moment, and -of the three persons hiding behind the fallen -tree, two of them at least were very nervous. -The success or failure of their scheme would -now be determined in a very short time.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_27'>27</span>When at least two inches of the hat was exposed -to view, Deerfoot waited. Nothing happened, -however. He raised the hat a bit higher. -Still there was no result. Perhaps their foe -suspected a plot and was determined not to be -caught. That such could be the case seemed -most improbable, however. Deerfoot raised the -hat still a little higher and moved it slightly to -one side, as if its owner was trying to conceal -himself behind something.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Bang! A shot suddenly struck the hat -squarely in the center and splintered the stick, -tearing it from Deerfoot’s hand.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Now, Bob,” exclaimed Joseph, springing to -his feet.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Both boys immediately jumped up and taking -quick aim fired into the bush whence the -bullets had come. Then they once more dodged -behind the sheltering log. A shrill cry at that -moment startled them, however, and looking up -they saw Deerfoot, knife in hand, charging the -spot where their enemy was located. He uttered -the war whoop of the Pottowattomies -and it was this that the boys had heard.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We mustn’t let him go alone,” cried Robert, -and as he spoke the two young woodsmen dashed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_28'>28</span>forward to lend what assistance they could to -their ally.</p> - -<p class='c007'>There was nothing for them to do, however, -when they reached the bush. Stretched upon -the ground lay the Indian who had so nearly -succeeded in shooting and perhaps killing one -of the three. Hideous he looked in his gaudy -war paint, smeared as he was with it from head -to foot. One glance was sufficient to convince -the two brothers that their foe was dead, and it -was hard for them to repress a shudder, as they -looked at the cruel face on the ground before -them, and realized what might have been their -fate had they fallen into the hands of such an -enemy.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Deerfoot, you mustn’t do that!” exclaimed -Joseph suddenly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Knife in hand Deerfoot was busily engaged -in scalping his fallen foe. As Joseph spoke, -their Indian ally muttered something, but did -not stop the work in which he was engaged.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Deerfoot—” began Joseph again, when Robert -interrupted him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Let him alone, Joe,” he cautioned in a low -voice. “It is his custom to do that and he won’t -like it if we stop him.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_29'>29</span>“I guess you’re right,” agreed Joseph. “I -can’t look at him, though,” and he turned his -back on the revolting scene being enacted on -the ground at his feet. The two young pioneers -withdrew a short distance and waited for Deerfoot -to join them.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That was a lucky shot that one of us made,” -remarked Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I should say so,” agreed Robert, who was -busily engaged in reloading his gun. “I wonder -which one of us hit him.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I know I didn’t see him when I fired,” said -Joseph. “I just aimed at the bush and trusted -to luck.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The same thing I did,” exclaimed Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, as long as we were successful it -doesn’t make much difference who it was that -hit him, I guess,” said Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>At this moment Deerfoot came to the place -where the boys were standing. Joseph could -not help noticing the fresh scalp dangling at -the belt of the Indian and he felt a chill run up -and down his spine at the sight. As Robert -had said, however, Deerfoot had only done what -was customary with his people and as he knew -no better, he was not to be blamed.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_30'>30</span>“Come,” said Deerfoot. “Black Hawk soon -find trail. Maybe he hear shots too. We better -go.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where are we going?” demanded Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Follow Deerfoot,” replied the Indian calmly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I want to go home,” exclaimed Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“So do I,” echoed Robert. “I want to know -what has happened to our family.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No go home,” protested Deerfoot. “All -family dead. You know that.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That may be true,” said Joseph, “but I want -to see with my own eyes. Do you think I could -just go away now and never know for sure -that all my family were dead? Even if they -have been killed, and I’m afraid that’s what -has happened, I want to go back. I want to -give them a decent burial at least.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s just the way I feel,” exclaimed -Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You may be killed, too,” protested Deerfoot.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ll take that chance,” insisted Joseph. -“You don’t have to go with us if you don’t want -to, you know. At any rate I think that would -be the last place they would think of looking -for us. They won’t think that we’ll dare go -back there.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_31'>31</span>“That’s right, Joe,” exclaimed his brother. -“Are you going with us, Deerfoot?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Deerfoot go where you go,” said the Indian -shortly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Without another word they set out. Deerfoot -led the way as usual, with the two brothers -following close behind him. Extreme caution -was used, as they did not know when the hostile -band of Indians might suddenly loom up -in their path. They had covered not more than -a mile when Deerfoot suddenly held up his hand -and the boys instantly came to a full stop.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There house,” said Deerfoot, pointing ahead -of him as he spoke.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Sure enough. Through the trees the young -brothers could see a clearing which they immediately -recognized as theirs. They saw no -house, however. Steadily they crept nearer to -the edge of the forest and a heart-rending scene -lay spread before their eyes. What had once -been a sturdy little cabin was now a mass of -blackened embers from which a thin spiral of -smoke was still curling.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Do you suppose it’s safe to go closer?” asked -Robert in a sorrow-stricken voice. “Out into -the clearing, I mean.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_32'>32</span>“I don’t know whether it is or not,” replied -Joseph. “But I do know that I am going anyway.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The two brothers stepped out from the shelter -of the trees and approached their ruined home. -They held their guns ready for immediate use, -however, and they were alert to any danger -which might arise. Deerfoot walked at their -side.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Me keep guard,” he said. “No stay long -though, please.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No, not long, Deerfoot,” promised Joseph. -The Indian took up his post in the tiny orchard -that the Hall family had nursed so carefully, -while the two boys went forward to examine -the ruins.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The devastation had been complete. The -smouldering pile of charred ruins alone bore -witness to the fact that a house had once stood -on the site. The two young brothers were too -completely overcome to speak for several moments. -All they could do was to stand and -look sorrowfully at the ruins of what had once -been their home.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We can’t do much here, I guess,” said Joseph -at length.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_33'>33</span>“No,” replied Robert, choking back a sob. -“It looks as though Black Hawk and his band -have made a good job of it.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“In those ruins,” went on Joseph bitterly, -“undoubtedly lie the bodies of our father and -mother and our two sisters. Just think of it; -at this time yesterday they were alive and -happy. Now they are all dead, burned up by -the flames of their own home and no doubt their -scalps have been taken, just as Deerfoot took -the scalp of that Indian in the woods this -morning.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well,” exclaimed Robert, “one thing is sure -and that is that I shall never rest until I have -avenged their deaths. From now on I swear -enmity to Black Hawk and all his tribe. I’ll -have revenge or die in the attempt. That much -I’m certain of.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Look there!” said Joseph. “They didn’t -even spare Shep.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>A few feet away lay the body of a collie dog, -a bullet through his brain. Shep, the playmate -and faithful friend of the Hall family, one that -had shared their fortunes uncomplainingly, -whether they were good or bad, had also fallen -a victim to the blood lust of the hostile redmen.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_34'>34</span>“We’ll avenge Shep too,” exclaimed Robert -earnestly. “Come on, Joe! We can’t do any -good here and we are probably in danger too. -Let’s find Deerfoot and get out of here as fast -as we can.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where are we going to go?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I haven’t an idea. I haven’t thought that -far. All I know is I want to get away from -here. The other settlers ought to be warned -too before the same thing happens to them that -has happened to our family.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“All right,” agreed Joseph. “Let’s find Deerfoot -and go somewhere. I don’t care much -where it is either.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>When he saw the two brothers approaching -to meet him Deerfoot hastened toward -them.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Must hurry,” he exclaimed. “I think Black -Hawk come soon.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Not even asking where he intended to go, -Joseph and Robert followed Deerfoot and in a -half-dazed condition walked beside him. To be -made orphans as suddenly and as unexpectedly -as these two boys had been, would be a shock -to anyone and both young frontiersmen felt -their loss keenly.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_35'>35</span>They made their way across the clearing and -were just about to enter the woods when from -behind them came the sharp bark of a rifle. A -bullet sang above their heads and buried itself -in a nearby tree.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_36'>36</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER IV<br /> <span class='large'>A HIDDEN RETREAT</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c011'>Neither Joseph nor Robert nor Deerfoot -stopped to see who it was that had fired -at them. Without a word they plunged quickly -in among the trees and once again started on a -race for their lives. From behind them came -the faint sounds of the war whoops, which only -served to increase the speed of the three -fugitives.</p> - -<p class='c007'>They had baffled and eluded their pursuers -the night previous, but could they do it again? -That was the thought uppermost in the minds -of the three hunted men who were once more -closely pressed by their enemies. Certainly -they intended to do their utmost.</p> - -<p class='c007'>No sounds reached them from behind now, -but this did not mean that their foes had given -up the chase. The two brothers and their Indian -<span class='pageno' id='Page_37'>37</span>friend realized that this time it was to be a -race to a finish. Black Hawk and his band had -been foiled once and consequently it would be -all the harder to escape them the second time. -The three fugitives knew that their enemies -would keep up the pursuit until the race was -definitely settled.</p> - -<p class='c007'>On and on Deerfoot led the way until they -emerged from the woods onto the open prairie. -There was an open space, at least a mile wide -here, bordered on both sides by the forest and -directly out upon this Deerfoot sped.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“They’ll see us here surely, Deerfoot,” panted -Joseph. “We’ll be in plain sight and they can -easily shoot us down.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Follow Deerfoot,” came the short, sharp reply, -and neither Joseph nor his brother offered -any more objections.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Deerfoot did not go far from the shelter of -the trees, however. He ran perhaps twenty-five -or thirty yards from the border of the forest -and then turned abruptly to his left. The -ground was hard here and the trail as a consequence -difficult to follow. Deerfoot kept on in -this new course perhaps fifty yards more and -then made another sharp turn to his left. This -<span class='pageno' id='Page_38'>38</span>brought them back toward the woods once -more.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Both boys now saw Deerfoot’s plan. He was -doubling on his tracks. The ground on the -prairie was hard and along the surface of the -earth ran a vein of solid rock. It would be -almost impossible to follow a trail there, at -least with any degree of speed, and Deerfoot -had counted upon that as an aid. He hoped to -gain a few precious moments by his strategy.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Safe within the shelter of the forest, once -more the wily Pottowattomie called a halt. The -three fugitives crouched behind the shelter of -a bush and gazed eagerly out across the prairie. -They were all out of wind and a chance to regain -their lost breath was heartily welcomed.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Think we’ve thrown them off the trail?” -whispered Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No for long,” replied Deerfoot quietly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>As he spoke an Indian bounded out of the -woods, closely followed by several more. They -all stopped and looked about them in a puzzled -manner, and as more of their companions at -that time joined them, a hasty consultation was -held. They gesticulated and pointed in all directions, -evidently at a loss what to do next. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_39'>39</span>One of them pointed to the woods beyond the -prairie, but evidently the others did not think -their quarry could have gained enough ground -to have reached that shelter.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Come,” said Deerfoot, slinking away. “They -find our trail soon.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No. Let’s not waste any time,” agreed Robert, -and once more the flight was resumed. -Soon they came to a brook. Into this Deerfoot -plunged without any hesitation and began making -his way down stream as fast as he was able. -The two brothers followed closely behind, and, -imitating their guide, they jumped from rock -to rock when such a course was possible, and -at other times they waded in the shallow waters -of the stream. This was another trick to throw -their pursuers off the trail. Evidently Deerfoot -was using all his skill and cunning.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Down the stream they went for at least a -third of a mile before Deerfoot decided to try -the solid earth again. At a small rocky beach -they left the brook and struck out through the -woods once more. A short time later he once -more entered the brook and went ashore on -the opposite side. He was doubling on their -tracks continually, and certainly no one but a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_40'>40</span>skilled Indian could follow the course he was -leading.</p> - -<p class='c007'>After a further flight they came to Fox River. -Along its shores were marshes overhung with -willows. From underneath one of these Deerfoot -drew a canoe, skillfully hidden in the -rushes, and a few moments later the three fugitives -were seated in this frail craft, paddling -swiftly down the stream.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We fool them, I think,” said Deerfoot -grimly. “We fool Black Hawk, all right. He -no catch us now.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I hope you’re right,” exclaimed Joseph fervently. -“I know I should hate to have him -catch us.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ve gotten so I don’t much care what happens,” -said Robert, speaking with difficulty.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why, what’s the matter?” inquired his -brother.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m so tired and so hungry, I feel as if it -didn’t make much difference what becomes of -us. Our family is all gone and what’s the use?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Don’t talk like that,” protested Joseph. -“Weren’t you the one who was swearing vengeance -only a couple of hours ago?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I know it,” admitted Robert mournfully. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_41'>41</span>“Just think, though, we didn’t have any sleep -last night and we have had no food since yesterday -sometime. I can’t keep this up much -longer.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Deerfoot know where food is,” exclaimed the -Indian. “We be there soon. Also can sleep -too.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>He had but little sympathy with Robert’s -complaints. It was a part of his training, and -was bred in the blood of every Indian youth, -to endure what came and not grumble. Whether -he encountered good or bad fortune his attitude -was the same and he always looked with -contempt at what he considered the weakness -of the white people if they complained of their -sufferings or misfortunes. He was intensely -fond of both Joseph and Robert, however, and -he did not hold them personally responsible for -what he regarded as a grave fault. In his heart -he blamed their race.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Thank goodness,” ejaculated Robert in response -to Deerfoot’s statement. “Food and -sleep are the two things I want most of all -right now.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I need them too,” said Joseph. “I think, -however, that our hardships have just begun. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_42'>42</span>That is, if we meant what we said this morning -about avenging our family. I know I meant -it anyway.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“So did I,” exclaimed Robert. “I didn’t mean -to be a baby just now and it won’t happen again. -Here, Deerfoot, let me paddle.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No. Deerfoot paddle,” replied the Indian -quietly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>His manner immediately changed toward -Robert, however, as he saw a revival of spirit -in the boy. It was never his custom openly to -rebuke either of his young friends. He set an -example and took it for granted that the -brothers would follow it. He was immensely -proud of his young pupils, for it was in this -light that he regarded them, and stoical as he -was he could not always hide his feelings.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Down the narrow stream they went about -two miles. Here the channel became lost in a -huge swamp, a place that had always been a -mystery and an attraction to the two brothers. -They had never explored the swamp to any -extent, however, for they invariably lost their -bearings when they entered it and experienced -difficulty in finding their way out. The channel -of Fox River was easily discerned and not hard -<span class='pageno' id='Page_43'>43</span>to follow, but Deerfoot soon left the channel -and bore off to his left.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The reeds and rushes grew high in the swamp. -Great overhanging trees shut out the sun and -made the place dark and gloomy. Here and -there muskrat houses appeared and more than -once these ratlike denizens of the marshes -could be seen hastening to cover at the approach -of the canoe. Everything was so still that it -had a pronounced effect on the three men in -the canoe, as they wound their way in and out -along the narrow waterways.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Deerfoot seemed perfectly sure of his course -and did not once hesitate as he skillfully maneuvered -the frail craft through the swamp. -In absolute silence they progressed, the hoarse -croak of a heron disturbed by their approach -being the only sound to break the stillness.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The narrow channel suddenly turned sharply -to the right and a small lagoon appeared before -the eyes of the three fugitives. In the center -of the little lake was an island about a hundred -feet square and heavily wooded.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There place,” said Deerfoot calmly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Can we land there?” questioned Robert -doubtfully. “It looks pretty swampy to me.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_44'>44</span>“No swamp in middle,” replied the Indian.</p> - -<p class='c007'>A few powerful strokes of the paddle brought -them to the shore of the tiny island. Beneath -the low hanging branches of a great willow tree -they glided and a moment later stepped ashore. -Deerfoot carefully drew the canoe out of the -water and concealed it behind the screen of a -heavy growth of bushes.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The ground was wet and marshy near the -shore, but a few yards farther inland it rose -abruptly, affording a firm, dry footing. Robert -and Joseph followed Deerfoot as he led the -way to the very center of the island. Here -was a log hut, only a few feet high and carefully -hidden by vines which had grown until -they entirely covered the building. A narrow -window afforded fresh air and a scanty supply -of light.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The Indian stooped and unfastened the low -door. Then on his hands and knees he crawled -inside, closely followed by the two young pioneers. -To say they were surprised to find this -retreat would be stating the case mildly. -Never a word had Deerfoot ever spoken of this -island or the hut upon it and neither of the -boys had ever suspected that such a place was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_45'>45</span>located within only a few miles of their own -home.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Just think how many times we have passed -this place and yet we’ve never known a thing -about it,” remarked Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, I should say so,” exclaimed Robert. -They were seated on the hard earthen floor of -the tiny house, interestedly examining every -detail of their shelter and hiding place. Robert’s -fatigue and hunger had entirely given way -to his interest in his new surroundings. When -Deerfoot produced dried venison and corn from -a stone closet in one corner, however, these two -feelings soon returned.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Food,” said the Indian shortly, offering the -provender to the two young brothers. “Then -sleep.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>No second invitation was needed. The two -boys grasped the food like starving men and -soon ate all that had been given them. Deerfoot -offered them no more and they both knew -better than to ask for it. If the Indian had -wished them to have more he would have given -it to them. A moment later, the food gone, -they stretched themselves at full length on the -ground, and immediately fell fast asleep.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_46'>46</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER V<br /> <span class='large'>A NEEDED REST</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c011'>How long he slept neither boy knew. Robert -was the first to awaken and for some -moments he could not remember where he was. -The last two days had been so crowded with -events that it had all seemed a confused and -horrible dream to the young frontiersman. He -rubbed his eyes and sat up, bewildered by his -strange surroundings.</p> - -<p class='c007'>For some time he sat still, trying to recall -where he was and what had brought him to -this place. He looked about him and the sight -of his brother Joseph stretched upon the ground -by his side suddenly brought a remembrance -of his recent experiences to his mind. He -stretched himself and yawned audibly. At -the sound Joseph stirred and opened his -eyes.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_47'>47</span>“Hello, Bob,” he said drowsily. “Where -are we?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s just what I was trying to think a -moment ago,” replied Robert. “I know now -though. We’re on Deerfoot’s island in the -middle of the swamp.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Sure enough,” exclaimed Joseph, sitting up. -“Where’s Deerfoot?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ve no idea. I just woke up.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What time is it?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t know. It’s broad daylight outside -though.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It must be afternoon then,” said Joseph. -“We arrived here sometime in the forenoon, I -think.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, I know we did. I don’t think it’s afternoon -though.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why not?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Because I feel very much rested. I think -it must be tomorrow morning, if you understand -what I mean by that remark.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You mean we’ve slept nearly all day, and -all night, too, I suppose.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes,” said Robert. “That’s exactly what I -mean.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Impossible.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_48'>48</span>“Not at all. That would only bring us up to -our average anyway.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Joseph made his way to the window and -looked out. “Perhaps you’re right,” he agreed. -“It does look sort of like early morning outside.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Don’t you think we ought to find Deerfoot?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We might look for him anyway. Let’s go -out.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>They crawled out through the low door and -after scanning the landscape for possible signs -of an enemy both stood up. Deerfoot was nowhere -to be seen.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Let’s look for the canoe,” suggested Robert. -“If that is gone, Deerfoot is with it somewhere.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>They walked quickly to the place where the -canoe had been hidden, but it was not to be -found.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where do you suppose he has gone?” demanded -Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ve no idea. Scouting, I guess.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I hope nothing happens to him,” exclaimed -Joseph. “Suppose he should be killed. We’d -be left in a nice fix; on an island in the middle -of a swamp we know nothing about, and with -no boat to take us off.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_49'>49</span>“Don’t worry about anything happening to -Deerfoot,” said Robert confidently. “He’ll be -back here safe and sound before long.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I hope you’re right. Let’s go back to the -hut and wait there.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>A few moments later the boys seated themselves -in front of the little log cabin. They -sat where the sun would shine directly upon -them, for the early morning air was cold. They -took especial care, however, to select a place -where they would not be exposed to the view -of any chance passerby. They knew enough -about Indians to realize that one can never be -too careful when attempting to remain hidden -from them. An Indian will see the smoke of a -camp fire for miles distant; the slightest noise -will alarm him, and a trail is an open book for -him to read.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Do you suppose Black Hawk and his band -could trace us here?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I doubt it,” said Joseph in response to his -brother’s query. “They might have followed -our trail up to the spot where we took the -canoe. I don’t see how any human being could -track us to this island though. If we are discovered -it will only be by luck.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_50'>50</span>Though hidden from the sight of passersby, -the two boys were in a position where they -could see all that occurred on the lagoon. As -his brother finished speaking Robert half rose -to his feet.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Look!” he exclaimed.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’s Deerfoot,” said Joseph, gazing in the -direction Robert indicated.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Across the lagoon sped the canoe, propelled -by the expert paddle of the Pottowattomie. A -moment later Deerfoot landed, drew the canoe -ashore and approached the cabin door where -the boys were seated. In one hand he held a -string of perch and in the other he carried a -duck.</p> - -<p class='c007'>What the two brothers both noticed at once, -however, was the fact that from his belt now -dangled two scalps where the day previous there -had been but one. Neither boy dared ask an -explanation, however, for they knew that if -Deerfoot cared to tell of his exploit he would -do so voluntarily. Questions would have no -effect upon him other than to make him angry, -for curiosity as to other people’s affairs was -always regarded by an Indian as very bad -breeding.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_51'>51</span>“Boys sleep long,” said Deerfoot, when he -had come to the place where they were seated.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, Deerfoot,” agreed Joseph. “We were -very tired.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Me catch fish and duck,” said the Indian.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“So we see,” laughed Joseph. “How did you -do it?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Fish with hook. Duck with snare. How -you s’pose?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I didn’t know,” replied Joseph meekly. He -considered Deerfoot’s reply a rebuke, for evidently -the Indian took it for granted that he -should know how the game had been captured. -The Pottowattomie did not care for useless -questions.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Did you see anything of Black Hawk?” -asked Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No see him,” replied Deerfoot, who at once -began the work of cleaning the fish he had -caught. Robert asked no more questions and -as Deerfoot did not offer to tell how he had -captured the second scalp, the matter was evidently -closed, at least for the present. Both -boys were burning with curiosity, but to no -purpose. Some day perhaps, if Deerfoot felt -so inclined, he would tell them all about his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_52'>52</span>exploit, but this he apparently did not consider -the proper time to do so.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How long do you expect to stay here, Deerfoot?” -inquired Joseph after several moments -of silence. The Indian was cleaning the last -fish and he made no reply until he had finished. -The task did not consume much time, however, -for the Pottowattomie was an expert in this -art. He laid the fish upon a flat stone with -the others, wiped his knife clean and then answered -Joseph’s question.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We leave tonight,” he said.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where are we going?” demanded Joseph -and Robert in one breath.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Dixon’s Ferry.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Dixon’s Ferry!” exclaimed Joseph. “Why, -that’s a long distance from here.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I know,” agreed Deerfoot. “We go there. -Soldiers there, too.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Is that so?” cried Joseph in surprise. “You -mean soldiers sent against Black Hawk?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes,” said the Indian. “Governor Reynolds -send soldiers.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How do you know all this?” inquired Robert -doubtfully.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Me know,” replied Deerfoot shortly. He -<span class='pageno' id='Page_53'>53</span>did not like to have his statements questioned, -and immediately lapsed into silence. He ignored -any further remarks on the subject made -by either of the brothers, and busied himself -in his preparations for the meal.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He quickly brought dried birch logs from -inside the cabin and a moment later had a -cheerful fire blazing. The wood he used did -not smoke, so that any danger on that score -was removed. As soon as the fire was well -under way he seized the captured duck, holding -it by its head with one hand and by its feet -with the other. A moment later all of its -feathers were singed off by the fire and he -soon had the wild fowl skillfully prepared for -cooking.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Before long a splendid bed of coals had collected -and in these Deerfoot placed the fish. -The duck he spitted on a sharp stick and soon -the savory smell of cooking food reminded the -young pioneers how hungry they were. When -the perch were done they were rolled in corn -meal and quickly disappeared down the throats -of the three fugitives. When the duck was -eaten and the fire extinguished they settled back -against the side of the cabin, feeling very much -<span class='pageno' id='Page_54'>54</span>at peace with the world, in spite of their precarious -position.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not dark for long while,” said Deerfoot. -“Boys better sleep.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What?” exclaimed Joseph. “You don’t -think we can sleep all the time, do you? I feel -as if I never wanted to sleep again.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You feel different tomorrow maybe.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That may be so, but I can’t sleep now, that’s -sure. How do you feel, Bob?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Entirely slept out,” replied Robert, his remark -followed by a yawn, however.</p> - -<p class='c007'>All three lapsed into silence while they -scanned the surrounding landscape and wished -for the coming of night. The quiet of the -swamp was undisturbed save for the occasional -call of a wild fowl or a splash caused by the -jump of a fish. The wind blowing gently -through the trees and rushes furnished a -drowsy hum as a background to the other -noises. As far as one could judge from appearances -in the swamp, all the world was at -peace. Little would anyone suspect that the -three men on the tiny island had been forced -to seek that refuge because of hostile Indians.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_55'>55</span>“Where is Black Hawk’s village?” asked Joseph -suddenly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where Rock River meet Mississippi,” replied -Deerfoot. “That was his village.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why do you say <i>was</i>?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“White people take it away from him,” said -Deerfoot.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Is that why he’s fighting?” inquired Joseph. -“If they stole his village, then I don’t blame -him.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Don’t forget this though,” exclaimed Robert -hotly. “The Whites may have cheated the -Indians lots of times, but just the same the -Sacs signed a treaty to move across the Mississippi, -and they have refused to go. At any -rate nothing can excuse their killing our family. -We did nothing to Black Hawk or any -of his people and I intend to get even if I can. -How can the country ever expect to be settled -if the people are liable to be murdered at any -moment?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s true,” agreed Joseph. “It’s hard to -blame Black Hawk from his point of view -though. He probably thinks he’s entitled to all -this land and that every white settler is a thief -who is trying to steal from him.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_56'>56</span>“Black Hawk isn’t the head of his tribe anyway,” -continued Robert. “Keokuk is the big -chief, isn’t he, Deerfoot?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That right,” grunted the Indian. “Black -Hawk the war chief. He fighter.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“All Pottowattomies are fighters, aren’t -they?” said Robert, at the same time covertly -nudging Joseph as he spoke. Deerfoot merely -grunted but his eyes shone at this remark of -his young white friend, and unconsciously he -felt for the two scalps at his belt. They were -not there, however, but stretched on frames, -were drying in the sun before the cabin. They -presented a gruesome sight but one from which -the brothers found difficulty in keeping their -gaze.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Both boys smiled at the pride exhibited by -Deerfoot in response to Robert’s insinuation as -to the prowess of the Pottowattomies. For -some time they lazily discussed Black Hawk -and his deeds.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Finally Deerfoot stretched himself at full -length on the ground and straightway fell -asleep. In spite of their long rest the two -brothers soon followed his example; they had -been more tired than they realized and were -<span class='pageno' id='Page_57'>57</span>soon in the land of dreams. They were awakened -by Deerfoot shaking them gently by the -shoulder. When they opened their eyes it was -dusk.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Come,” urged Deerfoot. “Time to go.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_58'>58</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER VI<br /> <span class='large'>A NEW DANGER</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c011'>Deerfoot offered the two boys dried -venison and some cakes made of corn -meal. The three fugitives partook heartily of -this simple repast and then prepared to continue -their flight. Silently and with extreme -caution they made their way to the place where -the canoe lay hidden and a few moments later -all three embarked. The night was dark, but -this fact did not seem to trouble Deerfoot. He -wielded the paddle and with strong, sure -strokes propelled the light canoe swiftly over -the waters of the lagoon.</p> - -<p class='c007'>In a short time they were once more among -the rushes and through the narrow waterways -Deerfoot paddled the frail craft as confidently -as a man might walk down the street of some -familiar town. Joseph and Robert crouched -<span class='pageno' id='Page_59'>59</span>low in the canoe, made no sound, but constantly -marveled at the skill of their Indian friend, -who so easily found his way in the marshes.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Presently they emerged from the swamp into -the main channel of the river. As close to the -shore as possible Deerfoot steered his course -and now did scarcely more than guide the -canoe; he allowed the current to carry them -along. Although it was somewhat sluggish -here, the Indian seemed to be content with the -speed they were making. So quietly did the -canoe drift down the stream and so dark was -the night that an observer from the shore -might easily have mistaken the ghostlike object -for a floating log.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The motion of the canoe was so soothing and -all about them everything seemed so quiet and -peaceful that the two brothers almost forgot -the danger they were in, and had nearly fallen -asleep again when the grating of the bow on -a sandy beach quickly aroused them.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Out here,” whispered Deerfoot.</p> - -<p class='c007'>A moment later the canoe had been hauled -ashore and hidden, and without further delay -Joseph and Robert followed their Indian guide -as he struck out through the woods.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_60'>60</span>On the river the night had seemed dark, but -in the woods it was pitchy black. The great -overhanging trees shut out whatever feeble -light the stars might give, so that the forest -was inky dark. As a consequence progress was -very slow. Deerfoot did not even for a moment -relax his caution; the three fugitives -proceeded one behind the other and so close -that they could almost touch one another. -Speed was sacrificed to quietness and as a consequence -it required the better part of an hour -to traverse this strip of woods, though it was -only a half-mile wide.</p> - -<p class='c007'>At last they emerged from the shelter of the -forest onto the prairie. Far ahead of them it -stretched like the waters of a huge lake, apparently -boundless in its extent. Bushes -formed the only cover on this vast expanse of -level country and both Joseph and Robert -could not help wondering what they should do -if their enemies should discover them while -they were crossing this plain. There was no -choice, however, if they wished to reach Dixon’s -Ferry, and the chance must be taken.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Soon their progress was more rapid. Swiftly -they walked and as the moon broke from behind -<span class='pageno' id='Page_61'>61</span>a cloud its rays made the three figures -look like ghosts, as, bending low, they hurried -forward on their perilous journey. Mile after -mile they covered and scarcely a word had been -spoken since they left Deerfoot’s hut on the -island in the swamp. Finally, however, the -Indian called a halt.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We rest here,” he exclaimed, pointing to a -clump of bushes nearby as he spoke.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Good,” said Joseph heartily. “That was a -fast pace, Deerfoot.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Huh,” grunted the Indian. “Must hurry.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Are we going to travel all day, too?” inquired -Robert. He had sunk to the ground as -soon as their march had ceased, and now, -stripped of his gun, he lay at full length upon -the earth.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No,” said Deerfoot in response to Robert’s -question. “We stay Scott’s today.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Scott’s!” exclaimed Robert. “Where is -that?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“On prairie,” replied Deerfoot. “You know -Scott’s.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I do,” said Joseph, turning to his brother -as he spoke. “Don’t you remember that family -that stopped at our house about five or six -<span class='pageno' id='Page_62'>62</span>years ago, Bob? They had come from Virginia -and we heard later that they had settled out -on the prairie here. You must remember -them.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I sort of recall something about them,” -agreed Robert. “How far from here is their -house, Deerfoot?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Six miles.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’ll reach there early in the morning then, -won’t we?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Daylight,” said Deerfoot. “We stay here -half-hour, then go on again.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“When ought we to reach Dixon’s Ferry?” -asked Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Tomorrow, mebbe. Mebbe next day,” -grunted Deerfoot, and rolling over on his back -the Indian immediately fell asleep.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Look at that,” exclaimed Joseph. “He is -just like a dog and can go to sleep whenever -he feels like it. I wish I could do it.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’s all practice,” said Robert. “Deerfoot -has been trained to it all his life and that’s -why he can do it now.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, you and I had better try to rest, too,” -said Joseph, as he stretched himself on the -ground beside Deerfoot.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_63'>63</span>“Suppose we all go to sleep and no one wakes -up in a half an hour?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Don’t worry about that. Deerfoot will wake -up all right.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The brothers lapsed into silence but they -did not sleep. They had had more rest than -Deerfoot recently and were not in such need -of sleep as was their guide. In addition, the -ground was hard and lumpy, and no matter -which way they adjusted themselves it seemed -as if some particularly hard bump was immediately -underneath them. The ground was -hard and the grass was dry, for but little rain -had fallen recently, and this fact only served -to make their beds more uncomfortable. They -obtained some rest, however, and were ready -to start again when Deerfoot gave the word.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He opened his eyes presently and sat up. A -moment later he sprang to his feet, while the -two brothers quickly followed his example.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Wind blow now,” grunted Deerfoot.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It is freshening,” agreed Joseph. “It’s -right in our faces too.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was at least two hours before the dawn -when they once more resumed their march. -The wind blowing over the prairie was cool in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_64'>64</span>their faces and sweet with the odor of grass -and the earth. Soon they would come to the -Scott’s home where they were confident that -they would be heartily welcomed and furnished -with a sumptuous meal. Perhaps the Scotts -would join them in their flight to Dixon’s -Ferry; at any rate they could be warned of -the presence of warlike Indians in the vicinity. -These and similar thoughts occupied the minds -of the two brothers as they hurried on their way.</p> - -<p class='c007'>They had covered perhaps five of the six -miles when Deerfoot suddenly stopped. He -bent slightly forward as if he was listening to -something, and imitating him Joseph and Robert -both listened intently. No sound came to -them, however, but evidently the case was different -with Deerfoot. For some moments he -remained in a listening attitude, and then -turned to his young friends.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“War whoop,” he said quietly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What!” exclaimed Joseph and Robert together.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“War whoop,” repeated Deerfoot. “Black -Hawk kill Scotts.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Are you sure?” demanded Joseph. “Are -you sure you hear war whoops?”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_65'>65</span>“Ugh,” grunted Deerfoot.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“This is terrible!” cried Joseph. “It seems -as if we ought to have warned them. What -shall we do?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How could we have warned them?” demanded -Robert. “We’d have been killed ourselves -if we had tried to get here any sooner.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But what shall we do?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t know. Ask Deerfoot.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The first faint streaks of dawn were now -lighting up the sky. Little by little objects -began to be distinguishable and as Joseph -turned to Deerfoot for an answer to his question, -the Indian pointed to something he saw -in the distance. Both boys instantly gazed in -the direction he indicated.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What is it?” demanded Joseph in a low -voice.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Smoke.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Sure enough,” cried Robert. “I see it. -They are burning the Scotts’ house just as they -burned ours. They’re probably all dead by -now.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Deerfoot was evidently uneasy. He shifted -from one foot to the other and glanced about -him as if he was undecided what to do next. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_66'>66</span>The three fugitives simply stood and gazed at -the distant column of smoke.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You can smell the smoke now,” exclaimed -Robert suddenly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes,” agreed Joseph. “The wind is coming -this way.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“So fire,” said Deerfoot.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What do you mean by that?” asked Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Fire come this way, too.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How will it?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Prairie burn,” said Deerfoot quietly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Do you think the prairie will catch on fire?” -demanded Joseph in alarm. “Do you think it -is dry enough?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The two young pioneers gazed anxiously -across the level plain to the place where the -fire was raging. They knew the horrors of a -prairie fire and they had no desire to be caught -in the midst of one.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Sure prairie dry,” grunted Deerfoot.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’d better leave here as fast as we can -then, hadn’t we?” exclaimed Joseph, now fully -alarmed. As he spoke they could see the fire -suddenly spring up all about the former home -of the Scotts. Fanned by the ever freshening -breeze it made its way swiftly along the ground -<span class='pageno' id='Page_67'>67</span>and gathering power as it ran, leaped into flame -and started on its mad career.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Come,” said Deerfoot, and he turned about -and ran. The smell of smoke was now strong -in their nostrils and this new foe, much more -deadly than the former ones, inspired the fugitives -with a fear that seemed almost to put -wings on their feet. A deer suddenly passed -them, wide-eyed and snorting with fright; -close behind it sped two gray wolves, the fact -that the deer was their quarry apparently -being forgotten in the fear of a common peril.</p> - -<p class='c007'>To escape by running around the fire was -out of the question. It not only traveled -straight ahead, but as it came it continually -widened its scope, the wall of flame and smoke -growing broader and broader with every moment -that passed.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The three men ran as they never had run -before. Behind them roared the racing fire, -the noise striking terror to the heart of every -living thing within hearing distance. Side by -side ran men and animals, their ancient enmities -forgotten, everyone aware of the fact -that a foe more powerful than any of them was -at their backs. Water was what they all sought, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_68'>68</span>and unless they could reach it before the fire -did they were lost.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Neither Joseph nor Robert knew of any -water nearer than the stream they had left the -evening before. It was out of the question to -think of gaining that. Perhaps Deerfoot knew -of some lake or pond on the prairie. At any -rate he could not stop to say so now, and meanwhile -the fire raged behind them, ever nearer -and constantly increasing in fury.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_69'>69</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER VII<br /> <span class='large'>A NARROW ESCAPE</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c011'>The heat from the fire now reached the fleeing -men. All the animals had far outdistanced -them in their flight and these three were -left behind to continue the race. There was no -doubt that the fire was gaining on them -rapidly. The air about them was full of -smoke which choked and at times nearly -strangled the three fugitives. As far as either -Joseph or Robert could see, there was no place -of refuge ahead of them and both boys were -now fully convinced that escape was well nigh -impossible. They were determined to die fighting, -however, and to keep going until the very -last.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Joseph glanced behind him as he ran. As he -caught a glimpse of the great wall of smoke and -flame he could not help thinking, even in this -<span class='pageno' id='Page_70'>70</span>moment of extreme peril, of the pictures he -used to see in the fairy books. The prairie fire -he likened to the great dragons that always -guarded the ancient treasures. Flame and -smoke always issued from their mouths and -nostrils, and so tortured was the boy’s mind -that he suddenly gained the impression that he -was being pursued by one of these dragons. -Could he escape the ravenous beast? That was -the question.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Like a race horse, the fire galloped forward -over the prairie. The air was now filled with -sparks, while the roar of the seething conflagration -grew ever louder in the ears of the fleeing -men. Ahead of them, perhaps a quarter of a -mile, appeared a row of bushes, and toward this -spot Deerfoot seemed to be making his way. -Just why he did this neither Robert nor Joseph -knew, but they followed blindly the lead of their -guide.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Robert was wondering if by any miracle they -could escape the awful peril now almost at their -heels. Joseph was bent on escaping the dragon -roaring behind them, and somehow he felt that -if they could reach the clump of bushes they -would be safe. Why he felt this way he could -<span class='pageno' id='Page_71'>71</span>not have explained. They were now within two -hundred yards of the bushes, while the fire was -not more than twice that distance behind them. -The three fugitives were almost exhausted and -the fire traveled with at least double the speed -that they could make. Consequently the race -was an even one.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Neither boy had discarded his rifle. It was -almost second nature for a frontiersman to cling -to his gun and these two boys were no exception -to the rule. Grimly they hung on to their -rifles, and stumbling now and then, they still -plunged blindly forward. Nearer and nearer -they came to the bushes; closer and closer swept -the fire. “Can we reach the bushes?” thought -Robert, and “Can we escape the dragon?” Joseph -kept repeating again and again to himself.</p> - -<p class='c007'>A hundred yards in back of them roared the -flames. Scarcely forty yards ahead were the -bushes. They were almost enveloped by the -smoke and sparks now and it was hard to see -clearly. Robert obtained a glimpse of what he -took to be a gully just the other side of the -bushes. To Joseph’s distorted vision appeared -a moat with a castle on the opposite side; a -guard stood at the portcullis ready to let it fall. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_72'>72</span>Could he slip through before the dragon seized -him?</p> - -<p class='c007'>Just in front of the two brothers was Deerfoot. -By words, lost in the roar of the fire, -and by gestures he urged the boys on. Their -eyes smarted from the smoke and their hearts -and lungs seemed to have reached the bursting -point, so great was the strain placed upon them. -Blindly they staggered forward, their rifles still -clutched firmly in their hands. They could see -the bushes dimly, only a few steps in front of -them now, while the fire seemed almost at their -side.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Neither boy knew just why he was striving -so hard to reach this row of bushes. What protection -could they afford? They were determined -to reach this spot, however, and with one -last supreme effort they forced their lagging -feet forward. They could feel the bushes -brush their clothes as they came among them, -and then the earth seemed suddenly to give way -under their feet and they plunged forward -headlong.</p> - -<p class='c007'>After a space of time that might have been -minutes, or days for that matter, as far as he -at the moment was able to estimate passing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_73'>73</span>time, Joseph opened his eyes, for he had lost -consciousness when he fell. He was lying flat -on his back while Deerfoot and Robert splashed -water in his face.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where is the dragon?” he exclaimed, trying -to rise.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What dragon?” asked Robert, smiling at his -brother’s remark.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why, the dragon that chased us of course.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You mean the fire, I guess.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It was a fire after all, wasn’t it?” exclaimed -Joseph dazedly. “Somehow I got the idea into -my head that it was a dragon. I guess I was -out of my head.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, that fire was much worse than a -dragon or any other animal that ever lived,” -said Robert feelingly. “I tell you we had a -narrow escape.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where are we anyway?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Get up and look for yourself, if you feel -strong enough.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Slowly and with difficulty Joseph raised himself -to his feet. Glancing about him he discovered -that they were resting near the bank of a -small stream on both sides of which the ground -rose abruptly ten or twelve feet. So this was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_74'>74</span>the place to which Deerfoot had led them. How -lucky it was that their Indian friend had been -familiar enough with the country to know of -this place of refuge. As if in a dream Joseph -passed his hand across his forehead. It was -wet and glancing at his fingers he discovered -that they were covered with blood.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What happened to me?” he demanded.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You cut your head on a sharp stone when -you fell,” explained Robert. “It’s only a scalp -wound though and will soon heal up.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where is the fire?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It jumped this gully, just after we jumped -into it,” laughed Robert. “You can hear it -roaring on across the prairie now.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where’s my gun?” exclaimed Joseph suddenly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There,” said Robert, pointing to Deerfoot. -“Your gun landed in the water and Deerfoot -rescued it for you.” The Indian was busily engaged -in cleaning and drying Joseph’s rifle, but -as Robert spoke he looked up from his task.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Gun go off,” he said quietly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What do you mean?” cried Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“See,” said Deerfoot, at the same time pointing -to his left sleeve. The Indian’s hunting -<span class='pageno' id='Page_75'>75</span>shirt showed a ragged hole, while on it were -spots of blood.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You mean it went off and hit you?” exclaimed -Robert. “I didn’t know that, Deerfoot. -Why didn’t you tell me?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Ugh,” grunted the Indian in his non-committal -manner.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Let me see it,” demanded Joseph in alarm -as he grasped Deerfoot by the arm and pulled -up his sleeve. The bullet had grazed the flesh -of the forearm, breaking the skin, but doing no -serious hurt.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Whew!” gasped Joseph. “It’s a lucky thing -it didn’t kill you, Deerfoot. Certainly it isn’t -my fault that you’re alive now. Why aren’t -you angry with me?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No your fault,” replied the Indian, gazing -into the eyes of his young white friend. Deerfoot, -like the rest of his race, disliked to display -his emotions if it could be avoided; but the Pottowattomie -often had a hard task to conceal -his affection for the two young brothers.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What would we ever do if we lost you?” -cried Joseph. “You’re all we have left now, -Deerfoot.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The Indian’s eyes grew moist at this remark -<span class='pageno' id='Page_76'>76</span>and he turned quickly away. He washed Joseph’s -cut and his own wound and then bound -a strip of Joseph’s shirt around the cut in his -head. He then scrambled up the side of the -gully to gaze out over the prairie.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What are we going to do now?” inquired Joseph -a few moments later when Deerfoot had -returned to the spot where the two boys were -seated.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We stay here today. Go on tonight,” replied -Deerfoot.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Isn’t it safe to travel in the daylight?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No,” answered Deerfoot. “Anyway, prairie -too hot.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s true,” exclaimed Robert. “I never -thought of that. The grass and bushes in the -path of the fire must still be smouldering. -We’d probably burn holes in our moccasins if -we started now.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Mine can’t stand much either,” said Joseph, -ruefully looking at his feet. “We’ve given -them some hard usage lately.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I should say so.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Deerfoot completed the task of cleaning Joseph’s -gun, and then holding it under his arm -he sauntered off along the bank of the stream. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_77'>77</span>“Be back soon,” he called as he disappeared -from view around a projecting corner of the -bank. The two boys now left alone, sat on the -ground and discussed their experiences and -what was ahead of them.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I wish we were at Dixon’s Ferry,” exclaimed -Robert fervently.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No more than I do,” said Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I must confess,” continued Robert, “that I -don’t like this business of traveling all night -and never knowing when an Indian may jump -out from behind some tree and tomahawk me.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well,” said Joseph, “when we reach Dixon’s -Ferry we’ll be all right. I wonder how many -troops are there and what they intend to do?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ve no idea. We’ll know when we get -there.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If that ever happens.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You’re getting as bad as I am,” laughed Robert. -“Let’s not be so discouraged. Deerfoot -will bring us through all right.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Do you think he knows what is going on at -Dixon’s Ferry?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t know. He wouldn’t tell us if he did.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Evidently the Indians must have been causing -trouble for some time,” remarked Joseph. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_78'>78</span>“Otherwise the governor wouldn’t have sent -soldiers after them as soon as this.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s right, I guess,” Robert agreed. -“Probably that band which attacked us was only -a detachment of the main body. It was undoubtedly -the same one that burned the Scotts’ -home and started this fire, too.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Probably it was. If we ever reach Dixon’s -Ferry we’ll know it all. Do you suppose they’ll -let us enlist?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“They will if they have any volunteers. -They’ll have a hard time keeping me out, that’s -sure.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I wish—” began Joseph when the sound of -a rifle shot suddenly cut him short. Both boys -sprang to their feet in alarm. The report came -from the direction in which Deerfoot had gone -and instantly the two boys’ minds were filled -with visions of dreadful things happening to -their friend.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Bring your rifle and come along,” cried Joseph -as he began to run along the bank of the -stream. Robert was with him in an instant.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Hold back here, Joe,” he urged. “Let me -go ahead; I’ve got the gun. Take it slow, too.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Cautiously they approached the bend in the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_79'>79</span>river, Robert slightly in the lead. He was holding -his rifle ready for instant use and both boys -were prepared for any emergency. As they -turned in their course they spied Deerfoot. He -was approaching them, holding his rifle in one -hand and an enormous jack rabbit in the other. -He could not repress a grin of amusement as -he saw the hostile attitude of his two young -friends.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We thought you’d been attacked,” exclaimed -Joseph heaving a great sigh of relief.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Me shoot rabbit,” replied Deerfoot.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“So we see,” remarked Joseph. “Don’t you -think, though, that somebody might have heard -the shot and that it may get us into trouble?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Nobody to hear shot,” said Deerfoot. “Nobody -on prairie after fire.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I guess that’s true enough,” laughed Robert. -“I’m glad to see that old rabbit, too. I suppose -he was hiding from the fire as well as we were.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes,” said Deerfoot. “He hid. Me find -him though.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The two brothers set to work collecting such -wood as they could find in the gully and that -had escaped the flames; Deerfoot at the same -time was busily engaged in skinning the rabbit.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_80'>80</span>In a short time a fire had been kindled and the -odor of roast rabbit filled the air. The meat -was delicious, somewhat similar to chicken in -flavor, and soon only bones remained to testify -that a rabbit had once been near that spot.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Frequently Deerfoot scanned the horizon -with a watchful eye and the day was spent -in talk and rest. As darkness once more -stole over the land, Deerfoot gave the word and -again the three fugitives set out on their tramp -to Dixon’s Ferry.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_81'>81</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER VIII<br /> <span class='large'>AN INDIAN LEGEND</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c011'>Two days later they reached their destination. -The journey had been a hard one -and it was with a great feeling of relief that -the three wearied travelers entered the small -settlement on Rock River at Dixon’s Ferry. On -their way they had endured many hardships. -Driving rainstorms on the prairies had -drenched them to the skin and often they had -been forced to flounder their way through deep -marshes and swamps.</p> - -<p class='c007'>They had crossed the old Sac trail to Canada -on their journey. This tribe, years before, had -made its way into Illinois and Wisconsin -through the lower Michigan peninsula, its original -home being north of the Great Lakes. -Deerfoot explained this fact to his young -friends, who evinced much interest at the sight -<span class='pageno' id='Page_82'>82</span>of the old Indian highway. From Black -Hawk’s village on the Mississippi it ran east to -the Illinois River which it crossed several miles -north of Hennepin where the river turns almost -at right angles. Thence it led along the river -to the shores of Lake Michigan and then continued -northward into Canada.</p> - -<p class='c007'>At Dixon’s Ferry there was much bustle and -excitement. Over three hundred men were -gathered there under the command of Majors -Isaiah Stillman and David Bailey. All volunteers -they were and made a reckless, dare-devil -force. They had been resting several days -and were all impatient at the delay. They -were equipped with an abundance of ammunition -and supplies, and could see no reason why -they should not be allowed to start at once -in pursuit of Black Hawk and his band of -warriors.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The two brothers and their Pottowattomie -ally were enthusiastically received by these -men, especially so when Joseph told of the -massacre of his family, and how eager they -were to avenge it. Fresh clothes had been at -once provided for the new members of the battalion, -for they had lost no time in enlisting. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_83'>83</span>A tent was assigned to them and a hearty meal -provided.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t like this delay,” exclaimed one of the -volunteers, Walter Hood by name, to Joseph -and Robert. They were seated just outside of -the tent occupied by the two brothers and Deerfoot. -The Indian had gone off somewhere and -Hood, an old trapper, had stopped to chat with -the boys. “No sir,” he repeated. “I don’t -like this delay. I want to be on the trail of -them redskins and git the job over with.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What’s the reason for the delay?” inquired -Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’re waiting for more soldiers, that’s what -it is. There’s a whole lot of them on their way -here now, and they ought to reach here at almost -any minute. I wish we could go along -without ’em.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How many soldiers are on their way here, -Mr. Hood?” asked Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Sixteen hundred or so, but don’t you call me -Mister Hood. My name is ‘Walt.’ That is -what I’ve been called all my life and I don’t -intend to change now.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“All right,” laughed Robert. “I’d be very -glad to call you ‘Walt.’”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_84'>84</span>“And you, too,” exclaimed the old trapper -turning to Joseph. “I don’t want no funny -business from you either.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I swear,” agreed Joseph solemnly, at the -same time raising his right hand. “Tell us -about these troops though,” he added.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well,” said Walt, “there’s about sixteen hundred -of them as I told you. Of that number -nearly thirteen hundred is on horseback. Governor -Reynolds is with the troops, who are commanded -by Generals Atkinson and Whiteside. -All this news I got from a messenger who arrived -here this morning.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where are they coming from?” asked Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“From Fort Armstrong. That’s down on -the Mississippi you know, right close to Black -Hawk’s village and right near Rock Island, -too.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’ll have about two thousand men in a few -days then, won’t we?” exclaimed Joseph. “I -don’t believe Black Hawk has half that many, -do you?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t think so,” agreed Walt. “That’s -why I want to get started now and not wait for -the others. We’ve got enough men here now -<span class='pageno' id='Page_85'>85</span>to lick all the Indians in North America as -it is.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s the way my father used to talk,” remarked -Robert quietly. “It is a mistake to -think that way in my opinion.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Please don’t ever say such a thing before -Deerfoot, anyway,” urged Joseph. “He is one -of the finest men that ever lived and I wouldn’t -offend him for anything in the world.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ll remember that,” Walt promised. “All -Indians aren’t bad anyway,” he added so seriously -that both boys laughed.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Did you ever know any well?” asked Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, indeed. I trapped all one winter with -an Ojibway up in Canada. He was a fine fellow -and amusing, too. At night we used to sit -around our fire and smoke and once in a while -I could get him to talk. He knew all the Indian -stories and legends from start to finish and they -were mighty interesting, too.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Tell us some of them,” urged Joseph eagerly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, now,” said Walt slowly. “I don’t -know as I can remember them. Certainly I -can’t tell ’em the way he did.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That doesn’t make any difference,” exclaimed -Joseph. “Tell them as best you can -<span class='pageno' id='Page_86'>86</span>and that will be good enough for us. Isn’t that -so, Bob?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I should say so,” agreed Robert heartily. “I -love those Indian legends.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“All right then,” said Walt. “I’ll try my -best. Did you ever hear the legend of ‘The -Lone Lightning’?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Never,” cried both boys. “Tell us that -one,” urged Joseph eagerly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The old trapper filled his pipe deliberately. -When it was lighted and he had settled himself -comfortably against the trunk of a tree and -taken a few big puffs, he began his story.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Once upon a time there was a little orphan -boy. He lived with his uncle who treated him -very badly and gave him but little to eat. As -a result the boy pined away and was thin and -slight and never grew much. This treatment -went on for a long time and finally the uncle -pretended to be greatly ashamed of the way -he had abused his nephew. He commenced to -feed the boy all he could eat in order to fatten -him and to make up for the hard usage he had -received. The uncle’s real plan, however, was -to kill the boy by overfeeding him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He told his wife to give the boy plenty of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_87'>87</span>bear’s meat, especially the fat, as that was supposed -to be the best part. They used to force -food on the boy and one day they nearly choked -him to death by trying to cram it down his -throat. The boy finally escaped from the lodge, -however, and fled into the woods. He did not -know his way about and soon got lost. Night -fell and the boy was afraid. He climbed high -into the branches of a tall pine tree so that the -wild animals could not reach him and while up -there he fell asleep. While he was asleep he -had a dream.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“A person appeared to him from the sky and -said, ‘My poor little lad, I pity you, and the bad -usage you have received from your uncle has -led me to visit you; follow me, and step in my -tracks.’ Immediately the boy awoke and he -rose up and followed his guide, mounting -higher and higher into the air until finally he -reached the sky. Here he was given twelve -arrows and told to go to the northern skies -where there was a great many manitous or -spirits whom he must try to ambush and kill.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“So the lad set out and finally came to that -part of the sky. He shot eleven of his twelve -arrows in an attempt to kill the manitous, but -<span class='pageno' id='Page_88'>88</span>he was unsuccessful. Every time he shot an -arrow there was a long and solitary streak of -lightning in the sky; then all became clear again -and not a cloud or spot could be seen. The boy -now had but one arrow left and he held this a -long time while he searched all about to spy -the manitous he was after. This was not an -easy task, however, for these manitous were -very cunning and could change their form instantly. -They feared the boy’s arrows, for they -were magic, and had been given to him by a -good spirit. They had power to kill the manitous -if only they were aimed right.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Finally the boy discovered the chief of the -manitous. He drew his last arrow, aimed it -carefully and let it fly. He had directed his -aim straight at the heart of his enemy, but before -the arrow could reach him the manitou -changed himself into a rock. Into this rock -the last magic arrow plunged deep and stuck -fast.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“‘Now your gifts are all expended,’ cried the -enraged manitou, ‘and I will make an example -of your audacity and pride of heart for lifting -your bow against me.’ So saying he suddenly -changed the boy into the ‘Nazliek-a-wa-wa-sun,’ -<span class='pageno' id='Page_89'>89</span>or Lone Lightning which anyone can see in the -northern sky even to this day.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The old trapper ceased speaking and relighted -his pipe which had gone out during the -course of his tale. Both boys remained silent -for some minutes.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That was a strange legend,” remarked Joseph -at last.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I should say so,” echoed Robert. “I liked it -though. I like all these stories of Indians and -what they believed.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“So do I,” exclaimed Walt. “Indians are a -simple-minded people in a great many ways. -Their legends mean a lot to them, too.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Tell me,” said Joseph. “What do they -mean by ‘Lone Lightning’?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The northern lights, I suppose,” answered -Walt. “At least that is what I have always -taken that story to mean. If you’ve ever seen -them you know how on clear, cold nights they -flash out all over the heavens. You see the boy’s -last arrow remained stuck in the rock, so that -the light from it will always be there. The other -eleven just vanished into space, I suppose.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“By manitou you mean a spirit, don’t you?” -inquired Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_90'>90</span>“Yes,” said Walt. “That’s just what I mean. -You see there are good spirits and evil spirits -and those up in the north were evil. The Great -Manitou is the Great Spirit whom all the Indians -worship. He is chief of all the manitous.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You know lots more legends, don’t you?” -asked Joseph eagerly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why, yes,” replied Walt, “I do know a good -many.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, we’re always willing to listen to them,” -said Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I could hear another right now,” suggested -Robert hopefully. “Would you mind very much -telling us one, Walt?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not at all, except for the fact that from the -looks of things I think perhaps our reinforcements -are arriving.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Something is happening all right!” exclaimed -Joseph excitedly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>All three immediately sprang to their feet -and hurried to the western side of the camp -whither everyone else seemed to be bound. -Everybody was excitedly calling to everybody -else and all were in high spirits at the arrival -of the troops.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Perhaps we can get started now,” said Walt -<span class='pageno' id='Page_91'>91</span>hopefully as he hurried along beside the two -boys. “Our waiting days are about over, I -guess, and within twenty-four hours I think -we’ll be on on our way up the old Rock River. -Black Hawk had better move on before we get -very far, too, I can tell you.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Everybody in the settlement was gathered -together in one spot, the center of attention being -a mud-spattered messenger who was talking -to Major Stillman. The boys could not hear -what he said but as they came closer to the -crowd the messenger turned and pointed. Over -the crest of a nearby hill suddenly appeared a -man on horseback. Then another came into -view, then another, and still another until the -whole hill was covered by the band of approaching -horsemen.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_92'>92</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER IX<br /> <span class='large'>IN CAMP</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c011'>“Just look at them!” exclaimed Joseph. -“There must be a thousand of them.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Sixteen hundred you said, didn’t you, Walt?” -inquired Robert turning to their friend as he -spoke.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not mounted, I think,” replied the trapper. -“I guess the rest are coming up the river in -boats and won’t be here for some time.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, with this crowd we ought to be able to -subdue Black Hawk all right,” exclaimed Joseph -eagerly. “Do you suppose we’ll have to -wait for the rest of the troops?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I hope not,” said Walt. “Here it is the -twelfth of May already and we should have -had the whole thing over with by this time, in -my opinion.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>As the three volunteers stood talking the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_93'>93</span>horsemen rode into camp. General Whiteside -was in command and it was soon learned that, -as Walt had said, the remainder of the force -was coming up the river under the lead of General -Atkinson. General Whiteside had previously -been in command of frontier rangers and -had earned the reputation of being a splendid -Indian fighter.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Any regulars with you?” inquired Walt of -one of the men who had just arrived.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No,” replied the men, “we’re all volunteers. -General Atkinson is following with them. He -has about four hundred regular infantry and -some three hundred volunteer footmen. He is -coming up the river by boat with cannon, provision -and most of the baggage.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“When did they start?” asked Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Three days ago; the same time we did.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“From Fort Armstrong?” Robert inquired.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes,” said the soldier. “The people on the -river are having a bad time of it, too, I’m afraid. -The water is very high and it will be hard work -to make their way against the current. There -are so many rapids, too.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Did you find the traveling bad?” Walt asked.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, quite bad. We came slowly, too, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_94'>94</span>made a stop at the Prophet’s town as well. It -was absolutely deserted.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Who is the Prophet?” questioned Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“His name is Wabokieshiek,” explained Walt. -“He is the man who has been urging Black -Hawk on all this time. You know all Indians -are superstitious and these medicine men and -prophets exert great influence.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The Prophet has been encouraging Black -Hawk to make war you mean?” inquired Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes,” Walt answered, “that’s just what he -has been doing. As I understand it he has -promised Black Hawk large reinforcements -from the Winnebagos, Pottowattomies and -Kickapoos and that when he has all their help -he will surely beat the whites.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The Prophet probably lied,” Robert exclaimed.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Of course he did,” agreed Walt. “I don’t -think that those other tribes will help the Sacs -one bit. Certainly they won’t if they learn how -many men we have here.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I know one Pottowattomie who won’t join -him anyway,” said Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Who is that?”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_95'>95</span>“Deerfoot.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“By the way, where is he?” exclaimed Joseph -suddenly. “I haven’t seen him in a long time.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Perhaps he has already joined Black Hawk,” -said Walt, and he laughed in an insinuating -manner as he spoke.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Don’t you say that!” cried Joseph hotly. -“Deerfoot is the best friend that Bob and I -have left on earth and I don’t want him slandered.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No, sir!” chimed in Robert. “If ever there -was a man more faithful than Deerfoot, I’ve -never seen him or heard of him. You may take -our word for it that he can always be counted -on.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He certainly has two loyal supporters all -right,” laughed Walt. “If you boys are so sure -he’s all right, I guess I’ll have to believe you.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You’d better,” exclaimed Joseph. “Now -let’s go look for him,” he added.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Their soldier friend had disappeared. His -horse needed care and he had gone to report at -headquarters and receive his orders. General -Whiteside’s division had but a scanty store of -supplies and were forced to depend upon those -which had been collected at Dixon’s Ferry. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_96'>96</span>Fortunately they were believed to be fully adequate.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There is a lot of feeling among our men -about joining General Whiteside, you know,” -said Walt as the three volunteers walked along.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You mean among those who were here before -he arrived?” Joseph asked.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, I don’t care much about it either. We -want to fight in our own way, and, personally, -I don’t see why we should be tied down to the -regular levies. I had hoped we’d go on without -them.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We could act as scouts or rangers,” Robert -suggested.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s just my idea,” Walt exclaimed. “We -could push on ahead and see what is going on -and act independently of the others. There are -three hundred and more of us and that seems -to me to be enough.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’ll hear something soon anyway, I guess,” -said Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I think so,” agreed Walt. “I must leave -you for a while now,” he added. “I’ll drop -around to your tent a little later.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The two brothers continued on their way. -It was an interesting and exciting experience -<span class='pageno' id='Page_97'>97</span>for them to see and feel the bustle and hustle -of a military camp and to know that they were -part of it. Horses were tethered under all the -trees, tents sprang up on all sides as if by magic, -while everywhere men were busy with the -thousand and one duties of camp life.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Soon the boys came to their own tent and -entered. Deerfoot, however, was not there and -this fact caused the brothers no little worry.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where do you suppose he is?” said Joseph -anxiously.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I wish I knew,” replied Robert. “I don’t -see how anything could happen to him right -here in camp though.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Unless there are a lot more people like Walt -who think all Indians are bad. Most of these -men do think that, too, I’m afraid. Perhaps if -they saw Deerfoot roving around here they -might lock him up or something. Someone is -almost sure to insult him.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s true,” said Robert. “Suppose we go -out and look for him. He may be in trouble -and need help.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>They stepped outside the tent, and immediately -their gaze fell upon a sight that not only -allayed their fears but made them almost dance -<span class='pageno' id='Page_98'>98</span>with delight. Deerfoot was approaching the -tent, astride the back of one horse, while he -was leading two others by their bridles. He -rode beautifully and seemed almost a part of -his mount as he cantered up to the place where -the two brothers were standing.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where did you get the horses?” cried Joseph -as Deerfoot pulled up his mount and came -to a stop in front of the tent.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Major Stillman,” said the Indian.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He gave them to you?” exclaimed Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“One for each,” replied Deerfoot.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Say,” cried Robert excitedly, “that is what -I call pretty fine! Where are the saddles -though, Deerfoot?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No more saddles,” he answered. “Me lucky -to get horses.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I should say so,” said Joseph. “What do -you want of a saddle anyway? You might -think you didn’t know how to ride a horse the -way you talk. We have bridles and a blanket. -Isn’t that enough?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It is for me. I was just asking on your account,” -and Robert winked at Deerfoot as he -spoke. Horsemanship was a part of the education -the boys had acquired from their Indian -<span class='pageno' id='Page_99'>99</span>teacher and was a lesson they had learned as -well as they had the others he had taught them. -That was saying a great deal, too, for Deerfoot -was a master who insisted that his pupils should -always learn their lessons well.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“As though I couldn’t beat you riding any -time!” retorted Joseph hotly. “I leave it to -Deerfoot to decide which is the better rider.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The question was not settled, however, for at -this moment Walt come riding up to the place -where they were standing in front of their -tent.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Those your horses?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes,” said Joseph. “Deerfoot got them for -us from Major Stillman.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Good for him,” exclaimed Walt heartily. -“I tried to get some from him myself, but he -said he had no more horses. Deerfoot must -have influence with the major.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Me get last t’ree horses,” announced Deerfoot.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s fine!” said Walt heartily. “You’ll all -need horses and need them soon, too.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What do you mean by soon?” Robert asked -curiously.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Tomorrow morning.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_100'>100</span>“What!” exclaimed the two young soldiers in -one breath.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We start after Black Hawk the first thing -tomorrow,” said Walt, smiling at the effect of -his announcement.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Deerfoot made no sign and the expression of -his face remained the same, but into his eyes -crept a light that showed he, too, was glad to -be on the trail of Black Hawk. Unconsciously -his hand fingered the knife in his belt.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Tell us about it,” urged Joseph. “Who is -going and how does it happen that we start before -General Atkinson arrives?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Only the ones who were here before General -Whiteside arrived are to go,” Walt explained. -“That means us, of course. Major Stillman is -to be in command and we are to act as a scouting -party.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Someone must have overheard what we said -this afternoon,” laughed Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Seems so, doesn’t it?” Walt agreed. “Anyhow -we’re going and I must say nothing has -pleased me so much in a long while. We’re off -at last and we won’t have all those others -bother us and interfere with our plans. I feel -just as if I was starting on a big lark.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_101'>101</span>“Tomorrow’s the thirteenth, isn’t it?” inquired -Robert solemnly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“So it is,” laughed Walt. “Don’t worry about -that though. I’m not superstitious and you -needn’t be, either. No harm will come to us -on this trip and the only results of it will be a -lot of fun for us and a few less braves for Black -Hawk.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I hope you’re right,” said Robert. “I’ve always -had a queer feeling about the thirteenth -though. I wish we weren’t going until the day -after tomorrow or were going to start tonight.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s what would just suit me,” exclaimed -Walt. “I’d like to start tonight, all right. -We won’t find Black Hawk tomorrow probably -so there will be no fighting on the thirteenth -anyway, and that will kill all the bad luck you’re -afraid of.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No, it won’t,” protested Robert. “The point -is that we start on the thirteenth. That is what -counts.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, I wouldn’t let it worry me,” laughed -Walt. “I must be off now,” he added. “I’ll -see you at daylight tomorrow.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>He slapped his horse on its flank and galloped -away. Robert and Joseph drew lots as to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_102'>102</span>which should have first choice of horses. Joseph -won and made his selection, if such a thing -was possible. The horses were both splendid -animals and apparently there was little to -choose between them. At any rate, both boys -were very well satisfied with their mounts.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Darkness was now coming on and dinner time -drew near. While the meal was being prepared -the boys watered and fed their new -mounts. Then they rubbed them down and -tethered them for the night. This done, they -quickly turned their attention to the food which -Deerfoot had prepared.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It will seem good to be the one doing the -chasing for a while, won’t it?” remarked Joseph -when their meal was over. “I was getting -sort of tired of running away all the time and -I’ll be glad to see someone else run for a -change.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, indeed,” agreed Robert heartily. “And -when we get astride those horses whoever gets -away from us will have to be pretty fast.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The Indians will be mounted too, won’t they, -Deerfoot?” inquired Joseph of their comrade.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“All ride,” grunted Deerfoot. “Good horses, -too.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_103'>103</span>“That’s all right,” said Robert confidently. -“They won’t be as good as ours and we’ll catch -them all right.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>For some time they sat and discussed what -was to happen on the morrow, and then they -prepared to turn in. A short time later they -were sound asleep, and, strange to say, both -boys dreamed of desperate encounters with -Black Hawk and his band. None of the struggles -ever came to a definite end, however, and -if such things were really to happen the next -few days would have to disclose the result of -these combats.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_104'>104</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER X<br /> <span class='large'>ON THE MARCH</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c011'>“Time to start, Bob!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The first faint streaks of light were illuminating -the eastern sky as Joseph shook his -brother and roused him from his slumbers.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“All ready,” cried Robert, wide awake at -once. Life in the woods and on the prairies -teaches one to waste little time either in going -to sleep or in getting up in the morning.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Deerfoot is looking after the horses,” said -Joseph. “As soon as we have washed we’ll be -ready for a bite of breakfast and then we must -join the others. They’ll start soon, I think.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Many of their comrades fell in with the two -boys as they made their way down to the bank -of the stream. There was much laughter and -much splashing and puffing as the men drove -the last cobwebs of sleep from their brains. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_105'>105</span>Everyone was in high spirits. They all seemed -to look upon the affair in the nature of a great -picnic, instead of actual warfare.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The two brothers could not help being affected -by the hilarity. Robert was especially -susceptible. He was more impulsive than Joseph -and was readily swayed by his ever changing -moods. One moment he was discouraged -and gloomy and then a few moments later all -his troubles were forgotten and his spirits -rose accordingly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Isn’t this fun, Joe?” he exclaimed enthusiastically, -as they stood on the shore and watched -the antics of their comrades.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It is now,” agreed Joseph, who was of a -quieter and more conservative nature. “But -how long it will continue to be fun, I don’t -know.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Don’t be so discouraged,” laughed Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m not discouraged,” said Joseph quietly. -“I can’t help but think though that some of -these men take this affair too lightly.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not at all,” Robert persisted. “Get into the -spirit of the thing and forget your troubles for -a while.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I thought you were worrying about this -<span class='pageno' id='Page_106'>106</span>being the thirteenth of the month,” observed -Joseph, a half smile on his lips.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s so,” exclaimed Robert suddenly. “I -had forgotten all about that for a moment,” -and immediately his high spirits departed and -he became quiet and thoughtful. “Let’s go -back to the tent,” he urged a moment later, -and all the way back he was silent and was -evidently troubled.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Joseph said nothing, but he was secretly -amused at the sudden change in his younger -brother. He had seen just such sudden transformations -in him before, however, and he knew -that at any moment the pendulum might swing -back and Robert become cheerful again.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Dinner ready,” announced Deerfoot, as they -came to the tent. The Indian called every meal -dinner, no matter what time of day it happened -to be.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“All right, Deerfoot,” exclaimed Robert, his -spirits reviving already at the sight of food. -“We are ready, too.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>No time was lost in disposing of the meal -the Pottowattomie had cooked and well it was -that there was no delay, for hardly had they -finished when the bugle sounded. Joseph and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_107'>107</span>Robert quickly grasped their rifles and after -assuring themselves that the guns were in -proper order and that their supply of ammunition -was sufficient, sprang upon the backs of -their horses. The animals had been used but -little recently and as a result of their good care -they were in fine fettle. It was some moments -before the two young volunteers could calm -down their mounts sufficiently to enable them -to join the others.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Finally, however, they succeeded in obtaining -control of the beasts and in company with -Deerfoot cantered to the place where the men -were forming. Nearly three hundred and fifty -there were all together and the command to -advance was soon given. Major Stillman was -at their head and they trotted out of Dixon’s -Ferry spurred on by the cheers of General -Whiteside’s men who were left behind.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Walt had now joined his two young friends -and their Indian ally. He rode side by side -with them and laughed and joked continually.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Good-bye,” he called gaily to an acquaintance, -who stood nearby. “Sorry you aren’t -going with us.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_108'>108</span>“You’re lucky dogs,” was the man’s only comment -on Walt’s remark.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s the way I feel about it myself,” exclaimed -Walt to his companions. “We’re going -out to have some fun and those poor fellows -have to stay at home. We’ll probably finish -the whole business up and not give them a -chance to do anything.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’s the thirteenth today, don’t forget that,” -warned Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Walt only laughed and soon dropped behind -to chat with some friend of his in the company. -The advance was most disorderly. No regular -formation was attempted and the men were soon -scattered and spread over a considerable space. -The only apparent plan seemed to be to follow -the course of the Rock River and this was done, -each man practically acting upon his own responsibility. -They proceeded leisurely, Major -Stillman apparently being in no hurry. A stop -was made for dinner in the middle of the day -and that night camp was pitched in a grove of -oak trees not far from the bank of the river.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Fires were soon burning brightly and the -smell of food cooking reminded every one just -how hungry he was. A day on horseback produced -<span class='pageno' id='Page_109'>109</span>a hearty appetite and full justice was -done to the meal. Many of these backwoodsmen -were excellent cooks too. They were in -the habit of often preparing their own meals -and had really become expert in the art of plain -cooking.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“This is what I like!” exclaimed Robert -when the meal was over and they were seated -about the camp fire. At this particular blaze -were eight or ten men gathered and many similar -groups were to be seen on all sides of them. -The men were rough and hearty frontiersmen -and it was a great treat to the two brothers to -listen to some of the tales that were told of -hunting and fishing adventures.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“So you like this, do you, Red?” said one of -the men.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You mean me?” demanded Robert quickly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I should say I did,” laughed the man, a big, -burly trapper. “I never saw any hair redder’n -yours in my life.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Everyone present laughed at this remark, -much to Robert’s displeasure. What irritated -him most of all, however, was the fact that his -brother laughed much louder than anyone else.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Look here!” said Robert angrily. “You’d -<span class='pageno' id='Page_110'>110</span>better not laugh at me. If I had hair the color -of yours I think I’d keep pretty quiet. I’d -rather have red hair than tow-colored.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Oh, I don’t know about that,” said Joseph, -still laughing at the allusion to his brother’s -hair. “Mine suits me first rate.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You’re easily pleased,” muttered Robert, -but no one heard him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’s too bad Deerfoot hasn’t blue hair,” said -the man who had begun the conversation. -“Then we’d have the American colors, red, -white and blue. We could put these three up -in front for a flag.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Fresh laughter broke out at this remark and -both boys joined in it now. Everything was -said in a spirit of fun, and Robert was quick -to realize how silly it was to lose his temper. -It is no fun to tease a man who laughs at your -teasing.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Let’s stop talking about hair and hear something -about pelts,” said Walt. “Tell us how -you got those three panther skins I saw down -at your cabin last month.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>He addressed his remarks to the man who -had called Robert “Red.” This trapper was -evidently a great favorite with the men and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_111'>111</span>one whom they looked up to and respected. -His name was John Mason and he had originally -come from Massachusetts. That is, he -had left that part of the country when he was -only five years old, and had migrated west -with his parents. They had settled in Wisconsin -and there he had learned the business of -trapping and had followed it ever since he had -been old enough to engage in it.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Did I tell you the experience my father -had?” inquired Mason. “How he was lost in -the woods soon after we came west?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not that I remember,” Walt replied, and -the others seated about the fire shook their -heads in token that they had never heard the -tale either.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well,” began Mason, “it was soon after we -had arrived from the East. Of course I don’t -remember it very well, but I’ve often heard -my father relate the story. It seems we had -arrived at our future home in the summer time; -my father and mother, myself and my father’s -dog, a noble and intelligent animal he called -Robin, because when he was a puppy he had -once caught a young bird of that species. We -settled down near the bank of a small stream -<span class='pageno' id='Page_112'>112</span>and my father set to work clearing a space in -the forest for us, and in building a house for -us to live in.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It was no easy task for one man, equipped -only with an axe, to level much of the forest -round about, and in addition to that we had a -home to build. My mother could help some, -however, and together they finally erected a -cabin. It was small, but it was snug and promised -good shelter against the blasts of winter. -It took some time to do all this though, and -cold weather was at hand by the time the cabin -was completed and a fair-sized space had been -cleared.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Winter approached and we had a home, and -the beginnings of a farm. It had taken a good -many weeks to acquire these things, however, -and my father had had time for little else. -Consequently our store of meat for the long, -cold months was very low. Father had had -little chance to hunt. He set out one morning, -his gun over his shoulder, Robin at his heels -and a small supply of jerked venison in his -game bag. He was in hopes of bagging a buck, -which would feed us for a long time.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Several miles he walked through the forest. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_113'>113</span>Usually game abounded in this region, undisturbed -except by an occasional Indian hunter. -This time, however, father saw nothing except -a flock of wild turkeys which flew away before -he could get a shot. All the morning and into -the afternoon he tramped through the woods -and over the hills. Along toward the middle of -the afternoon he suddenly spied a large stag. -Ordering Robin to follow ‘at heel’ he crept -cautiously along in an attempt to get a good -shot at the deer.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Just before he came within range, however, -the buck suddenly took fright and bounded -away. My father followed his trail eagerly, -mile after mile. Night was almost at hand -when he discovered his game standing on a -large rock, his figure clearly outlined against -the sky. Closer and closer father crept and -finally raised his gun and fired. The deer -leaped high into the air as the shot rang out -and fell to the earth dead. Father ran forward -joyfully and a few moments later had the buck -on his back and was headed for home.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“For the first time he noticed that snow had -begun to fall. It was the first snow of the -winter and soon covered the ground and the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_114'>114</span>branches of the nearby trees. Father had traveled -many miles that day and now was far from -home. He knew the country only slightly and -now that the snow was on the ground it was -hard to recognize landmarks. Things look -vastly different in winter from what they do -in summer and father had never seen this part -of the country in its winter coat. Meanwhile, -the storm constantly increased in fury.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“On and on father plodded. The stag was -across his shoulder and Robin followed whimpering -at his heels. Father was worried now; -he was fast tiring and he felt more sure every -moment that he had lost his way. Night now -covered the land and the snow drifted in like -some great white robe. It was bitterly cold, -and constantly growing colder. The thought of -his wife and boy was all that kept him going. -His strength was fast waning, however, and he -finally succumbed to the irresistible desire he -felt to lie down in the snow and go to sleep. -He dropped his burden and fell forward, almost -too weak to move.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Did he die?” demanded Walt as the story -teller stopped speaking.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No, indeed,” replied Mason. “Here comes -<span class='pageno' id='Page_115'>115</span>the remarkable part of the story. When father -sank to the ground Robin immediately started -for home. How he knew where it was and how -to get there I never could see. At any rate my -mother heard him whine and scratch at the -door. It was after midnight and she was nearly -distracted by fear and anxiety. She could -easily see by Robin’s actions that he wished -her to follow him, and putting on a great fur -coat she went quickly out into the blinding -storm.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Urged on by Robin’s eagerness to have her -hurry she floundered and ploughed her way -through the drifts until she came to the place -where father was lying. He was unconscious -when she reached him. My mother was a large -woman and very strong for one of her sex. -Lucky for all of us that she was, too, for it -was necessary for her practically to carry my -father all the way back to the cabin, nearly a -half-mile. You see, father had almost reached -home himself though he hadn’t known it. Well, -she finally got him there and after hours of -hard work revived him. For many days he lay -sick, but with mother’s constant care he finally -recovered entirely. He also fetched the stag -<span class='pageno' id='Page_116'>116</span>home when he became able to go out. There it -had lain covered deep in the snow, frozen stiff -and as sound as ever.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I just told this little story,” concluded Mason, -“to show you how hard some of us worked -for our homes. Now that we have them we -don’t want the Indians to take them away -from us.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>A cheer greeted this remark. These men -were always willing to applaud anything that -meant trouble for the Indians.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That was a good story, Mason,” remarked -Walt a moment later. “It shows you had a -wonderful mother, doesn’t it?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It does indeed,” agreed Mason. “It shows -father had a wonderful dog, too. Without him -my mother would never have had the chance -to do what she did.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Quite right,” exclaimed Walt heartily and -murmurs of approval were heard on all sides.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, sir,” continued Mason. “My father -loved old Robin almost as much as he did me. -I love dogs myself and I wouldn’t be without -one for anything. Some men are bad and some -are good, but I tell you all dogs are good. You -can believe everything they tell you.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_117'>117</span>“Gracious, I’ve talked a lot tonight,” he -added laughingly. “I’m going to stop now -though and turn in. Tomorrow may be a hard -day. Good night, Red, and everybody else,” he -called as he disappeared into the darkness.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_118'>118</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XI<br /> <span class='large'>THE FLAG OF TRUCE</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c011'>At the first sign of dawn the forces were -once more on the march. The men had a -quieter and sterner air than they had manifested -the preceding day. The prevailing opinion -was that before the sun set that night they -would come in contact with their foes, and in -spite of the open assertions of the men that it -was all a “picnic,” this fact made them more -serious.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The country consisted of open, rolling prairies, -frequent groves of trees and occasional -swamps. The men rode along in a careless -manner, chatting with one another and boasting -of what they would do to the hostile Sacs -when they met them. Progress was slow on -account of the disorderly march of the volunteers -and it was late afternoon before they -<span class='pageno' id='Page_119'>119</span>reached the vicinity of Sycamore Creek where -they intended to camp. This place was hardly -more than thirty miles distant from Dixon’s -Ferry.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’re going to pitch camp there,” said Walt -to Joseph and Robert, at the same time indicating -a small clump of open timber some distance -ahead of them.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That looks like a good place,” remarked -Joseph approvingly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It is,” agreed Walt. “You see it is entirely -surrounded by open prairie and anyone who -tries to attack us there will be completely exposed -while we will have the protection of the -trees.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Do you think Black Hawk would dare attack -us?” demanded Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t know,” said Walt in reply. “It all -depends on how many men he has. I doubt if -he’d try such a thing though.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where is he now?” inquired Robert, somewhat -alarmed by the prospect Walt had intimated.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Somewhere near here, I think,” replied -Walt. “He is supposed to be on the other side -of Sycamore Creek with the Pottowattomies, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_120'>120</span>trying to get them to join him in his war. -You’d better watch your friend Deerfoot, too,” -he added in a low voice.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Robert’s face flushed almost as red as his -hair at this remark. “Don’t you ever dare say -a thing like that again!” he exclaimed hotly. -“If you do, I’ll refuse to be responsible for what -happens to you.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And I’ll help you, Bob,” said his brother -quietly. “Now look here, Walt,” he continued. -“Bob and I like you very much and all that. -We don’t mind your fooling, but we do mind -your remarks about our friend. We told you -that once before and this time we mean it.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Walt looked in surprise at the two brothers. -That they were in deadly earnest there could -be no doubt. Robert was so angry that he -could scarcely talk; he merely puffed and -gasped with rage. His face was red and Joseph’s -was white, but it was a question which -one was more angry.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Whew!” whistled Walt in astonishment at -this outburst. He saw, however, that if he continued -his remarks he might be subjected to -physical violence and he wisely refrained from -saying more. He quickly changed the subject.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_121'>121</span>“Well, we’ll be making camp in a moment,” -he said lightly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m glad of it,” remarked Joseph. “My -horse is tired and so am I. He hasn’t been -used much lately, I guess, and is soft.” He -was willing to forget the recent unpleasantness -and be friends again, but Robert was not so -easily pacified. His face was still flushed and -he rode forward in silence. Joseph glanced at -him and smiled. He admired his brother’s -courage and he also knew that his anger would -soon disappear. Robert was one who never -let the sun go down upon his wrath, simply -because he could not stay angry for that length -of time.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Soon they arrived at their destination. The -men quickly dismounted and after tethering -their horses, they busied themselves with preparations -for making camp. Meanwhile, guards -were stationed all around the grove to watch -for possible signs of the enemy. The men’s -good spirits had now returned and they laughed -and joked as they idled about or worked on -their shelters for the night.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It looks like a great big picnic ground -here,” remarked Joseph to Robert and Deerfoot -<span class='pageno' id='Page_122'>122</span>as they stood together and gazed about -them.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Too jolly,” said Deerfoot grimly and he -shook his head. He held Black Hawk in high -esteem and was troubled by the evident carelessness -of the white men.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s right, Deerfoot, they are too jolly,” -agreed Robert solemnly. “They forget that we -started on the thirteenth.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Oh, Bob—” began Joseph, when he was suddenly -interrupted. A great hubbub and noise -suddenly arose throughout the camp and the -men rushed wildly hither and thither. All was -confusion, as every man strove to get his horse -and mount it.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What is it? What is the trouble?” exclaimed -Robert in alarm.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Look there,” directed Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>On the crest of a hill nearly a mile away -appeared three horsemen. That they were Indians -was easily seen by their headdresses. -One of them carried a flag.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Who are they, do you suppose?” exclaimed -Robert excitedly. He and Joseph and Deerfoot -all ran for their horses, but they did not -mount. They were waiting for orders, but the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_123'>123</span>other men were apparently mad with excitement, -or at least many of them. Shouting and -cursing, a large body of them dashed off across -the prairie in the direction of the three Indians. -Major Stillman and the other officers did their -utmost to restrain their followers, but their -efforts were useless. The rangers were not accustomed -to discipline and obeying orders, and -now they paid slight attention to the commands.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’ll stay here,” said Joseph. “We’ll show -Major Stillman that a few of us know enough -to do as we’re told, anyway.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Who are those Indians, I want to know?” -cried Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Black Hawk men,” said Deerfoot.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But what is that flag?” Robert persisted.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“White flag,” explained the Indian, whose -eyesight was far better than that of either of -his young friends.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Sure enough,” exclaimed Joseph. “They’re -probably messengers from Black Hawk. -They’ve got a flag of truce anyway.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It doesn’t look as if it was going to be respected -though,” said Robert. “Just see the -way those men are rushing at the messengers.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_124'>124</span>“Walt was about the first to start, too. Did -you notice that?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He’ll get into trouble, I’m afraid.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He didn’t even have a saddle on his horse,” -said Joseph. “I noticed lots of the others that -way, too. I never saw men in such a hurry.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>As they stood and watched their companions -bear down upon the messengers, grave fears -arose in the hearts of the two brothers. They -did not care for their Indian foes any more -than did the other men, but they believed in -playing the game fairly. They knew how high -an Indian’s sense of honor was and they feared -for the result if these hot-headed rangers -should do violence to Black Hawk’s messengers. -Long association with Deerfoot had taught -them that an Indian never forgets an injury -done him any more than he does a kindness.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Meanwhile, the mob of riders had swooped -down upon the astonished messengers. Surrounding -the three Indians they shouted and -waved their arms and urged the braves on until -they came into camp. Here more of the volunteers -swarmed around the envoys, and yells -and imprecations sounded on all sides. Major -Stillman did his utmost to put an end to the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_125'>125</span>confusion and to quiet the hubbub. Standing -in the center of the howling mob of men he -tried to speak. The three Indians sat on their -ponies at a loss to account for this demonstration -and evidently were worried as to their own -safety.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“My men,” began Major Stillman, “these -three messengers have come to us under a flag -of truce. It is one of the rules of warfare that -any bearer of a white flag is to be treated with -respect. So far——”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The report of a rifle suddenly rang out, cutting -short the words of the speaker. One of -the Indians pitched forward on his horse. He -clutched convulsively at the bridle in an effort -to save himself, but his attempt was of no avail. -The horse plunged and reared, and the rider, -slipping from his place, fell to the ground, dead. -Some one of the volunteers had treacherously -murdered one of the messengers.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Immediately pandemonium broke loose. Confusion -reigned before, but it was nothing compared -to the din that now arose. Men shouted -and ran in all directions, horses reared and -kicked, orders were given, but no one paid any -attention to them. The men were stunned by -<span class='pageno' id='Page_126'>126</span>what had happened and by the time some semblance -of order had been restored the two remaining -messengers were seen galloping at full -speed across the prairie in the direction from -which they had come.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There they go!” shouted Walt, who had -been in the thick of things all this time. He -quickly jumped for his horse, and, followed -by several score of the rangers, immediately -started in hot pursuit of the two fleeing Indians.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Come on, Joe, we might as well go too,” -called Robert excitedly and a moment later the -two brothers, closely followed by Deerfoot, -were also speeding across the prairie after the -excited horsemen.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Suddenly about twenty men disengaged themselves -from the main body, and, urged on by -the calls and shouts of several of their band, -dashed off in another direction. Joseph and -Robert were at a loss to understand this move -until they gained the summit of a nearby knoll -and spied five more Indians. Evidently they -had been sent forward by Black Hawk to spy -on the encampment and to see what treatment -the messengers had received. One look had -<span class='pageno' id='Page_127'>127</span>been enough for them and they were now fleeing -for their lives.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Close behind them sped their pursuers, -shouting and firing their guns as fast as they -were able. Even as the two young brothers -caught sight of them, one of the spies threw up -his hands and pitched headlong to the ground. -The riderless horse followed its companions -for a short distance and then stopped and began -to crop the grass on the prairie.</p> - -<p class='c007'>A moment later another one of the Indians -was brought down, while the three who were -still left, kept on, and, thanks to the fleetness -of their ponies, gradually outdistanced their -pursuers.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’d better stick to the main body,” exclaimed -Joseph, and at his word they turned -and followed the men who were still chasing -the two remaining messengers. The Indians -on fresh horses had left their pursuers far behind, -but they still could be seen in the distance. -Across the prairie in hot pursuit rushed -Major Stillman’s entire force, a motley, disorganized -and very much excited throng.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_128'>128</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XII<br /> <span class='large'>THE ROUT</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c011'>Joseph, Robert, and Deerfoot by fast riding -finally caught up with the advance -guard of the volunteers. The men were in a -frenzy of excitement and rushed forward pell -mell with no other thought than to overtake -the fleeing Indians. Sycamore Creek was ahead -of them and this stream the escaping messengers -had already crossed. Their horses could -be seen scrambling up the opposite bank and -a moment later they disappeared behind a -heavy fringe of bushes.</p> - -<p class='c007'>With loud shouts the pursuers rushed forward. -That there could be any possible danger -to them Major Stillman’s men did not seem -to consider. Each man was intent on being the -first to overtake the fleeing redmen. Deerfoot, -however, knew the man they were dealing with -<span class='pageno' id='Page_129'>129</span>and was consequently more cautious. Mounted -on an especially swift pony he outdistanced the -rest of the force and was the first to reach -Sycamore Creek. There he stopped and wheeling -his pony held up his hand.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The whole force came to a stop. Deerfoot -raised himself in his stirrups. “No go ahead -now,” he called in a loud voice. “I fear ambush.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>His remarks were greeted with howls of derision. -Shouts and jeers were flung at the -Pottowattomie, and a few even went so far as -to intimate that probably Deerfoot was in -league with Black Hawk and was attempting -to save his ally from destruction. At any rate, -no one paid any attention to his words of warning. -Once more the rangers spurred their -horses forward.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Come on, Joe,” called Robert excitedly. -“We mustn’t be left out of this.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Did you hear what Deerfoot said?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I know, but he’s overcautious sometimes. -Even if he is right we can’t stay behind -now. Major Stillman himself ordered the -advance.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No one seems to obey him very often, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_130'>130</span>though,” remarked Joseph grimly. “At least -they only do when they feel like it.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Are you coming?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Of course I am,” retorted Joseph as he -urged his horse forward.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Some fifty or more of the rangers had already -crossed the creek and the two young -brothers were quick to follow. Into the water -they plunged and a few moments later were -safe on the other side of the stream. Nearly -the whole force had now forded Sycamore -Creek or were in the act of doing so. As soon -as they had emerged from the water they hurried -forward on their quest.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Joseph glanced at Deerfoot. The Indian -evidently was anxious and fearful of what was -in store for them. He clutched his tomahawk -firmly in his right hand, while his eyes constantly -searched the nearby bushes for possible -signs of the enemy.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Nothing had happened so far, however, and -Joseph began to think that perhaps his brother -had been right when he said that Deerfoot was -sometimes overcautious. The pace was swift -now and at least two hundred yards had been -covered since they had left the creek. The -<span class='pageno' id='Page_131'>131</span>spot seemed ideal for an ambush, but there was -no sign of the hostile Sacs as yet. Joseph -felt more confident each moment.</p> - -<p class='c007'>His confidence was shortlived, however. -Just as the force of rangers came to a particularly -dense growth of bushes and timber, -a yell rent the air. A blood-curdling, ear-splitting -war whoop sounded that from its volume -apparently issued from hundreds, perhaps -thousands of throats. Everyone of the rangers -drew in his horse sharply and glanced about him -in astonishment. The yells were continuous -and seemed to increase in volume. But where -did they come from? Not a sign of the enemy -was to be seen.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Suddenly, however, the Indians appeared. -Every tree and bush seemed to split open and -belch forth a bloodthirsty, yelling savage with -a tomahawk in his hand. All the warriors were -on horses, and forward they charged at full -speed. They had rifles as well, and from these -they poured a deadly stream of bullets into the -front ranks of the rangers.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The volunteers, however, made no resistance. -Instantly they wheeled their horses and at full -speed turned and fled for their lives.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_132'>132</span>It was now Black Hawk’s opportunity to -exult and to take his turn as the pursuer. -Terror filled the hearts of Major Stillman’s -men, and in spite of the efforts of their commander -to rally them, they made off as fast as -their mounts could carry them.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The rout was complete. From behind came -the exultant yells and shrieks of the Indians -who were bending every effort to overtake and -cut down their white foes. They were still a -considerable distance behind, however, and fortunate -it was for the volunteers that such was -the case.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Joseph, Robert and Deerfoot, once side by -side, were now separated and with no other -choice they were obliged to flee with their comrades. -The two young brothers had stood their -ground when the Indians first charged and -each had emptied his rifle at the onrushing -warriors. No one else of their company, however, -had seemed inclined to stay with them. -Consequently, as it undoubtedly meant certain -death for them to face their foes alone, they too -turned their horses and joined in the mad flight. -They did not even have time to see the effect -of their bullets.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_133'>133</span>As Joseph bent low over his horse’s back -and urged the animal forward, a man white with -terror came alongside and by reason of his -swifter mount soon passed him. It was Walt. -Even at such a time, Joseph could not repress -a grim smile, as he saw the traces of fear -written all over the man’s face. Walt, the one -who had boasted of his prowess and his ability -to deal with the hostile Indians, was now running -like a scared rabbit for safety. Joseph’s -smile changed to a snort of disgust.</p> - -<p class='c007'>A bullet whirred past his head. Just ahead -of him a man crumpled up in his saddle and -slid to the ground, a limp mass that but a few -moments before had been a human being. Joseph -shuddered involuntarily at the sight, but -he could not stop. His thoughts were not for -his own safety alone, however. He wondered -what had become of Robert and of Deerfoot. -He raised his head to look about him in an -attempt to discover their whereabouts. A bullet -struck his cap, tearing it from his head, and -Joseph made no further effort to find his -brother.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ahead of him, on both sides and behind him -was a confused mob of panic-stricken horsemen. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_134'>134</span>The blood-curdling yells of the Indians sounded -constantly over the prairie, as the men sped -onward in their attempt to escape a massacre. -Into Sycamore Creek they plunged. Coming -out on the other side they kept on in mad disorder, -until they had reached the clump of trees -where their camp was pitched. They did not -stop there, however, nor did they seem to have -any thought of checking their flight.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Every man in the expedition seemed intent -on putting as much space as possible between -himself and the yelling pursuers, who were now -pressing them so closely.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Fools,” thought Joseph to himself, as they -passed the camp. “Why don’t they stop here? -We could defend this place against ten times -our number. With the trees for protection and -the Indians still on the open prairie we could -pick them off at our leisure.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>No one else seemed to share Joseph’s views, -however, or if any one did he did not try to -put the plan into execution. On they sped, becoming -more scattered and more demoralized -every moment. Many men had been killed and -Joseph himself had seen several fall from their -horses. As far as he could determine no one -<span class='pageno' id='Page_135'>135</span>tried to oppose the Indians either. A few shots -had been fired at first, but since that time every -man seemed to be more interested in the fleetness -of his pony than he did in offering any -resistance to the pursuers.</p> - -<p class='c007'>As some of the ponies were much swifter -than others the volunteers were soon strung out -in a long line over the prairie. To his dismay, -Joseph suddenly noticed that man after -man was passing him and leaving him behind. -He could not be sure whether or not the shouts -of the Indians sounded closer, but he was -greatly alarmed to see himself being outdistanced -by so many of his comrades.</p> - -<p class='c007'>His pursuers were not yelling as much as -they had been. That they had not given up -the chase, however, was manifest by the fact -that above the pounding of the horses’ hoofs -could be heard the frequent bark of the rifles. -Joseph knew that it would be a long time before -the Indians would relinquish such an opportunity -to avenge themselves upon their enemies, -the Americans.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He could see that his pony was tiring fast -and that his predicament would soon be desperate -unless something speedily occurred to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_136'>136</span>aid him. It was only a question of time before -his horse would break down under the strain -and then the young pioneer’s case would be -almost hopeless. Joseph raised his head and -glanced about him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>A short distance ahead, and a little to one -side, he spied a ravine. A narrow gully, filled -with bowlders and scrubby trees, appeared to -Joseph’s gaze and he quickly decided to enter -it, for perhaps he might find a place of refuge. -He turned his horse and plunged into the -ravine.</p> - -<p class='c007'>As he urged his horse to a final effort his -mind turned to Robert and Deerfoot. What -had become of them? If they had been killed, -or far worse, captured, Joseph would be left -all alone in the world. A lump arose in his -throat at the thought. This was no time for -sentiment, however, and he quickly suppressed -his feelings and devoted his whole attention to -his own safety.</p> - -<p class='c007'>A short distance in advance of him he spied -a thick clump of bushes. Toward these Joseph -hurried and upon reaching the spot was overjoyed -to find that they would afford a screen -sufficient to hide him from the gaze of anyone -<span class='pageno' id='Page_137'>137</span>who should pass that way. On the other hand -he could look out from his refuge and see all -that was taking place around him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He tethered his horse to one of the roots of -a large tree, which had been torn from its place -by some great wind. Making sure that in his -hiding place he and his horse were well concealed, -he crawled cautiously along the trunk -of the fallen tree, until he reached a spot from -which he could see the surrounding country.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Hardly had he been in his place a moment -when he heard the clatter of hoofs and not -fifty feet from him he spied five Indians riding -past at full speed in pursuit of the flying volunteers.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_138'>138</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XIII<br /> <span class='large'>THE WHINNY OF A HORSE</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c011'>Close behind these Indians came five more -and then a little squad of three. Next -appeared one solitary brave, his war paint -shining while he shouted at the top of his voice. -Joseph shuddered as he saw these savages dash -past him and involuntarily he drew back further -on the tree trunk. He had no desire to be -seen by any one of his bloodthirsty foes, especially -at this time when they were so filled with -confidence and their desire to kill.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If I count the number of Indians who pass -this way,” thought Joseph, “I can tell just how -many may return and in that way I can tell -whether or not there are any between me and -Dixon’s Ferry. When I am sure that all have -returned I can start out and take my time -about getting back.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_139'>139</span>This seemed to Joseph an excellent plan and -he proceeded to put it into execution. The only -trouble was that he expected at least several -hundred of Black Hawk’s party to pass that -way in their pursuit of Major Stillman’s men, -and undoubtedly it would take a long time before -they would return. Then, too, there was -always the chance that some might go back to -their camp by a different route and thus escape -his notice. At any rate he decided to make -an attempt at carrying out his scheme.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Thus far he had counted fourteen warriors. -No more appeared for some time and Joseph -began to wonder where the main body was. -Certainly the fleeing volunteers had passed his -hiding place, and if the Indians intended to -overtake them they must follow the same -course.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Here they come,” thought Joseph as once -more he heard the clatter of hoofs on the prairie. -Peering out cautiously he was surprised -to see only four Indians in the party. He -heard more approaching, however, and soon an -additional band of six appeared. This last detachment -was not riding as hard as the ones -who had passed previously. They seemed to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_140'>140</span>be in no hurry and were apparently debating -whether or not they should give up the pursuit -of the rangers.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Suddenly Joseph heard a shout and saw the -six warriors abruptly halt. They turned and -awaited the approach of a solitary brave a hundred -yards or more to their rear. When he -came up to them, the seven Indians gathered -in a circle and held a spirited discussion. Joseph -fancied that the argument was as to -whether they should push on or give up the -chase and return to camp. Evidently his surmise -was correct, for at the expiration of a -few moments the entire band started back in -the direction from which they had come.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That makes twenty-five Indians I have -counted altogether,” thought Joseph. “I wonder -what has happened to all the others who -attacked us?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Many minutes passed, however, and no more -appeared. “Seven already returned,” said Joseph -to himself. “That makes eighteen more -I must wait for. I hope they won’t be long and -that they won’t discover me.” The thought of -what might happen to him, should his hiding -place be found by any of the marauders, made -<span class='pageno' id='Page_141'>141</span>him shudder. He turned and glanced at his -horse. The animal stood with drooping head, -evidently thoroughly tired from its exertions. -That he would soon be overtaken if it came to -a question of speed was only too evident to the -youthful frontiersman. It seemed to Joseph -that hours elapsed before he heard any more -hoofbeats on the prairie indicating that more of -his enemies were returning. He was tired and -it was all he could do to keep awake. Several -times the young volunteer almost dropped off -to sleep and the use of all his will power was -required to shake off this feeling of drowsiness. -Joseph knew that any such lapse might easily -prove fatal to his chances of escaping.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Finally, however, he heard a noise and as -he peered out from his hiding place he discovered -a band of ten Indians approaching. They -trotted along in a careless manner, evidently -confident that no danger was lurking near at -hand. That this was the case was fully realized -by Joseph who wondered what would befall -him if he should shoot at any one of the band. -From his station in the ravine he could easily -have selected his man and found no difficulty -in bringing him down. He might even kill two -<span class='pageno' id='Page_142'>142</span>or possibly three of his foes, but he was largely -outnumbered and it would only be a question -of time before he must either be killed or taken -prisoner.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“They’ll never capture me alive,” thought -Joseph decidedly. He knew that in such a case -his doom would be surely sealed and undoubtedly -preceded by tortures that made his blood -run cold even to think about. It was hard for -him to restrain himself, however, as he watched -his enemies jog past the place where he lay -hidden. He fingered his rifle nervously and -once or twice even raised it to his shoulder.</p> - -<p class='c007'>At length the Indians passed beyond his -sight and Joseph settled himself to wait for -the remaining eight. He was not kept in suspense -long, for in a few moments six more -rode by. They talked freely among themselves -and were apparently discussing their victory. -Gestures were frequently used in the course of -their conversation, and everyone seemed to be -trying to outdo the others in boasting of his -conquest.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Only two more,” thought Joseph as this -party disappeared. “I wish they’d hurry up -and come, too.” The young pioneer was greatly -<span class='pageno' id='Page_143'>143</span>puzzled to know what could have happened to -the remainder of Black Hawk’s band. He had -been sure that the volunteers were attacked by -at least several hundred warriors. Little by -little, however, he began to change his ideas -as he saw the few that had followed in pursuit of -the white men. “Could it be possible,” he -thought, “that over three hundred white men -had been put to flight by a mere handful of -Indians?” He had counted twenty-five in all -and he doubted if more than twice that number -could have attacked them in the first place.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What a disgrace,” he thought. “We ran -like a lot of cowards. The first shout scared -us away and we didn’t even stop to see how -many there were against us.” He became still -more angry as he thought of the rout and when -he recalled the look of fear on Walt’s face a -snort of disgust and contempt expressed his -feelings in the matter.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Once more, however, his thoughts were interrupted -by the sound of horses’ hoofs. A moment -later two Indians came within sight and -Joseph heaved a sigh of relief as he realized -that these were the last he was waiting for. -In a few moments more he could mount his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_144'>144</span>horse and proceed to Dixon’s Ferry and then -he could discover what had befallen Robert and -Deerfoot.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The Indians were now opposite Joseph’s -lookout. He remembered distinctly seeing -these men pass before, for one of them rode a -spotted pony, easily distinguished from all the -others. As Joseph noted this fact, the pony -in question suddenly thrust his head forward -and whinnied. This in itself was not remarkable, -but its consequences certainly were.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Joseph was horrified to hear from behind him -the answering whinny of his own horse. That -this desire for company on the part of his horse -might easily have fatal results the young frontiersman -knew only too well. His limbs were -almost paralyzed as with wide eyes he watched -his two foes to see if they had heard the sound. -That they had done so was only too evident -from their actions. They immediately wheeled -their ponies and peered eagerly in the direction -from which the unexpected sound had come.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Spellbound, Joseph watched them. Perhaps -they might pass on after all, thinking their ears -had deceived them. That there was but slight -chance of this, however, he well knew, and for -<span class='pageno' id='Page_145'>145</span>a moment he thought his best plan would be -to fire at them. On second thought he decided -that the sound of the shots might summon help -to the redskins and that was the last thing -Joseph desired to happen.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Motionless, and with their guns ready for -instant use, the two warriors sat and looked -straight at Joseph’s hiding place. He knew -they could not see him from the place where -they were stationed, and he hoped and prayed -that they would not investigate. This hope was -quickly dissipated, however, for suddenly his -horse whinnied again. For a moment the -young volunteer was so angry he could have -shot the animal, but he knew that any such -action would only spell ruin to his chances of -escape. At any rate, the horse knew no better -and was probably lonesome.</p> - -<p class='c007'>No sooner had the sound reached the ears -of the waiting Indians than they raised their -guns and fired. Two bullets came crashing -through the bushes close to Joseph’s head and -he heard one of them flatten itself against a -rock just behind him. Taking quick aim he -fired his own rifle and saw one of the Indian’s -ponies drop to the ground. He waited for no -<span class='pageno' id='Page_146'>146</span>more, but jumping quickly upon the back of -his horse he sped away down the ravine.</p> - -<p class='c007'>A hundred yards in advance of him the gully -led out onto the open prairie. Soon Joseph -emerged; his appearance was greeted by a yell -of rage, and two bullets which whistled past his -ears. Glancing behind him the young volunteer -saw the Indian, whose horse had been shot, -struggling to reload his gun, while the one that -was mounted on the spotted pony was speeding -forward in hot pursuit.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Joseph bent low over the neck of his horse -and urged the animal to do its best. He had -one bullet in his rifle and this he decided to -use only when he could be reasonably sure of -hitting his mark. Behind him he heard the -war whoop of the pursuing redman, and this -time Joseph knew that he was engaged in a -race for life, such as he had never had before. -The opportunities were more equal this time, -but the Indian being behind had whatever advantage -there was. “His life or mine,” decided -Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>How long could his horse hold out? That -was the question that most of all troubled the -young pioneer. He realized how far and how -<span class='pageno' id='Page_147'>147</span>fast his mount had already traveled that day, -and grave fears for the animal’s endurance -beset Joseph’s mind.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Once more he glanced behind him. The Indian -was gaining rapidly upon him. The -spotted pony was evidently very fleet and the -distance between the two racers was rapidly -diminishing. Joseph’s heart sank at the sight. -He was tempted to turn and fire at his pursuer -now. Nearly a hundred yards still separated -them, however, and Joseph knew only too well -that any chance of success at that distance was -very slight. Dangerous as it was he decided -to save his ammunition and run the risk of -still being alive when a better opportunity -should present itself.</p> - -<p class='c007'>On they sped, the horses’ hoofs beating a -sharp tattoo on the hard ground of the sunbaked -prairie. The brush seemed to interfere -with his horse’s progress while the spotted -pony which his pursuer rode ran easily and -apparently was unhampered by any obstructions. -“What a pony that is,” thought Joseph. -“If we could only trade mounts he’d never -catch me. I could laugh at him and simply run -away as I pleased.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_148'>148</span>A quick look about him showed Joseph that -now scarcely more than fifty yards was between -him and his enemy. “Why doesn’t he -shoot?” exclaimed the young volunteer out loud. -“If he’d only fire and miss me I could stop and -shoot him down before he has a chance to reload.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>As if following Joseph’s suggestion the Indian -suddenly raised his gun and fired. The -fleeing boy was crouching so low that he seemed -almost a part of his horse’s back. As he saw -the redskin lift his gun to take aim he flattened -himself out still further and held his breath as -he waited for the result of the shot.</p> - -<p class='c007'>At last the time had come which was to decide -his fate. As the sharp bark of the Indian’s -rifle sounded over the prairie Joseph felt a -burning sensation in the fleshy part of his -shoulder. He was wounded. It was his left -shoulder, however, and so excited was the -young volunteer that he scarcely felt the pain -of the wound. He quickly stopped his horse -and straightening up in the saddle lifted his -gun to his shoulder.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The Indian seeing that he was tricked tried -desperately to turn his pony. At the same time -<span class='pageno' id='Page_149'>149</span>he hurled his tomahawk, but the distance was -too great and it fell short of its mark. Joseph -pulled the trigger and immediately the Indian -threw up his hands. For a moment he struggled -convulsively to keep his seat, but it was -of no avail. He fell to the ground, dead, a -bullet through his temple.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Joseph was stunned for a moment, and then, -realizing that he was safe once more, a great -wave of joy swept over him. He felt no remorse -at having killed this man, for by doing -so his own life had been saved. Perhaps, too, -this Indian was one of those who had massacred -his family. The young volunteer dismounted -and drew near to his fallen foe.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The young Indian was lying face down upon -the ground. Joseph rolled him over and noticed -at his belt two freshly taken scalps. Suddenly -a great wave of horror rushed over the -young frontiersman as he looked. One of the -scalps at the Indian’s belt was bright red.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_150'>150</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XIV<br /> <span class='large'>THE SWALLOW</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c011'>For a moment Joseph was too stunned to -move. Shaking all over with anguish he -stood still and looked at the blood-stained trophy -fastened at the Indian’s belt. The hair -was exactly the color of Robert’s, and Joseph -felt sure that his brother had fallen a victim -to this redskinned warrior. A great sob rose -in the boy’s throat and the tears welled up into -his eyes, as he stood on the prairie and gazed -at what he considered the proof of his brother’s -death.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The only one left,” thought Joseph. “My -whole family wiped out by Black Hawk. Thank -goodness, I am still here and I swear I’ll have -revenge.” He clenched his fists and gritted his -teeth as he thought of all he had suffered at -the hands of the savages.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_151'>151</span>How long he stood in this place he did not -know. It might have been seconds and it might -have been hours, as far as he was concerned, -for the young pioneer had lost all sense of time. -He was completely wrapped up in his own -thoughts. A coyote barked and at the sound -Joseph raised his head. He looked about him, -but the only sign of life he saw was the two -ponies browsing quietly nearby.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’d better get out of here,” exclaimed the -young volunteer suddenly. “There’s no telling -how soon those other savages may be on my -trail if that fellow whose horse I shot only -gives the alarm.” He started to remove the -scalp from the Indian’s belt, but suddenly drew -back. “I can’t! I can’t touch it!” he moaned. -He turned and walked toward the place where -his horse was feeding. The animal raised its -head and watched Joseph’s approach, but made -no effort to escape.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The young pioneer grasped the bridle and -was about to climb into the saddle when a sudden -idea struck him. “Why not take the other -pony, too?” he thought. Surely it was a beautiful -animal and much faster than any horse -Joseph had seen among the volunteers. A -<span class='pageno' id='Page_152'>152</span>few moments later he was seated astride the -spotted pony on his way to Dixon’s Ferry. -With one hand he led his own horse and at a -good rate of speed jogged forward on his way.</p> - -<p class='c007'>His new mount had a remarkable gait, which -Joseph could not help admiring. Joseph’s -heart was heavy and his spirits were low, but -in spite of his sorrowful feelings, he did not -fail to realize that the pony which had fallen -into his hands was a prize. “The kind of a -horse I’ve always wanted to own but never -expected to,” he thought.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Hour after hour he jogged across the prairie -until at last he spied Dixon’s Ferry in the distance. -No sign of the enemy had appeared -throughout the day, though Joseph had taken -pains to search the horizon every few moments. -The end of his journey was in sight, though -this knowledge gave but little pleasure to the -young volunteer. He kept wondering what he -should do now that he was left alone, bereft of -parents, sisters and brother.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Coming into Dixon’s Ferry, Joseph met a -large force as it was departing from the little -settlement. General Whiteside was in command -and the object of the expedition was to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_153'>153</span>bury the dead left on the battlefield by Major -Stillman. General Atkinson had now arrived -with his troops and Dixon’s Ferry presented -a busy scene. The fight of the previous day -was the main topic of conversation and consternation -and bewilderment had taken possession -of the men.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Joseph rode quietly through the camp, -searching eagerly for a familiar face. He did -not arouse any particular comment as he came -in with his two horses, for more than a thousand -men were departing with General Whiteside -at just that time and the young volunteer -was overlooked in the crowd. Suddenly he -spied Deerfoot, seated under a large tree smoking -his long pipe. His back was toward Joseph, -so that he approached close to the Indian without -being seen.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Deerfoot!” Joseph called, as he stopped his -horses under the tree where the Pottowattomie -was seated.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The Indian jumped to his feet as if he had -been a jumping-jack. His pipe fell to the -ground and broke into a thousand bits while -he stared at Joseph with startled eyes. For -once he forgot to mask his feelings.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_154'>154</span>“What’s the matter?” demanded Joseph in -amazement.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Me thought you dead,” said Deerfoot in an -awestruck voice.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not at all. I’d just as lief be, though.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Deerfoot stared and stared at his young -friend as if he could not believe his eyes. -Finally he apparently convinced himself that it -was no apparition that he saw, and his gaze -shifted to the horse Joseph rode. Once more -he started perceptibly. “Where you get that -pony?” he demanded.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I captured him.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where his rider?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He’s dead.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You shoot him?” asked Deerfoot.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You not catch him when he ride that pony,” -said the Indian decidedly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No,” said Joseph, “he caught me.” He proceeded -to tell Deerfoot of his encounter on the -prairie and how he had finally shot his pursuer. -“You act as though you had seen this pony -before, Deerfoot,” he added.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Sure that The Swallow,” said Deerfoot -quietly.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_155'>155</span>“The Swallow?” repeated Joseph. “How -does it happen that you know his name and -recognized him when you saw him?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Everyone know that pony,” replied Deerfoot.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why do they?” Joseph demanded.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He fastest horse in country.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What!” exclaimed the young frontiersman. -“The fastest horse in the country, you say? -What do you mean?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He called The Swallow,” said Deerfoot. -“He run as fast as swallow fly.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Whew!” whistled Joseph in amazement. -“It looks as though I had found a pretty good -horse, doesn’t it? Who owned him?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“White Owl,” replied Deerfoot. “He one of -Black Hawk young men.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Do you suppose it was White Owl I killed?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That so. He no let any other ride pony.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well,” exclaimed Joseph bitterly, “I’m glad -I killed him and got his horse. I’d give him -back both if I could, if he’d only return what -he took from me.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What he take from you?” asked Deerfoot.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I guess you know as well as I do,” cried -Joseph, his voice choking with emotion. “If -<span class='pageno' id='Page_156'>156</span>you’d seen the scalp he had, you’d know. If -Robert isn’t dead, why isn’t he with you now?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Because he’s been down taking a swim in -Rock River,” said a voice nearby, and turning -around Joseph saw his brother standing not -five feet distant from the spot where he and -Deerfoot were talking. His teeth showed in a -radiant smile, while his hair seemed redder -than ever before.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Bob!” exclaimed Joseph. “I thought you -were dead.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Far from it,” laughed Robert. “I consider -myself one of the liveliest people in camp.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But I saw your scalp,” protested Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You see it now, you mean,” said Robert. -“It is right on the top of my head, just where -it has always been.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why,” said Joseph, “I killed an Indian out -on the prairie who had two scalps at his belt. -One of them had red hair, just the color of -yours. I was sure you had been killed.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not I,” laughed Robert. “Deerfoot and I -wasted no time on the prairie. We were among -the first to reach Dixon’s. We were worried -about you, though. When you didn’t turn up -we were almost sure you had been killed. What -<span class='pageno' id='Page_157'>157</span>have you been doing all this time and how did -you escape?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Joseph related his experiences again and -then some moments were spent in admiring Joseph’s -new horse, The Swallow. “He is certainly -a beauty!” exclaimed Robert enthusiastically. -“I can easily see that everyone is going -to be very jealous of you, Joe.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Let them!” laughed Joseph. “They can do -anything they want, but they can’t take my -pony and they can’t catch him either.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Deerfoot again appeared at this moment, -bringing some food for Joseph. When the -young man’s hunger had been appeased and the -horses had been cared for, the three companions -set out for a tour of the camp. Everywhere -were little excited groups of men talking -about the battle. Some of the men had not -even returned to Dixon’s Ferry, but had kept -right on to their homes, having had enough of -Indian warfare.</p> - -<p class='c007'>One gathering contained faces familiar to -the boys and this one they joined. Walt was -in the center doing most of the talking.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes,” he was saying, “just as I passed that -ravine at least a hundred Indians came tearing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_158'>158</span>out at me. They were yelling like a pack of -wolves and firing off their guns as fast as they -could load them. I shot two of them, but they -were too many and I finally decided to run for -it. I have the satisfaction of knowing that I -finished a couple of them anyway.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where was that ravine, Walt?” asked Joseph -curiously.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Hello, there, my boy!” exclaimed Walt, -catching sight of Joseph. “Glad to see you -back. We were afraid you had fallen by the -wayside. Why, that ravine I was speaking of -was near a clump of woods about a mile this -side of where our camp was pitched.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How many Indians did you say came out -of there?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why, about seventy-five or a hundred. -What are you laughing at?” he demanded as a -smile overspread Joseph’s face.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Nothing,” replied Joseph quietly, “except -this: I spent most of last night in that ravine -you were describing.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What if you did?” exclaimed Walt warmly. -“That doesn’t say a hundred or more Indians -didn’t charge out from there earlier, does it?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, I don’t know,” mused Joseph. “The -<span class='pageno' id='Page_159'>159</span>trouble with your story is this: I reached that -gully before any of the Indians. I hid there -all night and I counted every Indian that pursued -our men. I counted them as they went -out and I counted them again as they came -back, just to make sure they had all returned.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Do you insinuate that I am a liar?” cried -Walt, half rising to his feet.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I insinuate nothing,” replied Joseph coolly. -“I am merely stating facts.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Silence reigned in the little company. The -men gathered there looked curiously from one -to the other of the speakers. The situation was -tense and for a moment it seemed as if there -might be trouble.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“All right then,” said Walt in response to -Joseph’s statement. “Tell us how many Indians -you counted.” The trapper’s tone was -contemptuous, for he had been piqued at the -way the two brothers threatened him when he -made remarks about Deerfoot and he still held -his grudge.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How many do you think there were?” Joseph -demanded.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Don’t you know yourself? I thought you -counted them.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_160'>160</span>“I did. I just wondered if you had any idea -of the number.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well,” said Walt, “I should say that at least -five hundred attacked us originally. Probably -not more than two-thirds of that number chased -us very far. When we passed that ravine I -was speaking of, there were about three hundred -or three hundred and fifty.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Joseph laughed outright at this. “What’s -the joke?” demanded Walt hotly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Do you want to know just how many there -were?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Of course we do.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well,” said Joseph, “there were exactly -twenty-five.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>A howl of derision not only from Walt but -from the whole company greeted this remark. -The men looked at Joseph contemptuously.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Your night out must have affected your -head,” said Walt sneeringly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Nothing of the kind,” exclaimed Joseph -warmly, and hot-headed Robert drew a bit -closer to his brother in case there should be -trouble. “I counted twenty-five and that’s all -there were. I don’t believe there were over -fifty opposed to us at any time.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_161'>161</span>“Poor boy! Poor boy,” moaned Walt pityingly. -“He’s either out of his head or he never -learned how to count.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Look here,” cried Joseph, thoroughly -aroused. “I know what I’m talking about and -I’m telling the truth, and that’s more than you -are. I saw you pass me and if ever a man was -scared, you were. Your face was as white as -chalk and you were running like a scared rabbit. -And when you say you killed two Indians, -you lie.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Walt sprang to his feet, his face livid. He -struggled to reach Joseph, but was restrained -by his companions. For some moments the excitement -was intense and it was a puzzle as to -how the difficulty would be settled.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Look here,” exclaimed one of the men. -“One of these men is a liar, that’s sure. Which -one it is I can’t say, though I’m inclined to think -it is this boy here who says he counted only -twenty-five Indians. Suppose we make him -prove his statement.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Can you do it?” whispered Robert in his -brother’s ear.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No, of course not,” said Joseph. “I have -nothing but my word.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_162'>162</span>“We’ll fight the whole gang, then,” exclaimed -Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I wouldn’t believe that boy on oath now,” -cried Walt, still trying to wrench himself free -from those who were holding him. “Next thing -he’ll be trying to tell us that he captured The -Swallow from White Owl and brought him back -to camp.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s just exactly what I did do,” exclaimed -Joseph.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_163'>163</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XV<br /> <span class='large'>AN INVITATION</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c011'>A roar went up from the assemblage at this -remark of Joseph. The men laughed and -whistled and hooted until the din was almost -deafening. Through it all Joseph stood quietly, -but with white face and clenched hands. Robert -was for challenging everyone present to -fight at once and it was with difficulty that he -was restrained by his cooler headed brother.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Finally the noise somewhat subsided. The -men ceased their jeering and turned to Joseph -once more. Walt appointed himself spokesman.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“So you captured The Swallow, did you?” he -said sneeringly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s what I told you,” replied Joseph -quietly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Would you mind letting us look at him?” -<span class='pageno' id='Page_164'>164</span>asked Walt with pretended politeness. At the -same time he winked at the others in the crowd.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Certainly you may see him,” agreed Joseph. -“Suppose I do prove to you that I captured The -Swallow. Will you believe my other story -then?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’ll believe anything,” laughed Walt, good-natured -once more at the prospect of making -sport of Joseph. Certainly he had thought that -the boy was idly boasting about the horse or -he never would have undertaken the risk he -now was incurring.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Come along, then,” exclaimed Joseph, and -with Robert and Deerfoot walking beside him, -he started toward the place where the ponies -were tethered. Walt became a bit uneasy now -as he saw how ready Joseph was to carry out -his suggestion. Perhaps he had captured The -Swallow after all, and if so Walt fully understood -that he would find himself in a very embarrassing -position.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Robert and Joseph conversed eagerly as they -went along. “I knew that when we started on -the thirteenth of the month bad luck would follow -us,” exclaimed Robert. “Just see what has -happened! We were defeated and disgraced -<span class='pageno' id='Page_165'>165</span>by a handful of Indians, and then you get mixed -up in a quarrel and are called a liar and I don’t -know what else. I felt sure we ought not to -have started on that day.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Don’t be silly, Bob,” laughed Joseph. “We -have had some hard luck, I’ll admit, but we’ve -had some good luck, too. At least I have. Just -think of my capturing the most famous horse -in this part of the country and now owning him -all for myself.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How can you be sure it is The Swallow?” -demanded Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Deerfoot said it was.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Perhaps he was mistaken.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No mistaken,” exclaimed Deerfoot. “That -Swallow, sure.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I hope so,” said Joseph fervently. “I’m in -for it if there has been any mistake.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>They had now come within a short distance -of the spot where the horses had been -fastened. Joseph at once turned to face the -crowd following him. Many more had collected -by this time so that more than a hundred men -were gathered together to see the result of the -argument. Most of them favored Walt, if only -for the reason that they had fled as eagerly as -<span class='pageno' id='Page_166'>166</span>he and they had no desire to be publicly acclaimed -as cowards.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Wait here a moment,” exclaimed Joseph. -“I’ll go get The Swallow, and ride him out here -for you to see.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We can’t wait more than two days,” called -Walt as Joseph made off. The crowd laughed -at this remark, for Walt was considered a great -wit.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You didn’t wait very long for Black Hawk -to arrive the other day, either, did you, Walt?” -shouted Robert, incensed at the treatment to -which his brother was being subjected. The -crowd also laughed at this and Walt’s face once -more flushed with rage.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Did you wait yourself?” he cried angrily.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not I,” replied Robert cheerily. “I came -home just as fast as you did. The only difference -is I admit it and you don’t.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The crowd enjoyed this conversation tremendously -and was hoping for more of it, but -just at this moment Joseph appeared. As the -spotted pony trotted into view from behind a -clump of trees a murmur of admiration ran -through the gathering. “That’s him, all right!” -exclaimed a raw-boned pioneer standing next -<span class='pageno' id='Page_167'>167</span>to Robert. Nods of affirmation were seen on -all sides and exclamations of envy were heard -as well.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Robert looked for Walt to see what he had -to say now, but he looked in vain. Walt had -disappeared. He had recognized The Swallow -instantly, for he had often seen the famous pony -and knew him well. Realizing that he was -beaten he slipped quietly away in the crowd and -hastened to his tent to be alone and unseen.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where’s Walt?” cried Joseph, looking in -vain for the trapper.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He had an engagement, I guess,” laughed -one of the men, after a vain search had been -made for the missing man. “Maybe we can -find him though,” suggested one of the others.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Let him go,” exclaimed Joseph. “All I want -to know is whether this pony is The Swallow -or not.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He certainly is,” cried the whole assemblage -with one accord. They gathered about Joseph -and his new mount, curiously inspecting this -horse that had made itself so famous on the -prairies. Everyone now was on Joseph’s side -and every man vied with one another in saying -pleasant things. Even Robert was pacified and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_168'>168</span>he took great pride in the sudden fame which -his brother had acquired.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What’ll you sell him for?” was the question -frequently put to Joseph; but in answer, the -young pioneer every time shook his head and -merely smiled. “Money couldn’t buy this -horse from me,” he exclaimed.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Supper time soon came and the gathering -then scattered. The two brothers and Deerfoot -were left to themselves, and the Indian was -soon busily engaged in preparing the evening -meal. When this was over, the three volunteers -settled themselves around their fire and discussed -all that had happened to them recently. -They also talked of what might be in store for -them in the approaching days, and wondered -what their fortunes would be.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What do you suppose our next move will -be?” inquired Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I heard this afternoon that we were to join -General Whiteside’s men in a few days,” replied -Robert. “He went out to the battlefield -yesterday, you know, and is to push on after -Black Hawk.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What is General Atkinson to do?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He is the one that is going to join General -<span class='pageno' id='Page_169'>169</span>Whiteside. I supposed, of course, we would go -with him.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We stay here,” said Deerfoot.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What for? How do you know?” queried -Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Stillman’s men stay here, guard supplies.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How did you find that out?” asked Joseph -curiously.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Me know, that’s all,” replied the Indian, and -both boys were aware that further questioning -was useless. They also were convinced, too, -that Deerfoot was probably right. Seldom it -was that he made any statement of which he -was not absolutely sure.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“They’ll leave us here because we disgraced -ourselves, I suppose,” exclaimed Robert bitterly. -“I don’t blame them either, but I tell you -it makes me mad. I wish I could get just one -more chance.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Don’t worry, Bob,” urged Joseph. “You’ll -probably get another chance, all right. We’ll -all have to make up for the way we acted.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where do you think Black Hawk is now, -Deerfoot?” exclaimed Robert impulsively. He -half rose to his feet as though he intended to -start in pursuit of his enemy that very moment.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_170'>170</span>“Sit down, Bob,” laughed his brother. -“You’re not thinking of starting after him now, -are you?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Just as soon as I can,” said Robert eagerly. -“Where is Black Hawk now?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He go north,” replied Deerfoot. “Four lakes -probably.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Is that far from here?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Very far,” said the Indian. “Much swamps, -too.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s probably just what will happen, all -right,” agreed Joseph. “Black Hawk will go -up into the swamps and hide there and then -we’ll have some fun driving him out again.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Maybe he starve,” suggested Deerfoot.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Hasn’t he any supplies?” asked Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No think so. He not able to raise corn last -year. He no get any now.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s very true,” said Joseph. “Perhaps -General Atkinson intends to starve him out.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s not my way, though,” exclaimed Robert. -“I’m for going right into the swamps or -any other place where he may lead us. Finish -it up and get it over with as soon as we can, is -my idea.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t know,” argued the more cautious Joseph. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_171'>171</span>“Starving him out may take longer, but -it is just as good a way in the end and we won’t -lose half as many men.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Still,” laughed Robert, “I don’t suppose -any of the officers are going to ask us for our -opinion in the matter, so there isn’t much use -in our talking about it.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You’re right, Bob,” agreed Joseph. “Who -is this coming?” he exclaimed a moment later. -Some man was making his way through the -darkness toward their fire. It was impossible -to see who it was and the prowler came all the -way up to the fire without being recognized. It -was then discovered that the visitor was Walt.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ve come to apologize to you, Joseph,” he -said, after he had made himself known. “I -acted badly this afternoon and I know it. I’m -sorry and I want you to shake hands with me -and forgive me if you can. Will you do it?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Of course I will,” exclaimed Joseph at the -same time putting forth his hand.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I did lie,” continued Walt. “I acted like a -coward, too, and you showed me up for what I -was. I was mad at you for doing it at the time, -but I got to thinking it over and decided that I -deserved it all. From now on I’m going to try -<span class='pageno' id='Page_172'>172</span>to make up for it, and I want your friendship -and that of your brother, and Deerfoot’s, too. -Do you think I stand any chance of getting it?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You certainly do,” said Robert heartily. -This red-headed boy had a quick temper but -he had also a correspondingly warm heart. He -saw that Walt meant what he had said, and that -was all that Robert needed. He shook hands -warmly with the trapper. Deerfoot in silence -also offered his hand.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Now,” said Walt. “I’m going to ask another -favor of you three. I have been ordered -to carry some dispatches for General Atkinson. -He told me to select my own party and I want -you three as members of it. Will you go?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Will we go!” exclaimed Robert. “Of course -we’ll go and the sooner the better. When do we -start, Walt?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The first thing in the morning. Just sit -down a minute and I’ll tell you about it.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_173'>173</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XVI<br /> <span class='large'>A SCOUTING PARTY</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c011'>“I can’t tell you much, for I don’t know much -about it, myself,” Walt explained. “All the -information I have are my orders. I am to -carry some dispatches from General Atkinson -to Fort Armstrong.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s all that is necessary for us to know,” -cried Robert enthusiastically. “How many are -there to be in our party?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Ten. We four and six others.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’d better get ready then, I guess,” suggested -Joseph, who was always of a practical -turn of mind. “How about food? Who is to -look out for that?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I am,” replied Walt. “The rest of you -needn’t worry about a single thing. Everything -is ready and all you will have to do is to -go along.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_174'>174</span>“That’s fine!” exclaimed Robert. “Just the -kind of an expedition I like. Not a blessed -thing to worry about.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Except Indians,” Joseph cautioned him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Huh! Indians!” snorted Robert. “We -aren’t afraid of Indians! Are we, Deerfoot?” -and he slapped that surprised brave heartily on -the back.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No afraid,” replied Deerfoot seriously, looking -in astonishment at his young friend. He -never had become used to these outbursts of -hilarity on Robert’s part and he did not know -just what to make of them.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You’re glad you’re going, too, aren’t you?” -Robert insisted.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, me glad,” answered Deerfoot, without -changing the expression of his face or the tone -of his voice.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You’re hopeless, Deerfoot,” exclaimed Robert -laughing. “You show about as much enthusiasm -as a piece of rock.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He doesn’t believe in wasting his strength -and breath perhaps,” suggested Joseph. -“When the time comes he’ll be in the thick of -things, though, you may be sure of that.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I know it,” said Robert. “When he does a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_175'>175</span>thing or says a thing he means it. That’s more -than I can say sometimes.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We won’t worry about you, I guess, Bob,” -laughed Walt. “I know who can be depended -upon. That’s the reason I asked you to go with -us.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And now I’m going to leave you,” he added. -“Don’t forget tomorrow. We’ll meet at the -swimming hole at daybreak. Good night.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Good night,” replied Joseph, Robert and -Deerfoot together, and a moment later Walt -disappeared in the darkness.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where is Fort Armstrong?” demanded Robert, -as they were preparing to turn in for the -night.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why, Bob,” chided his brother. “Don’t you -know where that is?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Of course I do,” replied Robert. “That’s -just the reason I asked you.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, it’s right where the Rock River -empties into the Mississippi,” Joseph explained, -paying no attention to his brother’s attempt at -sarcasm. “That is the place where General -Atkinson and General Whiteside came from. -They collected their troops there before they -started up the Rock River.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_176'>176</span>“Then we’re going back the way they came?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Exactly.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But I’m afraid we’ll miss something,” protested -Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Don’t you want to go? A few minutes ago -you said you did.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I still do,” exclaimed Robert quickly. “For -a moment it seemed to me that we would be -getting out of touch with things if we went back -there, but I guess there’s likely to be something -going on, no matter where we are.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Surely, there is,” Joseph agreed. “I think -that Black Hawk’s victory will make it very unsafe -for the settlers around here, too.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s so. Probably all the Indians will -start out on the warpath now.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, and they’ll be murdering all the settlers -in the country,” exclaimed Joseph. “Many -more families will get the same treatment ours -did, I’m afraid.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, that’s what you and I are here to stop, -you know,” said Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Perhaps if we stop talking and get some -sleep we’ll be in better shape to do it, too,” Joseph -suggested. “Look at Deerfoot. He’s -asleep already.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_177'>177</span>The two brothers also were soon fast asleep -and knew nothing more until they felt their Indian -friend shaking them and telling them to -wake up. They were on their feet almost instantly -and were soon ready to depart. The -ponies were fed and watered, and in a short -time they were all on their way to the meeting -place on the river bank. It was scarcely light -as yet and the first rays of the sun were just -appearing when the young soldiers reached -their destination.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Walt was already on hand, as also were two -of the other members of the party. In a few -moments the three remaining scouts appeared -and a start was made at once.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The boys were very proud to be members of -this expedition. A responsibility had been -placed upon their shoulders and every man likes -to feel that he is thought capable of sharing such -a trust. Joseph was doubly proud. He sat -astride The Swallow and felt himself the center -of all eyes. The more he rode the pony the -better he liked him, too. As Walt said, “The -Swallow was everything that a horse should be.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>They struck off across the prairie and following -the course of the river as closely as -<span class='pageno' id='Page_178'>178</span>practicable they made their way steadily forward. -Both Joseph and Robert were delighted -to see among their number John Mason, the -man who had first called Robert “Red,” and -had entertained them one night with a story of -a hunting experience his father had had. The -two brothers had formed a strong liking for -this man. He was a splendid type of pioneer -and commanded the respect of all who came in -contact with him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Bad times ahead of us, boys,” he exclaimed, -bringing his horse alongside Robert’s and addressing -the two brothers.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What’s the matter now?” Robert demanded.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Black Hawk has turned his war parties -loose on the settlements.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He did that long ago,” said Joseph. “Bob -and I know that from bitter experience.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I know you do,” exclaimed Mason. “I guess -you have caught it as hard as anyone, but it’s -going to be worse than ever now. Since Black -Hawk chased us away so easily, I guess he -has become conceited and thinks that nothing -can hold him back.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s what we said would happen,” Joseph -remarked.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_179'>179</span>“Well, it’s true,” continued Mason. “Several -reports have come in already of people being -murdered.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Near here?” inquired Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, quite near. Yesterday morning they -killed a man just north of here. He was a minister -and was on his way to Chicago. It seems -he was in the habit of traveling around through -the settlements in the course of his work. He -was a queer looking old fellow, with a beard -that was nearly a yard long. I remember him -well, for he used to come around my part of -the country as well as here. Two nights ago -he stopped over night with a family who warned -him that suspicious Indians were in the neighborhood. -They all left the house and hurried -off to safe places, but he stayed on. He said -he wasn’t afraid and that he didn’t think the -Indians would harm him anyway. So he -stayed. One of the sons returned home the -next morning to get something that had been -forgotten, and found the poor old fellow scalped -and his head almost severed from his body. -Isn’t that horrible?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I should say it is,” agreed Joseph, shuddering -at the thought.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_180'>180</span>“Where did you hear about it?” asked Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The son who returned home told me. He -hurried right from there to Dixon’s and wants -to enlist. He says this business must stop.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He is right about that!” Joseph agreed -heartily. “Why, no one will be safe any more -unless something is done. All the other tribes -may be lured in, too, if they see the success -Black Hawk is having.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Very true,” said Mason. “I believe that already -some of the Winnebagos and Pottowattomies -have joined him.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Is that so?” exclaimed Robert. “I wonder -if Deerfoot knows that some of his people are -with Black Hawk now?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Of course he knows,” said Joseph. “He -seems to know everything almost before it happens. -He is uncanny at times.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Do you suppose it will make any difference -to him?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not a bit. Why, he’d choose you and me in -preference to his own family, I think. He likes -us better than anyone else in the world.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He certainly is a good friend of yours, isn’t -he?” remarked Mason. “At any rate I believe -<span class='pageno' id='Page_181'>181</span>only a small band of his people are with Black -Hawk. Some of the young bloods who like -fighting, that’s all.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Indians love to fight, don’t they?” said Robert. -“I wonder why it is.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Simply because it is born in them, I guess,” -laughed Mason. “All their lives they fight. -If not with the whites, then with some other -tribe.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I feel sorry for them,” Joseph remarked. -“They certainly have had a hard time ever since -the white people came into this country. Every -year they are pushed farther and farther west. -They see their homes being taken from them -and I don’t blame them if they don’t like it.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I suppose you felt sorry for them when they -were murdering our family and burning our -home,” exclaimed Robert hotly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s different,” agreed Joseph. “At the -same time I don’t suppose they know any better -and that is their way of making war.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That doesn’t excuse them, though,” retorted -Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Of course it doesn’t,” Joseph admitted. -“I’m for getting even with them just as much -as you are. Don’t worry about that. And I -<span class='pageno' id='Page_182'>182</span>agree with you that the quicker we let them -know that we won’t stand for this sort of business -the better it will be for all concerned.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s exactly the way I feel,” said Mason. -“Personally I have nothing against the Indians. -There are good ones and there are bad ones, -just as there are good and bad white men. This -country has got to be safe for settlers to live in -though, and I am going to do my best to help -make it that way. As you say we must let the -Indians know that we intend to put a stop to -this wholesale murder and massacre.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The sun by this time was high in the heavens -and a stop was made to refresh the horses and -to give the men a short breathing spell. They -halted in a clump of trees near the bank of the -river. The men stretched themselves on the -ground and completely relaxed. It was a -peaceful scene and it would have been difficult -for an observer to realize that danger lurked -near at hand. One of the scouts stationed as a -lookout soon testified to this fact, however.</p> - -<p class='c007'>When a half-hour had elapsed the march was -resumed. The route still lay along the bank -of the river, most of it over the open prairie. -Occasionally they crossed a swamp or passed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_183'>183</span>through a clump of woods and at such times -extreme caution was exercised. One man was -sent ahead to spy out the land, while the others -followed in single file, prepared for any emergency -that might arise.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Thus far no sign of the enemy had been discovered, -however. At the same time the scouts -did not relax their caution for an instant. They -were too familiar with the ways of the redmen -to think themselves ever secure from an attack.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The day wore on and the shadows grew -longer. Some of the horses began to show -signs of fatigue, but not so The Swallow. He -stepped as lightly as ever and apparently was -as fresh as when he started. Joseph became -more enthusiastic over his new pony every moment. -The other horses were tired, however, -and soon it was decided to stop for the night.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There’s a large swamp just ahead,” explained -Walt. “I think we ought to get through -that before we pitch camp. On the other side -is a long stretch of prairie and we should be -safe from any surprise out there in the open.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Walt’s suggestion was approved and soon the -little party came to the swamp. It was particularly -dense and of large extent. To ride -<span class='pageno' id='Page_184'>184</span>around it would have consumed much valuable -time. Consequently they plunged into its fastnesses -and urged their horses to make their best -speed and reach the open country again as -quickly as possible.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The party was strung out in a long line, with -John Mason at the head. No one spoke and the -only sound to be heard was the heavy breathing -of the horses and the sucking of their hoofs -as they pulled them out of the soft, wet earth.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Suddenly a rifle shot rang out through the -still air and the band of scouts came to an -abrupt halt.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_185'>185</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XVII<br /> <span class='large'>A PERILOUS UNDERTAKING</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c011'>Every man immediately dismounted. There -was a rush for shelter and in a remarkably -short space of time the whole band had -placed themselves behind trees or clumps of -bushes. Not one had abandoned his pony, -however, for without a mount no man would -stand much chance if it should come to a question -of escape.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The shot had been fired at John Mason, who -was in the lead, but he had escaped unharmed. -Meanwhile, not a sound broke the stillness which -rested over the swamp. Many moments elapsed -and still no significant sound was heard. Joseph -was standing behind a large oak tree, -well screened by a heavy growth of bushes. -He had quickly tied The Swallow to an overhanging -bough and he hoped that no one of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_186'>186</span>the Indians would discover the presence of the -pony.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Robert had taken his station in a position -similar to Joseph’s and about ten yards distant -from him. The remainder of the band were -placed at varying intervals over a space of -nearly a hundred and twenty-five yards. Every -man held his rifle ready for immediate use.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Joseph glanced eagerly about him. He could -see his comrades crouching behind their shelters -but no sign of the enemy appeared. It -gave the young pioneer a queer feeling to see -all these men hiding and yet not to know from -what they were trying to conceal themselves.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He looked again at his brother. This was -just the kind of situation to appeal to Robert -and he was greatly enjoying himself. He loved -adventure with a spice of real danger in it, and -consequently was in high spirits. He caught -Joseph’s eye and smiled. Then he waved his -hand at his brother. As he did so there came -the sharp report of a rifle and a bullet clipped -a piece of bark from the tree just above his -head. Robert drew back hurriedly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Instantly the white men’s rifles spoke, all firing -at the puff of smoke which disclosed the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_187'>187</span>position of the Indian sharpshooter. Whether -or not any of the bullets reached their mark -could not be seen, but this was the signal for -a general fusillade. The redmen replied to this -volley with a volley of their own and from that -time on the firing became general on both sides. -Above all the noise arose the frequent war -whoops of the Indians, and both Robert and -Joseph shuddered at the sound. They had -heard it often before and every time it had been -followed by misfortune.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Suddenly another war whoop sounded not -thirty feet from the spot where Joseph was -standing. At the sound he started violently -and his gun almost fell from his shaking fingers. -He turned in alarm to see whence the noise -came, and to his intense relief discovered that -Deerfoot was the cause of his fright. The Pottowattomie -had flung his defiance back at his -foes to show them that not all of his tribe were -on the side of Black Hawk.</p> - -<p class='c007'>So interested was Joseph in watching his red -ally that he nearly forgot that he was in a fight -and that at least fifteen or twenty bloodthirsty -Sacs were intent on taking his life.</p> - -<p class='c007'>At the conclusion of this war cry Deerfoot -<span class='pageno' id='Page_188'>188</span>immediately dropped to the ground and began -to worm his way forward on his belly as fast -as he could crawl. With fascinated gaze, Joseph -watched the half-naked redman whose skin -glistened with war paint as he cautiously, but -steadily crawled onward across the swamp.</p> - -<p class='c007'>From behind a tree scarcely fifty yards distant -one of the enemy had been firing. Evidently -this brave was the goal Deerfoot had in -mind. Joseph soon realized this and resolved -to do all in his power to aid. As fast as he -could load his gun he emptied it at the hidden -Indian and did his best to keep his attention -occupied so that Deerfoot might approach unnoticed. -Deerfoot must have realized this, -though, of course, he made no sign. Rifle in -hand he still was crawling through the swamp. -The grass was high, affording him excellent -protection and he took great pains to keep every -possible bush or stump or tree between him and -the object of his quest.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Every little while Joseph lost sight of Deerfoot. -It was difficult to follow the Pottowattomie’s -course as he went along, and so skillfully -did Deerfoot perform his task that only -the occasional waving of a clump of bushes gave -<span class='pageno' id='Page_189'>189</span>evidence that anyone was disturbing them. -“That’s a wonderful performance,” thought Joseph, -and he was right.</p> - -<p class='c007'>At length Joseph withdrew his gaze from -Deerfoot’s movements and looked around at the -rest of his comrades. No one seemed to have -been hit as yet, though Joseph could only account -for eight of the ten members of the party. -Robert was as cheerful as ever and presented -a smiling though powder-smeared countenance -to his brother’s gaze.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why don’t we charge them, Joe?” he called.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That would be a foolhardy thing to do,” replied -Joseph. “What chance would we stand?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Some of us would survive,” said Robert. “I -wish they’d try it, anyway.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Joseph made no reply beyond a shake of the -head and once more he turned his attention to -Deerfoot. He was, however, now unable to locate -the Pottowattomie. Having once taken his -eyes from the path he was pursuing Joseph -could not find it again. That Deerfoot must -have approached close to his goal now, he felt -confident, but still no sign of him appeared. -The young pioneer riveted his gaze upon the -tree that sheltered his enemy, hoping for an -<span class='pageno' id='Page_190'>190</span>opportunity for a favorable shot. He thought -he saw a feather move behind the broad trunk, -and immediately he fired.</p> - -<p class='c007'>An answering shot came almost instantly. -Joseph could hear the bullet cut through the -branches directly above him, and involuntarily -he drew back farther behind his shelter. -Scarcely had the report of the rifle died away -when an unearthly yell rent the air. Then before -Joseph’s eyes was enacted an awful scene.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He saw Deerfoot suddenly spring to his feet, -appearing as if by magic from the tall grass -at the foot of the tree behind which his enemy -was located. The shining, painted body of the -Pottowattomie appeared like some strange -monster in the half light of the coming night. -His war cry echoed far out over the marsh, -while in one hand he grasped his rifle, and in -the other was his tomahawk. With one bound -he flung himself upon his adversary.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Joseph could see the flash of Deerfoot’s -hatchet as it was raised to strike. He could almost -feel the shock of the two men’s bodies as -they came together and then the struggle passed -out of his range of vision. He hastily reloaded -his gun and turned to Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_191'>191</span>“Come on, Bob!” he cried. “We must help -Deerfoot!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You can count on me,” replied Robert -quickly, and together the two boys started forward -to the aid of their friend. It was a dangerous -mission on which they were embarking, -but neither boy gave any heed to his own peril. -To help Deerfoot was their only thought and -though they were not sure that their loyal friend -was in need of aid, they were determined to be -on hand in case such a need should arise.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Keep low, Bob,” warned Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m as low as I can get now!” exclaimed -Robert. “I’m almost bent double as it is.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s the way to be. Now hurry as fast as -you can.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The two brothers darted forward, rifle in -hand. Crouching low and running swiftly they -hastened to Deerfoot’s assistance.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Come back!” shouted some one of their comrades -in alarm as he saw what the two boys -were attempting. No attention was paid to -this bit of advice, however, and the boys merely -increased their speed. A bullet scudded over -their heads, and then another struck the ground -just in front of them. On they went, however, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_192'>192</span>each boy fearful lest he should be too late in -bringing aid to their faithful ally.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Nearer and nearer they approached to the -tree behind which Deerfoot had disappeared. -Thus far they had been untouched but it seemed -almost a miracle. Every moment the rain of -bullets about them increased and to their watching -comrades it seemed as if they must be hit. -Yells of defiance and rage greeted their appearance -and apparently every one of the hostile -party was now directing his fire at the two daring -youths.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Half the distance had been covered by this -time. Only a few seconds had elapsed but to -the two brothers it seemed as if a long time had -passed since they had left their shelter and -started on their perilous adventure. No -thought of retreat had entered either boy’s -mind, however, and even if they had had such -a desire it was too late now to turn back.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Just ahead of them was a large fallen oak -and toward this they made their way. Robert’s -sleeve was cut by a bullet and both boys had -felt many of the leaden balls whiz by close to -their ears. Still they kept on and soon came -to the prostrate tree. Vines and creepers covered -<span class='pageno' id='Page_193'>193</span>the trunk, providing an excellent screen, -and behind this shelter the young volunteers -stopped for a momentary breathing spell and a -chance to get their bearings.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Whew, Bob, this is ticklish business!” panted -Joseph, and he and his brother instantly sank -to the ground.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I know it, Joe,” replied Robert. “That -doesn’t make any difference, though. It has to -be done.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Of course it has,” cried Joseph. “We are -wasting valuable time here, too!” He once -more sprang to his feet and after a hasty look -about him started on his way again. Robert -followed close behind. “Only a few yards -more,” he called encouragingly. “We’ll make -it all right, Joe.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Just at this moment when the two young -pioneers appeared around the end of their shelter, -they were once more exposed to full view. -A yell greeted them, followed by a hail of lead. -Bullets sang all about them and suddenly Joseph -uttered a groan and plunged forward. He -fell headlong to the ground and rolled over upon -his back.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Robert was at his side in an instant. “Where -<span class='pageno' id='Page_194'>194</span>are you hit, Joe? Is it bad?” he cried. Joseph’s -red-headed and impulsive younger -brother apparently entirely forgot that he, too, -was exposed to the fire of all the Indian party. -Not so, Joseph, however. Even at this time his -first thought was for his brother, and he begged -him to return.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Go back, Bob,” he pleaded. “You can’t help -me any now.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Tell me where you’re hit,” demanded Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Right here,” cried Joseph, holding on to his -left leg with both hands. “It’s just above the -knee and I can’t walk.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ll help you,” offered Robert eagerly. -“Lean on me and we can get back.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Joseph made an effort to get up, but it was -unavailing. His leg gave out under the weight -and he rolled back to his former position. -Blood showed in a dark red spot above his knee.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I can’t do it, Bob,” he moaned. “There’s no -use in your being hit, too, though. Please leave -me. Save yourself, anyway.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Robert suddenly sprang to his feet. “All -right, I will leave you,” he cried, and at full -speed he ran swiftly toward the tree behind -which Deerfoot and his enemy were concealed.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_195'>195</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XVIII<br /> <span class='large'>BETWEEN THE LINES</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c011'>As Robert ran forward he caught a fleeting -glimpse of Deerfoot. He saw his Indian -friend locked in a death struggle with his foe. -Over and over upon the ground the two men -rolled, sometimes one on top and sometimes the -other. Neither had been able thus far to deal -any decisive blow, and each one was doing his -utmost to use his knife or tomahawk.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The sight spurred Robert forward, and a -feeling of intense rage welled up into his heart. -His family had been murdered and his home -destroyed. His brother had been shot and now -the last person to whom he could turn on earth -was struggling for his life with one of these -same enemies of his. All that had befallen him -swept through Robert’s mind in a flash. Red -spots danced before his eyes and he was more -<span class='pageno' id='Page_196'>196</span>angry than he had ever been before in his life.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He was afraid to shoot, however, for fear -he might hit Deerfoot. The two men were so -entwined in each other’s embrace that it was -sometimes hard to distinguish one from the -other. Neither one was aware of Robert’s -presence. It was not so with the other Indians, -however. A hot fire was directed at the daring -young pioneer and only the deadly shooting of -his comrades saved him from a personal attack.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Robert dodged behind the tree for protection -while he cautiously peered out. He was waiting -his chance to step in and deal the blow that -would return Deerfoot victor in the struggle. -The two men were straining every nerve and -every muscle in their effort to gain the mastery. -The veins stood out upon their foreheads, while -great beads of perspiration streamed from -every pore. Their breath came in gasps and it -seemed impossible that human strength could -endure such a test much longer. Evidently the -strugglers must soon weaken, and such proved -to be the case.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The one that weakened first, however, was -Deerfoot. His opponent had grasped him by -<span class='pageno' id='Page_197'>197</span>the throat and shut off his breath. With his -breath gone Deerfoot’s strength ebbed quickly. -Little by little his resistance ceased until by -a supreme effort his opponent gained the upper -hand and in a short time he sat upon Deerfoot’s -chest, his hands still clutching the Pottowattomie’s -windpipe. Deerfoot’s conqueror -leered exultantly as he reached for his knife -to complete his work.</p> - -<p class='c007'>This move, however, was Robert’s cue to act -and he responded at once. Grasping his rifle -by the barrel with both hands the young volunteer -stepped out from behind the tree. He -moved noiselessly and so intent was his foe upon -what he was doing that Robert’s actions escaped -unnoticed. He raised his gun and swinging it -twice around brought it squarely down upon -the shaved head of his enemy.</p> - -<p class='c007'>That was all. The Sac, without even so -much as a groan, rolled over and lay still upon -the ground. His knife slipped from his hand -and not a muscle in his body quivered. He was -dead.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Come, Deerfoot!” cried Robert. “Come -quickly!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>He grasped his friend by his hand and lifted -<span class='pageno' id='Page_198'>198</span>him to his feet. For a moment Deerfoot -seemed dazed and he passed his hand over his -throat.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Come on! Come on!” urged Robert. “Joe -is lying out here wounded, and we must look -after him.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Me come,” replied Deerfoot huskily. He -turned and looked at his fallen opponent, but -Robert grasped his arm. He knew what was -passing in his red ally’s mind and he forestalled -the impulse.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No scalping now,” he exclaimed. “We’ll be -killed if we stay here any longer. Please come, -Deerfoot.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The bullets still sang about their heads. One -struck Robert’s gun, scarring the stock and -tearing it almost from his grasp. Evidently -there was no time to lose. He caught hold of -Deerfoot’s arm and half dragging him hurried -his friend from the perilous place.</p> - -<p class='c007'>As they emerged from the shelter of the trees -a shout of welcome from their comrades and a -yell of rage from their enemies at the same time -greeted them. The sound, however, scarcely -made any impression upon the two daring -men. So intent were they upon the task at -<span class='pageno' id='Page_199'>199</span>hand that nothing else seemed of any consequence -to them.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Bend low and follow me, Deerfoot,” cried -Robert, loosing his hold on the Pottowattomie’s -arm. He started quickly toward the spot where -Joseph was lying and Deerfoot came close behind -him. It was a new experience for Robert -to be giving orders to his redskinned friend, -but the young frontiersman enjoyed it none the -less on that account. Deerfoot was rapidly regaining -his strength and composure, however, -and Robert’s supremacy threatened to be shortlived.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Through the storm of leaden death they ran. -A few seconds, which seemed like hours to the -young pioneer-soldier, elapsed, and they arrived -at the place where Joseph was lying.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Take his head. I’ll take his feet,” cried -Robert. Joseph made no objection and merely -groaned as he was lifted from the ground and -borne rapidly in the direction of his own forces -and of safety.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Stop here,” ordered Robert sharply, as they -came to the fallen log behind which he and his -brother had taken refuge, a few moments before. -They came to an abrupt halt and as tenderly -<span class='pageno' id='Page_200'>200</span>as possible placed Joseph upon the -ground.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How do you feel, Joe?” asked Robert, bending -anxiously over his brother.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Pretty weak,” replied Joseph in a husky -voice. His face was white and drawn with -pain, but his jaw was set and all his will power -was being exerted.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He bleed much,” exclaimed Deerfoot. “Me -fix him.” He quickly tore a strip from his -hunting shirt and fastened it around Joseph’s -leg, just above the wound. Exerting all his -strength he then drew the bandage as tightly -as he was able so that the blood would be held -back and as little as possible should escape. -Joseph seemed to be suffering more pain as -time went on. The first shock of the bullet had -stunned him so that his senses mostly were -dulled to any feeling of physical suffering. -Not so now, however, for try as he might he -could not help giving evidence that he was in -agony.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s better, Deerfoot,” Robert remarked. -“Do you think he is wounded badly?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No,” replied Deerfoot shortly. “He bleed -bad but not serious.” He had slit Joseph’s -<span class='pageno' id='Page_201'>201</span>trousers up the side so that the wound was exposed -to view. The bullet had passed through -the fleshy part of the leg, tearing an ugly hole, -but it was easy to be seen that the trouble was -not likely to be lasting.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He’s bled enough at any rate,” exclaimed -Robert grimly. “You look almost as though -you had one red trouser leg, Joe. Is that the -new style?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t know, Bob. I haven’t looked at it,” -Joseph answered weakly. Much of his strength -had ebbed away with his blood, though the flow -had been largely checked by Deerfoot’s treatment. -The Indian was now engaged in bandaging -the wound itself. His idea was to fix his -young friend temporarily so that he would be -safe until he could receive much better treatment.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Look at yourself, Joe,” urged Robert. -“You’re certainly a sight.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>With an effort Joseph raised himself upon -one elbow and glanced at his blood-stained leg. -One look was enough, however, for with a quick -intake of his breath Joseph suddenly fainted -away.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Now I’ve done it,” exclaimed Robert. “I -<span class='pageno' id='Page_202'>202</span>ought to have known better than to say a thing -like that.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He all right,” said Deerfoot stoically.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But he has fainted,” Robert protested. -“How can we bring him to?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No try,” said Deerfoot. “Let him stay -fainted.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Won’t it hurt him any?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No,” said Deerfoot, and he had apparently -dismissed the subject from his mind, for he -turned his back on the two brothers and -glanced out over the battlefield.</p> - -<p class='c007'>As long as Black Hawk’s band remained in -their present position the three volunteers were -safe where they were. They were crouched -upon the ground behind the log which provided -ample protection. Behind them were their own -men, while they were well screened from the -enemy.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How long are we going to stay here?” demanded -Robert at length.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Deerfoot made no answer, and to all outward -appearances he did not even hear the question.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How long are we going to stay here?” Robert -repeated.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You want to leave?” asked Deerfoot mildly.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_203'>203</span>“Well,” said Robert, “it’s growing dark and -it doesn’t seem to me we ought to stay here -much longer. Some one of Black Hawk’s -braves will sneak around in back of us and we’ll -be cut off if we are not careful.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That right,” Deerfoot agreed, and he -glanced at Joseph as he spoke. As he did so, -the wounded young pioneer opened his eyes and -sighed heavily.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’re going to carry you the rest of the -way now, Joe,” Robert announced cheerily. -“We’ll start any time you say.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m ready,” replied Joseph, at the same time -trying to force a smile.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“All right then, Deerfoot, let’s go,” said Robert. -“We’ll carry him just as we did before. -You don’t mind if the trip is rough, do you, -Joe? We’ve got to travel fast, you know.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The faster the better,” said Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Deerfoot reconnoitered the nearby ground, -but saw nothing to alarm him. Everything was -quiet, even the guns having ceased momentarily.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We go now,” announced Deerfoot, and he -and Robert bent down to pick up their wounded -young companion. They were just lifting him -<span class='pageno' id='Page_204'>204</span>from the ground when a warning shout caused -them to set him down quickly once more.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What was that?” cried Robert. He immediately -seized his rifle and held it ready for instant -use. Deerfoot, too, was instantly alert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Red!” The call was repeated. It was John -Mason’s voice and Robert recognized it at once. -The little band of scouts were not more than -thirty or forty yards distant so that conversation -could easily be carried on.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What is it?” called Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Come back as quickly as you can!” shouted -Mason. “I think there are two Indians stealing -up on you through the long grass.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“All right,” replied Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’d better hurry, Deerfoot,” he exclaimed. -“They say some Indians are creeping up on us -here. We can’t waste any more time.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We wasted some listening to Mason,” Joseph -remarked.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I know it,” cried Robert impatiently. -“Wouldn’t you think he could see that we were -starting when he yelled at us? We’ll have to -hurry more than ever now. Come on, Deerfoot,” -he urged, and once more he bent down -and grasped Joseph by his ankles.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_205'>205</span>“What’s the matter, Deerfoot?” he exclaimed -angrily as the Pottowattomie made no move to -help him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Just at that moment, however, Deerfoot -snatched his tomahawk from his belt and hurled -it with all his force.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_206'>206</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XIX<br /> <span class='large'>A LIVELY SKIRMISH</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c011'>Robert wheeled instantly to discover the -cause of Deerfoot’s action. He was not a -second too soon, for, as he turned, a tomahawk -whizzed past his head, missing him only by a -few inches. His sudden movement had saved -his life.</p> - -<p class='c007'>As if springing from the ground itself, an -Indian bore down upon him. The redskin was -scarcely ten feet distant when the startled boy -first caught sight of him. On he came with -knife upraised, shouting his war whoop. Fury -was depicted in every line of the Indian’s countenance. -Robert had his rifle in his hand, but, -he had no time to take aim, so swiftly did his -enemy charge. Instinctively, however, the -young volunteer started to raise the gun to his -shoulder. He realized at once that he would -<span class='pageno' id='Page_207'>207</span>not have time to take aim, and accordingly before -the barrel was above the level of his hips -he fired.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Even at so short a distance the bullet went -wild. The report of the gun, the flash and the -smoke checked the Indian momentarily, however, -and this check undoubtedly saved Robert’s -life. Following the discharge of the gun, almost -instantly Deerfoot hurled himself through -the air upon the body of the onrushing Sac. -The two men came together with a thud and -a moment later they were struggling on the -ground.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Robert was so stunned by the unexpected turn -of events that he merely stood and looked at -the fight going on at his feet. Joseph, on the -other hand, had not lost his wits for even an -instant.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Jump in there and help Deerfoot, Bob!” he -cried. “What are you standing around doing -nothing for?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>To Robert it had seemed as if this contest -was to be just like the one he had decided in -Deerfoot’s favor only a few moments before. -It was hard for him to distinguish one Indian -from the other, but he stood over the two, ready -<span class='pageno' id='Page_208'>208</span>to follow Joseph’s instructions the moment an -opportunity should offer.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Deerfoot’s opponent had a long knife in his -hand. He struggled desperately to get a chance -to use it, while Deerfoot fought with all his -strength to prevent this move. He had seized -his adversary by the wrist and clung desperately -to the hand which was holding the deadly -knife.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Knock that knife out of his hand!” called -Joseph excitedly. He partly raised himself -from the ground and even tried to rise to his -feet. This was out of the question, however, -and he sank back with a groan.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Rap him on the knuckles! What’s the matter -with you, Bob?” he cried. “Why don’t you -do something?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>As the hand which held the knife swung in -his direction Robert did shake off his lethargy -and was able to do something. He struck the -hostile redman with all his force directly across -the wrist. He used a stone which he had picked -up for the purpose. The blow was a severe one -and it accomplished its object. The fingers relaxed -their grip on the handle and the knife -slipped to the ground.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_209'>209</span>“Grab it, quick!” directed Joseph. “Don’t let -him have it again!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Robert pounced upon the weapon and having -availed himself of it turned to use it on his -enemy. It was not necessary, however. The -blow which Robert had dealt had broken the -Indian’s wrist and rendered his hand useless. -Deerfoot found no difficulty in dealing with an -opponent who now had the use of only one -arm.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He quickly disposed of his adversary and -both Robert and Joseph turned their backs with -a shudder as Deerfoot tore the scalp from his -victim’s head. There was no use in arguing -with him about the act now, however.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Let’s hurry!” exclaimed Robert, when Deerfoot -had completed his gruesome task.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No go yet,” replied Deerfoot. He quickly -stepped over the log which had sheltered them -all so well, and parting the bushes disclosed to -view another Indian who lay lifeless on the -ground. Deerfoot immediately set to work to -tear his bloody trophy from the head of this -brave also.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where did that Indian come from?” exclaimed -Robert in surprise.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_210'>210</span>“Didn’t you see Deerfoot throw his tomahawk?” -asked Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, but I didn’t know it was at that man.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Certainly it was,” said Joseph. “His aim -was evidently good, too.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I should say so. Just suppose it hadn’t been -though. I hate to think of what might have -happened to us if he had missed.” Robert -shivered at the mere thought of such a thing.</p> - -<p class='c007'>At this moment Deerfoot reappeared, his -work completed. “We go now,” he exclaimed -quickly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’s about time,” said Robert as he bent over -to pick up his brother. Once more he grasped -him by the ankles while Deerfoot held him under -his arms. Thus burdened, they turned and -started back to the shelter of the trees.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Come along,” shouted John Mason cheerily. -“We’ll keep watch that no one else gets close -to you. Come as fast as you can and keep low.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m low enough,” exclaimed Joseph, as his -back bumped upon a mound of earth.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Sorry, Joe, I didn’t mean to scrape you,” -Robert apologized.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Don’t worry about me,” said Joseph. “You -can bump me all you want if you will only get -<span class='pageno' id='Page_211'>211</span>me back quickly. My wound feels better now -since Deerfoot bandaged it.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Stumbling and tripping often, they hurried -on their way. Shouts and words of encouragement -were flung at them from their comrades -and served as a spur to the three friends. Soon -they reached their original positions where a -warm welcome was waiting for them.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Great work!” cried Walt, risking his life to -run forward and shake hands with all three of -the volunteers. “You all did splendidly.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Indeed you did!” echoed John Mason. “We -are very proud of you.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Who can fix Joe’s leg?” demanded Robert. -He had no interest in the words of praise being -heaped upon them. At least, his brother’s welfare -was the first thought that came into his -mind.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Is he hurt badly?” exclaimed Walt anxiously.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I think not,” replied Robert. “It seems like -a flesh wound, but it ought to be attended to.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Of course it had,” said John Mason. “Some -one help me carry him back here a little way -and I’ll soon fix him up.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Once more Joseph was lifted from the ground -and borne farther back from the firing line. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_212'>212</span>John Mason set to work at once and it was easy -to see from the way he conducted himself that -he was an expert in the art of looking after -wounds. In a very few moments he had doctored -Joseph so successfully that he was able -to bear some weight upon his injured limb. -With two men supporting him he was even able -to hobble along for a few steps.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Do you think you can ride your horse?” -asked John Mason anxiously.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I know I can,” replied Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s good news. If we have to run for it -you’ll certainly need The Swallow to help you -out.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I can shoot a gun, too,” exclaimed Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Maybe you can,” admitted Mason. “At the -same time you’re not going to try it just now.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Let me have just one shot,” he pleaded.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What’s the use, Joe?” demanded Robert. -“It will be dark in half an hour and the fight -will be over. We don’t need you. The Indians -are beaten. Why, we killed three ourselves and -they won’t risk any more men.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Don’t be too sure about that,” cautioned -Mason. “It’s true that night is coming on and -I don’t believe they’d try to attack us in the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_213'>213</span>dark, but I have a feeling that they may make -one last try before night really falls.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The firing had slackened in the last few moments -and there seemed to be a decided lull in -the hostilities. This state of affairs was not of -long duration, however, for suddenly the war -whoop sounded again and the firing recommenced. -John Mason was right. The Indians -were making a last desperate attempt to overcome -their foes.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You stay here, Joe,” exclaimed Robert. -“Here, sit behind this tree and we will come -after you if anything happens.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t worry about that,” said Joseph. -“Please don’t let anything happen, though.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not if we can help it,” exclaimed Mason. -“Come on, Bob,” he urged. “They need us out -there in front I guess.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Walt and Deerfoot already had taken their -places on the firing line again and Robert and -Mason soon joined them. The Indians were -closer now and were evidently striving desperately -to strike a telling blow at the white men.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The approaching darkness was a great aid -to the Indians, who crept determinedly nearer -and nearer to the band of scouts. It was hard -<span class='pageno' id='Page_214'>214</span>to discover them in the dusk and every moment -it seemed as if the flash of a hostile rifle came -from a new place. The flash came and then -when the scouts’ fire was directed at the spot -the Indian apparently had moved. The next -shot would come from a spot ten or fifteen feet -to the left or right; it was impossible to tell -which beforehand.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“They’ll outflank us,” exclaimed John Mason -anxiously. “If they ever get around to our -rear we won’t stand any chance at all.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Already three of the scouts had fallen. Two -of them were dead and the other, a man named -William Reach, was mortally wounded. What -the casualties on the Indian side were it was -impossible to tell. At any rate the advance -had not been checked. Using every bit of -cover, the redmen pressed forward relentlessly. -Every moment the position of the scouts became -more untenable.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’ll have to fall back,” exclaimed Walt at -length. “Go slow, though,” he called, “and -keep your guns busy all the time.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Fighting every inch of the distance, the scouts -retreated. From tree to tree they went, doggedly -and stubbornly contesting the ground with -<span class='pageno' id='Page_215'>215</span>their opponents. The Indians were not to be -denied, however, and it was soon apparent that -the white men must run for their lives. They -were outnumbered by their foes and unless they -made their escape soon it was evident that they -would be caught in a trap.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Walt turned to Robert. “You and Deerfoot -go and put your brother on his horse,” he ordered. -“Then you both get on your ponies and -run for it. We will follow right behind you.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Don’t you need us here?” exclaimed Robert, -loath to leave his place on the front.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, we need you,” admitted Walt. “Joseph -needs you more, though. Go to him as fast as -you can. You’d better go quickly, too. Things -may be pretty hot for us here in a few moments.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Robert delayed no longer. Summoning Deerfoot -he hurried back to the place where they -had left Joseph seated under the tree. On the -way he saw two of his comrades bending over -William Reach, the man who had been wounded. -From their attitude he could see plainly that -another member of the band had breathed his -last.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_216'>216</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XX<br /> <span class='large'>A MIDNIGHT RIDE</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c011'>“What’s the matter, Bob?” exclaimed Joseph -as he spied his brother and Deerfoot -hastening in his direction.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Everything’s the matter,” cried Robert. -“The Indians are attacking us for all they are -worth and we’ll be surrounded unless we get -out of here pretty quick.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Get the ponies and I’m ready,” said Joseph -eagerly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Deerfoot and Robert hastened to obey and -in a very short time returned. Each one rode -his own pony and Robert led The Swallow, holding -the reins with his left hand. He quickly -dismounted and Deerfoot did the same.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Now,” cried Robert cheerily, “just let us -get hold of you, Joe, and you’ll be in your saddle -before you know it.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_217'>217</span>“Don’t worry about me,” exclaimed Joseph. -“I’m almost as good as I ever was.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s the way to talk,” said Robert heartily. -“Are you all ready now?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“All ready.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Deerfoot and Robert soon lifted Joseph into -the saddle, where he seemed to be more at ease -than he had been on the ground. His two -friends watched him anxiously.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Think you can stand it?” inquired Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I know I can.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Then we go,” exclaimed Deerfoot, and a moment -later they were cantering swiftly toward -the open prairie.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where are we going?” demanded Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We go back to Dixon’s,” said Deerfoot.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Who said to do that?” exclaimed Robert in -surprise. “I haven’t heard of anything like -that.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Walt say go there,” explained Deerfoot.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What about our dispatches?” demanded -Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He say band split. One half go Fort Armstrong. -One half go Dixon’s. We go Dixon’s.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You’re sure about that, are you?” inquired -Robert earnestly.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_218'>218</span>“Me sure,” said Deerfoot confidently.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What do you suppose his idea is?” Robert -asked of his brother. He always had the feeling -that Joseph would know the reason for -almost anything. He had a great amount of -confidence in his level-headed older brother.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t know,” said Joseph doubtfully. -“Perhaps he thinks that the smaller the band -the less chance there is of discovery. If we -split in two we may throw the Indians off the -trail.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s true,” agreed Robert. “I suppose -that was Walt’s idea, too.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How many of us are there anyway?” asked -Joseph. “We started out with ten. Have we -lost any men?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We certainly have. There are only six left -now.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What!” exclaimed Joseph. “You mean to -say that four men were killed?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Indeed they were,” said Robert sadly. -“There are four men back there in those woods -who’ll never do any more Indian fighting.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How about John Mason?” demanded Joseph. -“Don’t tell me he was killed.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He was all right a few moments ago.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_219'>219</span>“I hope nothing happens to him,” said Joseph -earnestly. “He’s too fine a man to lose.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>At this moment they emerged from the -swamp onto the prairie. Night had fallen and -the full moon was just appearing over the rim -of the horizon. The three fugitives were thus -assured of some light to guide them on their -long ride. Well it was too, for at present it -was not safe to halt. The opinion seemed to -be that their foes would not attempt any pursuit, -but of this they could not be sure. Their -one idea was to put as much distance between -them and their enemies as the condition of -Joseph’s wound would permit. Thus far he -was bearing up splendidly, but he was weak -and could not be counted on for too great an -exertion.</p> - -<p class='c007'>In silence they rode most of the time. Hour -after hour passed and mile after mile was covered. -The hardy ponies seemed tireless and -with apparent ease maintained their steady -gait across the plains. A halt was called about -midnight so that men and horses might have -a breathing spell, but after a short rest the -journey was resumed. Not a sign of the enemy -had they seen, but there was always the danger -<span class='pageno' id='Page_220'>220</span>of encountering roving bands and the three -fugitives were all intent upon reaching Dixon’s -Ferry at the earliest possible moment.</p> - -<p class='c007'>As the first faint streaks of dawn appeared -over the expanse of prairie the little settlement -on the Rock River came into view. The sight -spurred the tired travelers on and in a short -time they were once more in the town and safe -again. Safe at least until they should start -out on their next expedition.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, Joe,” exclaimed Robert, as he and -Deerfoot lifted the wounded young volunteer -from the back of The Swallow. “How do you -feel after your ride?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“All right,” said Joseph and promptly -fainted. He had suffered much pain all through -the long, hard night and had kept up on nerve -alone. Now that the journey was ended he -could resist no longer, but gave up entirely.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Robert and Deerfoot laid him tenderly upon -the ground. “You stay here, Deerfoot,” exclaimed -Robert, “and I’ll go and see about having -Joe looked after in the hospital here.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>He hastened away and soon returned to say -that all arrangements had been made to receive -his brother in the hospital. In a short space -<span class='pageno' id='Page_221'>221</span>of time Joseph was transferred to the house -which temporarily served for that purpose. -When Robert and Deerfoot were convinced that -all arrangements had been made for his comfort, -they left him there and sought their own -quarters.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Dixon’s Ferry now presented a forlorn appearance. -General Atkinson with the army had -moved on up the Rock River, leaving Major -Stillman’s corps at Dixon’s Ferry to care for -the wounded and to guard the supplies. No -sooner had Atkinson left, however, than practically -every man in Stillman’s corps deserted -and returned to his home. Disgracefully defeated, -they now added further disgrace to their -cowardly record by quitting their post.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The settlement was deserted except for a -few of the men who had enough pride and -patriotism to stick to their duty. All the supplies -for the armies of Generals Atkinson and -Whiteside were thus left practically unguarded. -They were at the mercy of Black Hawk, should -he choose to attack in force.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Robert was indignant and so was everyone -else who remained. This did not bring the -men back, however. Panic seemed to have -<span class='pageno' id='Page_222'>222</span>seized the whole country. Black Hawk’s victory -at Sycamore Creek had inspired the whole -region with terror. Settlers fled from their -homes, in many cases leaving all their valuables -behind them. Sometimes even worse things -than that happened. If they had not been so -tragic they might have been amusing, as the -following story, told to Robert by one of the -men, illustrates.</p> - -<p class='c007'>There was one family that lived near the -Iroquois River in the northeastern part of -Illinois. They owned no horses, but had a large -family of small children, eleven in all. In the -course of their flight it was necessary for them -to cross the river. Coming to the bank they -found it was impossible for the small children -to cross unaided. The stream was high and -rapid, so that the father had to carry the little -ones over one at a time. Trip after trip he -made until he had them all across, as he thought. -They were about to continue their flight when -a cry from the opposite bank arrested their -attention.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Standing on the bank of the stream and crying -piteously was little Susan, just four years -old. In the excitement she had been overlooked. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_223'>223</span>The father at once plunged into the -stream again to rescue his child, when the -mother, seeing it, cried out, “Never mind -Susan; we have succeeded in getting ten over, -which is more than we expected at first—and -we can better spare Susan than you, my dear.” -So poor little Susan was abandoned by her -panic-stricken family and left to the mercy of -the savages. No harm came to her, however, -for one of the neighbors out hunting found her -and took charge of her. Thus the poor child’s -life was saved, though not through any help -from her family who had treated her so -shabbily.</p> - -<p class='c007'>This was a sample of the conditions existing -on the border at that time, however. The settlers -were in a constant state of panic. The -rustle of a wild animal in the underbrush; the -howl of a wolf in the prairie; the fall of a forest -bough were enough to blanch the cheeks of -the bravest men.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It makes me so mad!” exclaimed Robert -hotly. “The women and children can lose their -nerve if they want, but when the men do, too, -there is no excuse for them.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>He was sitting beside Joseph’s cot in the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_224'>224</span>hospital the next day after their arrival, and -was giving full vent to his feelings.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I know it,” replied Joseph. “It isn’t right -at all.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Isn’t right!” exclaimed Robert. “Well, I -should say not! Even the troops are losing -heart. A fine bunch of cowards we enlisted -with, I should say.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There is no use in getting so excited about -it, Bob,” said Joseph quietly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, there is too. It does me good to say -what I think, anyway.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Perhaps that’s true,” laughed Joseph. “At -any rate you and I are going to do our duty, -no matter what the others may do.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We certainly are,” cried Robert. “Deerfoot -will stand by us, too.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Of course he will. What does he think -about things anyway?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How do I know? Did you ever hear Deerfoot -say what he thought about anything like -this? I never did myself.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Nor I,” agreed Joseph. “He doesn’t express -himself very freely, does he?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He certainly does not,” Robert agreed. -“He not only doesn’t express his opinion, but -<span class='pageno' id='Page_225'>225</span>he doesn’t say anything at all. You know how -I like to talk, and it gets on my nerves to talk -and talk to Deerfoot and have him grunt and -grunt and once in a while say yes or no.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You mustn’t mind that,” laughed Joseph. -“That is only his way and you know what a -good friend of ours he really is.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Certainly I do. Just at present, though, I -don’t feel like sitting around and doing nothing. -There isn’t even anyone to talk to hardly -and I want to talk at least.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’ll have lots to do in a little while, I -guess,” said Joseph. “This war isn’t over by -any means yet and just as quick as my leg is -better we can look around and find something.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“When are you going to be well?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t know,” replied Joseph. “The doctor -said in less than two weeks anyway, and probably -before then. If anything very important -happens before that time you can be sure that -I’ll be in it, wound or no wound.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You’ll be all right soon, I guess,” said Robert -cheerily. “I hope so anyway. General Atkinson -is chasing Black Hawk up the Rock and -you and I don’t want to miss any of the fun.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We won’t miss any; don’t worry about that. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_226'>226</span>When Black Hawk gets into those swamps up -at the head of the Rock River near the lakes, -you can be sure it will take more than two weeks -to drive him out. We’ll see all the ‘fun’ we -want, all right.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I hope so,” exclaimed Robert earnestly. -“And now I must leave,” he added as he rose -to go. “Good-bye, Joe. I’ll come in again -soon.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Good-bye, Bob,” said Joseph. “If Deerfoot -talks too much, tell me and I’ll ask him to stop.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I only wish he’d start,” laughed Robert, as -he left his brother’s room and made his way -back to the tent which he and Deerfoot shared.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_227'>227</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XXI<br /> <span class='large'>THE FIGHT ON THE PEKATONIKA</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c011'>Two weeks passed and Joseph was entirely -healed of his wound. A slight limp at -times was the only trace that remained and -that promised to disappear soon. He was up -and as cheerful as ever. They were still at -Dixon’s Ferry and the inaction did not gall -Joseph as much as it did his impetuous brother.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He spent much of his time with The Swallow, -grooming and caring for the beautiful pony. -He had taught the intelligent animal to come -at his whistle and most of the time the horse -followed at his heels in much the same manner -a dog would do. Every day Joseph’s pride in -his mount grew. He never ceased to wonder at -the easy gait and the wonderful speed The -Swallow exhibited on the frequent rides they -took over the prairies.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_228'>228</span>There had been no organized fighting of late. -General Atkinson had returned to Dixon’s -Ferry as soon as he learned of the desertion -of Major Stillman’s corps. He had left General -Whiteside to carry on the pursuit of Black -Hawk, while he returned with the regulars to -protect the supplies left at Dixon’s Ferry.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Whiteside’s men soon became tired of soldiering, -however. Black Hawk had crossed the -northern border of Illinois and was now in -Michigan. He had gone into the unexplored -and almost impenetrable swamps of the north, -the men declared, and could never be captured. -At any rate they said that, being Illinois volunteers, -they were not required to serve outside -the state. They also claimed they had enlisted -for only a month and that their time of -service had expired.</p> - -<p class='c007'>After two or three days of fruitless skirmishing -and before they had come to the Michigan -state line, a council of officers was held and -further search for Black Hawk was abandoned. -They had penetrated only as far as the Kishwaukee -River, not many miles north of the -place where Stillman was defeated on Sycamore -Creek. However, they turned and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_229'>229</span>marched south to Ottawa, where, at their own -request, they were mustered out of service by -Governor Reynolds on the twenty-seventh and -twenty-eighth of May, 1832.</p> - -<p class='c007'>On their way from the Kishwaukee to Ottawa -the militiamen stopped at a farm on Indian -creek where a few days before a terrible massacre -of Whites had taken place. The mutilated -bodies of fifteen men, women and children lay -unburied upon the ground. This frightful -scene instead of inspiring the troops to renewed -action against the Indians, still further discouraged -them. They were more eager than -ever to give up the fight.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Governor Reynolds was active, however, and -at once called for a fresh levy of “at least two -thousand troops.” These men were to assemble -at Beardstown, a place on the Illinois River -south of Dixon’s Ferry, and were to serve -through the war. Meanwhile the government -at Washington ordered a thousand regulars -under General Winfield Scott to proceed from -their stations on the coast to the seat of -war.</p> - -<p class='c007'>General Atkinson had been greatly disturbed -by the failure of the first campaign and the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_230'>230</span>cowardice of the militia shamed him deeply. -At his earnest appeal three hundred mounted -volunteer rangers agreed to remain in the field -and protect the line of Illinois settlements until -the new army could be mobilized. Colonel -Henry Frye was in command of this company, -and Joseph, Robert and Deerfoot lost no time -in enrolling themselves with this band.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It sounds as though we’d find something to -do with them,” was Robert’s way of explaining -the move. “We’ve been idle long enough and -we can’t get very much revenge if we just sit -and do nothing.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You’re right, Bob,” agreed Joseph. “My -leg is all right now and I’m just as anxious as -you are to be active again.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Oh, no you’re not,” remarked Robert. “It -isn’t possible for any one to be as eager about -it as I am.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, we won’t argue it anyway,” laughed -Joseph. “We’ll compromise and say we’re both -eager.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Does that suit you, Deerfoot?” inquired -Robert, at the same time winking slyly at his -brother.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Ugh,” grunted Deerfoot.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_231'>231</span>“Does Joseph’s suggestion suit you?” Robert -persisted.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Sure, me suit,” replied the Pottowattomie -seriously, and try as he might Robert was unable -to get any other answer from the red man. -The young frontiersman was full of mischief -and took special delight in teasing Deerfoot. -The Indian took everything seriously and never -seemed to be able to appreciate the fact that -white boys sometimes said things in fun that -they did not mean.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Oh, you’re hopeless,” exclaimed Robert in -mock despair. “Haven’t you any sense of -humor at all, Deerfoot?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Huh?” grunted the Indian blankly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Never mind,” laughed Robert. “You’re all -right, Deerfoot, and if I meant all I said the -way you do I guess I’d be a better citizen than -I am now.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Deerfoot did not understand what all this -talk was about and he looked in amazement -from one to the other of the boys. They were -much amused at his bewilderment, but they -soon ceased teasing him. It always made them -feel that they were taking an unfair advantage -of their faithful friend, and like all true sportsmen -<span class='pageno' id='Page_232'>232</span>they derived no pleasure from a contest -that was unequal.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I wonder if there has been any fighting -lately,” said Joseph a few moments later.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Of course there has,” exclaimed Robert. “It -is going on all the time and at this very minute -I suppose some poor family is being murdered.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where?” demanded Deerfoot innocently.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t know where,” said Robert. “I just -said I supposed some family somewhere was -being murdered.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Ugh,” grunted Deerfoot. He asked no more -questions and merely shook his head in token -that he did not understand.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The three friends were seated under a large -oak tree. The time was mid-afternoon and -they were enjoying the warm sunshine and the -fine June weather. It was a lazy day and the -three volunteers felt lazy themselves. They -had done nothing for so long they had acquired -the habit of being idle. At the same time the -inaction was not entirely to their liking, as was -evidenced by their conversation.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I wish something would happen,” yawned -Robert. “I must say I’m bored.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>As he finished speaking a man was seen approaching -<span class='pageno' id='Page_233'>233</span>on horseback. This was not an unusual -sight in itself, but when time hangs heavy -on one’s hands almost anything is of interest. -The three friends sat up and watched the horseman -as he came near.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why, it’s John Mason!” exclaimed Joseph -suddenly. “Where do you suppose he has -been?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He’ll probably tell us in a couple of minutes,” -said Robert, rising to his feet.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Mason rode straight to the tree where the -three men were and quickly dismounted. He -shook hands heartily all around and was accorded -a most enthusiastic welcome. Innumerable -questions were asked of him by the two -brothers, but he made no attempt to answer -them at that time. “You two boys are regular -interrogation points,” he exclaimed laughingly. -“Just give me a chance to catch my breath and -I’ll try to reply to some of your questions.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Have you been in any more fights?” demanded -Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I should say I had.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Tell us about it quick,” Robert insisted, but -Joseph restrained him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Give Mr. Mason a chance, Bob,” he said. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_234'>234</span>“Don’t you see he is tired and wants to rest? -Perhaps he doesn’t want to tell us about it -anyway.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, I do, too,” exclaimed Mason. “First -of all, though, I want to say we got our dispatches -to Fort Armstrong safely and didn’t -even seen an Indian on the way.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We didn’t either,” said Joseph. “We came -back here without a bit of trouble.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I see you are safe and sound. How is the -wounded leg?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“As good as ever,” replied Joseph and he -executed a war dance to prove the truth of his -statement.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Good for you,” cried John Mason. “Now, -are you ready to hear about the fight?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I am,” exclaimed Robert quickly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“All right then,” said Mason. “Here goes. -I had been sent to Fort Hamilton from Fort -Armstrong and was there on the fourteenth of -June. That was just about a week ago. Word -came to us on the next day that a scouting -party of Sacs had killed five men the day before -at the Spafford farm. The farm lies on -the Pekatonika River, not far from Fort Hamilton. -Colonel Henry Dodge was in command -<span class='pageno' id='Page_235'>235</span>of the brigade stationed at the fort and at once -started in pursuit of the Indians. Never being -willing to be left out of anything I asked to be -allowed to go along and received the desired -permission.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We set out with all possible speed and soon -came upon the trail of the Indians. In fact -we were so close to them at one time that we -could see some of the warriors. We had no -chance to shoot, however, and the Indians fled -with amazing speed. They crossed and recrossed -the Pekatonika several times, but we -pressed them closer and closer, and at length -when they saw that escape was impossible they -made a stand. We immediately dismounted -and cautiously picked our way forward. The -Sacs had taken up their position in a dense -thicket and were waiting for us.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Colonel Dodge intended that we should fire -a volley and then charge. The Indians, however, -were on the lookout for us and fired first. -One of our soldiers, a man named Apple, was -killed, and a man named Jenkins was wounded. -We never let up on them for a moment, however, -and several were shot as they attempted -to escape by swimming the river. When the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_236'>236</span>fight started I think our forces were about equal -in strength, but the Indians had been in the -river so much that many of them had got -their powder wet and so their guns were useless.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It should have been easy to finish them -then,” remarked Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Don’t you think so!” exclaimed Mason -warmly. “Their guns may have been no good -to them, but they still had knives and they tried -to close in on us with those. They fought desperately, -but many of them were shot down. -One big, burly brave came plunging directly at -me. He had his gun to his shoulder and when -only a few yards distant he pulled the trigger. -The powder was wet, however, and it did not -go off. I raised my rifle, but my powder was -also damp and so nothing happened when I -tried to fire, either. Meanwhile, knife in hand, -the savage came toward me. My case was desperate, -but I still had my revolver and when -he was but a few scant feet away I drew it and -shot him down.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Whew!” exclaimed Joseph, “That was -pretty close, wasn’t it?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Too close to be comfortable,” said Mason -<span class='pageno' id='Page_237'>237</span>grimly. “I can tell you I was frightened there -for a couple of seconds.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You had good reason to be,” agreed Robert. -“But tell me,” he continued, “how did the fight -finally end?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“As far as I know every one of the Indians -was killed. Of course I can’t be sure of that, -but I don’t think a single one escaped. Our men -fought like demons that day.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s the way to fight!” exclaimed Robert. -“At least that’s the way to do when you’re -fighting demons.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“All Indians aren’t demons,” laughed Mason. -“Just look at Deerfoot here.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No, he isn’t one, I know,” agreed Robert. -“You can fight like one just the same, can’t you, -Deerfoot?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Ugh,” grunted the Pottowattomie, much embarrassed -by the attention being paid him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If you had been as near to him in that fight -the other day as I was,” Robert continued, -“you’d have thought he was a demon all right.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’re glad he’s on our side, I guess,” remarked -Joseph earnestly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We certainly are,” echoed Robert. “How -many men did you lose in that fight on the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_238'>238</span>Pekatonika?” he asked, turning to Mason once -more.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Three men killed and one wounded. That -wasn’t so bad considering what we did to the -Indians, was it?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I should say not,” exclaimed Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>At that moment a messenger came up to the -place where they were seated and handed a note -to Joseph. The young volunteer tore it open at -once and eagerly scanned the contents, while -the others watched him with deep interest.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_239'>239</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XXII<br /> <span class='large'>APPLE RIVER FORT</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c011'>“We leave for Galena at once,” announced -Joseph when he had finished reading his -communication.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Good!” exclaimed Robert, immediately jumping -to his feet. “At last we are going to do -something.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Who is ordered to go?” asked Mason.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why, Bob, Deerfoot and I,” replied Joseph. -“I wish you were going too.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“So do I,” exclaimed Mason. “I think I’ll -see if I can arrange it.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Go on,” urged Robert. “Four is just the -right number and we need you along with -us.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“All right,” agreed Mason. “You three go -get ready to start and I’ll see what can be done. -I hope I’ll be with you.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_240'>240</span>“We do, too,” said Joseph eagerly. “We’ll -see you soon.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>They hastened away and were soon busied -with their preparations for the journey. This -task did not take long, however, and they were -soon ready to leave. They were engaged in -saddling their horses when John Mason rode -joyously up to the spot where they were -standing.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’s all right, boys,” he announced. “I am -going with you.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Fine!” exclaimed Joseph and Robert in one -breath. Deerfoot even relaxed so far as to -show that he too was pleased to have John -Mason a member of the party.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Do you know where your errand is at Galena?” -Mason inquired of Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We are to take some dispatches to a Colonel -Strode. Do you know him?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, indeed. I think he is in command there, -isn’t he?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I can’t say as to that,” replied Joseph. “At -any rate he is the man we are to see.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You haven’t got the dispatches yet, have -you?” asked Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No. I am going after them now. I’ll meet -<span class='pageno' id='Page_241'>241</span>you right here in about ten minutes and then -we’ll be all ready to start.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The young volunteer swung himself gracefully -into his saddle and a moment later The -Swallow was bearing him swiftly toward headquarters. -True to his word he was back again -in ten minutes and without further delay the -four horsemen set out. They soon crossed the -Rock River and struck across country for -Galena.</p> - -<p class='c007'>So long as enough light remained for them -to see their way they kept on. They had not -started until late afternoon, however, so before -a great many miles had been covered it became -necessary to call a halt. Camp was pitched -and preparations made for the night. Lots -were drawn and the night divided into four -parts, each member of the party standing guard -for one quarter of the time. Though no sign -of the enemy had been seen it was felt to be -very necessary to have a watch. Roving bands -of Black Hawk’s warriors infested the country -and it was never possible to tell just when and -where they would be encountered.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Soon after daylight the journey was continued. -The little band kept close together and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_242'>242</span>a sharp lookout was maintained at all times. -They followed the old trail from Chicago to -Galena and toward noon came to Kellogg’s -Grove Fort, on Plum River. They stopped -there for their noonday meal and then soon after -proceeded on their way. Excellent progress -was made and several hours before sundown -they spied a small blockhouse, called Apple -River Fort, about fourteen miles east of Galena.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s Apple River Fort!” exclaimed John -Mason as the sturdy little building appeared -in the distance. “We’ve made good time and -we’ll be in Galena before long.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If we reach there before dark it will be time -enough,” said Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Plenty of time,” agreed Mason. “Why——”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The sharp report of a rifle interrupted him. -He was half turned about in his saddle and -held the reins loosely in one hand. His right -hand rested on his horse’s back as he looked -around at his companions. The rifle ball struck -him squarely in the right forearm and nearly -precipitated him from the saddle. At the same -time his horse jumped and only superb horsemanship -saved the man from being thrown to -the ground.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_243'>243</span>“Are you hurt?” cried Robert anxiously.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“In the arm. It isn’t anything,” said Mason -quickly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Can you ride all right?” demanded Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Of course I can.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Then we’d better waste no time. Just look -back there!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>One glance was sufficient. Behind them and -coming on at full speed was a war party of -over one hundred Indians. Once more the two -brothers heard the war whoop resound over -the plains and again they fled for their lives.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Make for the fort!” cried Mason. He set -spurs to his horse and closely followed by the -three others raced for the blockhouse looming -up before them. The yells of the Indians -sounded in their ears, while bullets cut the air -all about them.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Joseph soon outdistanced the others, owing -to the superior speed of The Swallow, and he -was the first to arrive at the fort. His comrades -were not far behind, however, and as they -came within the protection of the stockade they -were greeted by a cheer from the occupants -who had watched the thrilling race with breathless -interest. At the same time a volley from -<span class='pageno' id='Page_244'>244</span>the rifles of the defenders caused the Indians -to halt abruptly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>A moment later the four messengers were -inside the fort and were preparing to assist -in its defense. Men, women and children were -there, all gathered from the nearby cabins -and surrounding farms. John Mason’s wound -quickly received attention and was found to be -not at all serious. When it had been bathed -and bound up he was even able to handle his -gun.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Whew! We reached here just in time, I -should say,” exclaimed Joseph, wiping his brow.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, but wasn’t that fun?” said Robert excitedly. -“It certainly was great sport racing -those fellows.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Now that it’s over, it was all right,” agreed -Joseph. “I’d hate to have to do that every -day though.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Let’s lend a hand here,” exclaimed Robert -eagerly. “There are a couple of portholes over -there we can take care of. Look at Deerfoot; -he is already as busy as he can be.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The inside of the fort presented a curious -scene. At every porthole was a man with a -rifle. As fast as they could load they fired out -<span class='pageno' id='Page_245'>245</span>at the horde of yelling savages, who in turn -were showering bullets on the walls of the -stockade. Powder was plentiful, but the defenders -were short of bullets. Fortunately a -supply of lead had been received from Galena -only an hour before, however, and the women -were now busied in molding bullets. As fast -as they could they melted the lead and molded -it into rifle balls. The men were gallant in -their defense, but so also were the women. -They worked like beavers and had it not been -for their splendid efforts the fort must surely -have fallen.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The Indians were on all sides. Every bit of -cover seemed to hide one of the red men. A -steady fire was kept up against the fort, but, -thanks to the thickness and strength of its walls, -the bullets could not penetrate. At the same -time the heroic efforts of its defenders kept -the Indians from attacking too recklessly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>An officer named Captain Stone was in command -of the fort. He went from one to another -of the men, urging them to still greater efforts -and encouraging everyone by his air of quiet -confidence and courage. Joseph ran short of -bullets and had gone for more. As he was receiving -<span class='pageno' id='Page_246'>246</span>a fresh supply, Captain Stone approached -the spot where he was standing.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That was a narrow escape you had, young -man,” he remarked.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, sir,” replied Joseph, touching his cap. -“We have had so many lately, though, that we -are sort of becoming used to them.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What is your name?” inquired Captain -Stone.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Joseph Hall.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Are you the young man who owns The -Swallow?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ve heard of you, then. You are famous -all along the frontier. Were you on The Swallow -when you came in here?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes,” replied Joseph, much pleased by the -captain’s remarks. “There stands The Swallow -right now.” And he pointed to a corner of the -fort where the horses were tethered.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I must go and see him, when this fight is -over. That is, if we win.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Of course we’ll win,” exclaimed Joseph. -“Don’t you think so?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Unless they set fire to us.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You don’t think they’ll do that, do you? -<span class='pageno' id='Page_247'>247</span>Why, they couldn’t get close enough to us at -any rate.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“After dark they might. Still, I don’t believe -they will,” Captain Stone continued. “The -blaze could be seen for miles and would bring -a swarm of troops down upon them in a very -short time.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Captain Stone hurried on and Joseph resumed -his place at the porthole once more. -Every gun was needed, as the men in the fort -numbered only about twenty-five, while the Indians -from all appearances had at least four -times that number. Several of the red men -had been either killed or wounded, for every -few moments one of them could be seen being -carried off the field of battle. So far no one -inside the fort had even been wounded and the -fight had been going on for at least a half-hour.</p> - -<p class='c007'>This happy state of affairs did not last long, -however, for hardly had Joseph returned to his -post when a bullet penetrated the porthole next -to the one Robert defended. The man stationed -there had just raised his head to take aim when -the bullet struck him. He fell back, and even -before the two boys could spring to his assistance, -he died.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_248'>248</span>Almost at the same moment a man on the -opposite side of the fort was shot. He too had -been peering out of the porthole, but fortunately -the ball just grazed his head, inflicting -only a slight scalp wound. These occurrences -only served to increase the ardor of the defenders, -however. Every man returned to his task -with renewed energy and the fire from the -fort continued even more furiously than before.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Black Hawk out there,” said Deerfoot -quietly to Joseph a few moments later.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What!” exclaimed Joseph. “Black Hawk -himself?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Are you sure?” demanded Joseph. “Did -you see him yourself?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Me see him sure.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Show him to me.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No see him now,” said Deerfoot.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Did you hear that, Bob?” cried Joseph. -“Deerfoot says he saw Black Hawk himself out -there.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You did?” cried Robert excitedly to Deerfoot. -“Show him to me and let me take a shot -at him.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_249'>249</span>“Me take shot at him,” said Deerfoot. “No -hit him though. He gone now.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“All the others seem to be leaving too,” exclaimed -Joseph, after a careful glance out of -the porthole which he was guarding.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Sure enough, the Indians did appear to be -withdrawing. Their fire was slackening and -they evidently were convinced that the sacrifice -necessary to take the fort would not be worth -while. Everywhere they appeared to be retreating. -Loud yells of triumph sounded from -sturdy little Apple River Fort as its defenders -saw their enemy moving away.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The white men did not escape loss, however. -Even from the fort the Indians could be seen -pillaging the nearby houses and barns. Cattle -and horses that could not be moved inside the -stockade were being driven away, and the Indians -were loading the horses with bags of -provisions taken from the storehouses of the -settlers.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That can’t be helped, I’m afraid,” remarked -Captain Stone when he heard what was going -on. “We still have our lives and we ought to -count ourselves lucky. Certainly they are worth -more than a few cattle and some provisions.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_250'>250</span>Everyone else seemed to share this view, -though at first a few of the more daring ones -had been eager to sally out and continue the -contest. They were soon persuaded that such -an undertaking would be foolhardy, however, -and were content to remain where they were.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Joseph still had his dispatches for Colonel -Strode and he was at a loss as to what he should -do about them. Finally he decided to ask Captain -Stone.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Don’t even think of going now!” exclaimed -that officer, when Joseph asked his opinion -about pushing on that night. “Why, it’s almost -dark now and you don’t know how many of -those Indians are still lurking about. I consider -that you’ve done enough for today. By -all means wait until morning before you even -consider leaving here.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>This advice Joseph reported to his three -companions, who all agreed with Captain Stone. -Even Robert thought it might be advisable to -wait. It was so decided and they immediately -made preparations to spend the night at Apple -River Fort.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_251'>251</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XXIII<br /> <span class='large'>ACROSS COUNTRY</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c011'>The Indians had evidently given up all idea -of capturing the fort, for no sign of them -appeared during the night, and in the morning -it was even considered safe to venture outside -the stockade. This was done with great caution, -however, for it was never safe to count on -anything that a hostile Indian might do.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I wish I’d seen Black Hawk,” exclaimed -Robert, while he and his three companions -were eating breakfast. “You’re sure he was -there, Deerfoot?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Me sure,” said the Pottowattomie confidently.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He ought to know him when he sees him,” -said Joseph. “You’ve seen him lots of times, -haven’t you, Deerfoot?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, plenty time,” Deerfoot assented.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_252'>252</span>“Just suppose I could have shot him,” exclaimed -Robert excitedly. “Why, the whole war -would probably have stopped at once, and think -what a hero I’d be.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Wouldn’t you just as soon capture him, -Red?” laughed John Mason. “As long as you -intend to be a hero, wouldn’t you be willing to -be one without any loss of life?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes,” agreed Robert. “I guess I’d just as -soon capture him.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Let’s hope he doesn’t capture us is all I can -say,” exclaimed Joseph, earnestly. “He might -not be as good to us as Bob would be to him.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I didn’t say I’d be good to him,” protested -Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m afraid you’re a bloodthirsty young -man,” remarked Mason laughingly. “Don’t -you think we’d better get started on our way to -Galena pretty soon?” he added, addressing his -remarks to Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I do,” agreed Joseph. “You’re not going -with us, though, with your arm wounded the -way it is.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Certainly I’m going. Why, that little -scratch isn’t bad enough to need bandaging -hardly.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_253'>253</span>“All right then,” said Joseph. “Let’s be off.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>They hastened to saddle their horses and -were in the midst of saying their good-byes to -the brave defenders of the little fort when a -great commotion arrested their attention. -Shouts from the guards and the excitement of -the inmates running to and fro warned them -that something of great interest was taking -place.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What’s it all about, do you suppose?” exclaimed -Joseph curiously.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t know,” replied Robert quickly, “but -I intend to find out at once.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>He hastened to join the crowd which was rapidly -gathering at one end of the fort. The gates -had been opened and the people were peering -eagerly out. Robert took one look and then -turned and called to his companions. “Come -here, quick!” he cried. “There is something -worth seeing out here.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>No time was lost in obeying and a few moments -later Joseph, Deerfoot and John Mason -had joined the people who were gazing eagerly -out from their position inside the fort.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Look at them!” exclaimed Joseph. “Who -do you suppose they are?”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_254'>254</span>“From Galena, I guess,” replied Mason. A -hundred horsemen rode toward the fort. A -great cloud of dust rose about them and a loud -cheer from the throats of the fort’s defenders -went out to greet the newcomers. It was easy -to see that the riders were white men, and consequently -were friends. With this reinforcement -there was but slight danger that Black -Hawk would dare return to the attack.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Captain Stone hastened out to meet the fresh -arrivals and soon everyone else was also gathered -around the horsemen, who had now drawn -rein and halted just outside the fort.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Who is that officer Captain Stone is talking -to?” Joseph inquired of John Mason.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That is Colonel Strode.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The man I want to see,” exclaimed Joseph. -“Do you suppose I can give him these dispatches -now? That would save us a trip to -Galena.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t see why you can’t,” replied Mason. -“When he finishes talking to Captain Stone go -up and hand them to him.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Joseph followed this advice and when a -chance presented itself a few moments later, he -pushed The Swallow through the crowd and approached -<span class='pageno' id='Page_255'>255</span>Colonel Strode. He saluted and -started to speak.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Colonel Strode,” he began, “I have some -dispatches for you from Colonel Zachary Taylor -at Dixon’s Ferry. I thought perhaps I -might give them to you now instead of going to -Galena.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Is your name Hall?” asked Colonel Strode -abruptly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why, yes,” replied Joseph, surprised that -the Colonel should know who he was.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I thought so. I recognized you by your -horse.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“This pony seems to be very famous,” laughed -Joseph, patting The Swallow affectionately on -the neck.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I should say he was. You’ll be famous, too, -if you don’t stop killing Indians.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Joseph blushed furiously and was much embarrassed -by this compliment, paid him in the -presence of so many people. He could not say -a word, but merely held the dispatches out to -the Colonel.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“From Colonel Taylor, you say?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, sir,” answered Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“All right, young man, and thank you very -<span class='pageno' id='Page_256'>256</span>much. How is Colonel Taylor? He is a warm -friend of mine and a splendid man.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He is very well,” said Joseph. Little did -he imagine that the man they were discussing -was later to become the president of the United -States.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m glad to hear it,” said Colonel Strode -warmly. “I’m also glad to meet you and to -see what the new owner of The Swallow looks -like.” He smiled pleasantly at the young volunteer -and then turned away to give an order -to one of his aides. Joseph realized that he -was dismissed and quickly withdrew.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We may as well start back,” he said when -he had rejoined his comrades.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Your business all finished here?” asked Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“All finished.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Let’s go then,” exclaimed Robert. “I don’t -believe we can do anything more for the people -here.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>A few moments later the four scouts were -on their way back to Dixon’s Ferry, their errand -accomplished. Their safe return was by -no means assured, however, for they well knew -that Black Hawk and his war party were probably -<span class='pageno' id='Page_257'>257</span>not far distant. His failure to take Apple -River Fort would make the chief all the more -relentless against his next foe.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was easy to follow the trail of the marauding -Indians, for they had taken no pains to -cover up their tracks. The four volunteers did -not long keep on this trail, however. Deerfoot -led the way and he soon turned to the others.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We better go ’round,” he remarked.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Go ‘’round’,” exclaimed John Mason. -“What do you mean?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He means,” explained Joseph, “that we’d -better make a detour and not keep on this trail -any longer.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Ugh,” grunted Deerfoot, nodding his head -in token that Joseph’s explanation was the correct -one.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s perfectly right,” agreed Mason. “I -think that is the only thing to do. Certainly if -we keep on this way we’re apt to catch up with -the Indians at almost any time and that’s the -one thing we don’t want to happen.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Deerfoot still leading the way, they turned -due west from the course they had been following. -They continued in this direction for about -three miles and then they once more turned and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_258'>258</span>rode parallel with their original course. Black -Hawk was evidently following the same trail -over which the four scouts had come on their -way from Dixon’s Ferry the day previous.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where do you suppose he is going?” asked -Robert, speaking in reference to Black Hawk. -He was always uppermost in men’s minds in -those days.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He is headed straight for Kellogg’s Grove,” -replied John Mason.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Do you suppose he will attack there?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m sure I don’t know,” said Mason. “If he -does I hope he has no better luck than he had -yesterday.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There are no soldiers to speak of at Kellogg’s -Grove,” Joseph reminded the others. -“He may be able to surprise the fort now and -capture it.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There were no soldiers there yesterday,” -agreed Mason. “At the same time it seems to -me I heard something at Dixon’s Ferry the -other day about some men being sent there.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“To be stationed there, you mean?” asked -Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No, I don’t think that was it. I can’t remember -just what it was, but somehow I have -<span class='pageno' id='Page_259'>259</span>it in my mind that that spy battalion under -Major Dement was to be sent over to this part -of the country somewhere. They may not be -at Kellogg’s Grove itself, but they ought to be -around here, some place.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Maybe they’ll meet Black Hawk’s war party -coming the other way,” exclaimed Robert excitedly. -“I wish we could be with them.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It seems to me you are always looking for -trouble,” said John Mason, smiling broadly at -the eagerness of the red-headed young frontiersman.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, it has to come some time,” explained -Robert. “These Indians simply have to be -beaten before the war can end. The sooner it -is over with the better it will be. That’s the -way I look at it.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s very true,” agreed Mason. “You -don’t have to be in it though, do you?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Of course I do,” Robert insisted. “I want -to feel that I had a part in winning the war. -You must also remember that Joe and I have -an account to settle with Mr. Black Hawk.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Mason had no answer to this remark and as -no one else offered to say anything the ride was -continued in silence for some time. Over the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_260'>260</span>rolling prairies they went, the scenery sometimes -varied by a grove of trees or a patch of -woods. Mile after mile they covered and no -trace of the enemy appeared. Deerfoot evidently -knew the country thoroughly, for when -they had gone a certain distance he turned -abruptly east.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Kellogg Grove there,” he exclaimed pointing -ahead of him as he spoke.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It had been decided that a halt should be -made there on the way back just as had been -done on the outcoming journey.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Good!” cried Joseph heartily, in response to -Deerfoot’s remark. “I feel hungry and know -I shall appreciate a little food.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We all will, I guess,” agreed Mason. “How -far are we from Kellogg’s Grove now, Deerfoot?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Two mile.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That won’t take long,” exclaimed Robert. -“By the way,” he added suddenly, and speaking -to Mason, “what has become of Walt?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why, I don’t know,” replied Mason. “I left -him over at Fort Armstrong some time ago. I -forget where he was going. It seems to me he -was to join Major Dement’s battalion, though.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_261'>261</span>“That’s the one sent over here,” Joseph remarked.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why, to be sure it is,” exclaimed Mason. -“Perhaps if we run into them we may find Walt. -I’d like to see him again.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“So should I,” agreed Robert. “We used to -get pretty mad at him once in a while but just -the same I like him. Don’t you, Joe?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Surely I do,” said Joseph heartily. “I hope -we’ll meet him soon again.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There’s Kellogg’s Grove now,” cried Mason -suddenly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Does it look as if anyone was there?” asked -Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I can’t see,” replied Mason. “Is anyone -there, Deerfoot?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, plenty people,” said Deerfoot. “Many -white soldier.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It must be Major Dement’s command,” cried -Mason. “At any rate we’ll know soon.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The four volunteers unconsciously quickened -their pace, and in a short time arrived at their -destination to find that John Mason’s guess was -correct. Major Dement was there with a spy -battalion of about one hundred and fifty men.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_262'>262</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XXIV<br /> <span class='large'>KELLOGG’S GROVE</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c011'>As they rode up to the fort the first person -to greet them was Walt. He had seen -them coming a long way off and hastened out -to meet his four friends. He was delighted to -see them again and showed his pleasure plainly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You’re just in time to see some fun, I think,” -he remarked after a few moments had elapsed -and the travelers had dismounted from their -ponies.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What do you mean?” exclaimed Robert -eagerly. He at once scented action and was -enthusiastic at the prospect.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Two men came in just a few minutes ago -and reported that they had seen some Indians -about four or five miles from here.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Are we going after them?” demanded Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_263'>263</span>“I can’t say as to that,” replied Walt. -“You’ll have to ask Major Dement.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You said you were hungry a little while ago, -Bob,” Joseph reminded his brother.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I know, but I’ve forgotten about that. When -there is a chance of a fight I never feel like -eating.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’d better get something just the same,” -said John Mason. “No man can fight on an -empty stomach. Ask any general and he’ll tell -you that.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You can get food right inside here,” said -Walt. “Follow me and I’ll fix you up.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>No second invitation was needed and the four -scouts had soon disposed of a hearty meal. -Walt had left them to eat by themselves but -just as they were finishing he came hurrying up -with an air of satisfaction to the place where -they were seated.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If you are looking for a fight you can find -one now,” he exclaimed to Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m ready,” cried Robert, immediately rising -to his feet. “Where is it?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Major Dement is calling for twenty-five volunteers -to go out and reconnoiter. Do you -want to go?”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_264'>264</span>“Of course I do,” said Robert instantly. -“Where is Major Dement?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Over there,” replied Walt, pointing to a man -who was standing in the midst of a group of -soldiers.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m with you, Bob,” exclaimed Joseph, and -he, too, started forward.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Me go,” said Deerfoot quickly and he followed -Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It looks as though I’d have to go or be left -alone,” laughed Mason. “How about you, -Walt?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ve already volunteered and been accepted.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Before many minutes had elapsed John Mason, -Deerfoot, and the two young brothers had -also been accepted as members of the party. -The little band soon sallied forth from the -blockhouse and started across the prairie. Joseph -noticed that among the twenty-five men -who had volunteered there was a large proportion -of officers. He called Walt’s attention to -this fact.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I noticed it, too,” said Walt. “I don’t think -it is right, either.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Nor I,” exclaimed Joseph. “Major Dement -isn’t with us but there are mighty few officers -<span class='pageno' id='Page_265'>265</span>left in the fort. I’m afraid that if anything -serious happens, there may be trouble. The -men aren’t well drilled, and, without enough officers, -I’m afraid they may become disorganized -if they are left back there practically to themselves.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Let’s hope not,” said Walt earnestly. “The -militia has acquired a pretty bad reputation so -far, but these men look like better fighters than -the ones Major Stillman had at Sycamore -Creek.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“They couldn’t be worse any way,” exclaimed -Joseph disgustedly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Walt and Joseph were riding in the rear rank -of the party. They were scarcely out of sight -of their camp now, but a sudden yell warned -them that already the enemy had been discovered. -Far out on the prairies appeared a small -grove and between this and the fort were three -Indians riding backward and forward.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The reconnoitering party started after them -at full speed and were soon strung out in a long -line across the prairie. The three Indians immediately -upon sighting the white men, turned -and rode for the grove as fast as their horses -could carry them. Joseph had started from -<span class='pageno' id='Page_266'>266</span>the rear but thanks to the speed of The Swallow -was soon up with the leaders. Robert had been -in the van from the start and Deerfoot and Mason -were with him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>In the meantime Major Dement had been observing -his party of scouts from a vantage -point he occupied near the fort. He saw all -that was happening and he immediately suspected -a trick. The three Indians were racing -straight for the grove and he feared that concealed -there were reinforcements, who were -merely waiting for the little band to ride into -the trap set for them. The Major at once -jumped upon his horse and with a small portion -of his men set out to overtake the scouts and -warn them of their danger.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He was well mounted and before a great distance -had been covered was able to come up -with the hindermost members of the band. -Several men, however, were so far in advance -in their mad pursuit of the Indians that he -was unable to reach them in time. Among this -number were Robert, Joseph, Deerfoot and -Walt. The calls and shouts of their comrades -did not reach their ears and on they raced. The -fleeing Indians were making for the grove some -<span class='pageno' id='Page_267'>267</span>three miles distant, hotly pursued by the Major’s -men.</p> - -<p class='c007'>When they were a little less than a half-mile -from the grove Major Dement dismounted his -men and formed them in a line. Seven or eight -were still in advance, however, intent only upon -overtaking the Indians. Joseph now led the -pursuit, with Walt close behind him. Then -came four men who were of Major Dement’s -original command and bringing up the rear -rode Robert and Deerfoot. The last two mentioned -were in that position solely on account -of the speed of their horses. Certainly Robert -would have led the party if he had had his -wish.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Nearer and nearer to the grove they came. -On they kept without the least suspicion of the -danger to which they were exposing themselves. -Major Dement had drawn up the men who had -dismounted on a little ridge, and with intense -anxiety they watched their comrades approach -the grove.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Suddenly it happened as the Major had -feared. From out the shelter of the grove -poured the Indians. They were all mounted, -stripped to their waists and painted for battle. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_268'>268</span>A galling fire poured from their guns and two -of the white men fell to the ground lifeless. -One of these two was Walt. The bullet had -entered his temple and one glance was sufficient -to assure Joseph that his companion was dead.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He turned and fled, and with him fled the five -remaining members of the daring little company. -A volley from the men on the ridge killed -two or three of the Indians, but the rest came on -at undiminished speed. As they reached the -bodies of the two dead soldiers a large number -surrounded them, clubbing and stabbing the -lifeless remains. By the time that Joseph and -his five companions reached the ridge where -their comrades were drawn up in line the red -men were close upon them and upon both flanks.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The Indians had sallied forth with terrific -yells which had been heard by the soldiers remaining -at the fort. This portion of the -battalion had been ordered to hold themselves -in readiness for any emergency, but at the sound -of the guns and the war whoops they mounted -their horses and started to the rescue of their -companions. Coming nearer, however, they -met Major Dement and his men fleeing in hot -haste, and upon seeing the number of the Indians -<span class='pageno' id='Page_269'>269</span>they, too, turned and retreated toward -the fort.</p> - -<p class='c007'>A mad race ensued in which the Whites were -victors by a narrow margin. They were first -to reach the blockhouse, however, and springing -from their horses they quickly occupied the defenses. -It was necessary to leave their mounts -outside and the horses were huddled together -around a work bench on the least exposed side -of the fort. The best marksmen immediately -took their places at the portholes.</p> - -<p class='c007'>An ominous stillness filled the air. In large -force the Indians swarmed around the blockhouse. -They kept under cover as far as possible, -however, and seemed to be planning the -best method of attack. All at once the sharp -crack of a rifle broke the silence and proved -that someone of the white men had located the -enemy. Straightway the firing became general.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Let ’em have it, Joe!” exclaimed Robert -hotly. “We’ve got Walt to pay them back for -now, too.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ll let ’em have it all right,” replied Joseph -grimly. He carefully sighted his rifle and fired. -An Indian some two hundred yards away who -<span class='pageno' id='Page_270'>270</span>had been so careless as to expose his head for -an instant, suddenly let his gun drop limply -from his hands and sank to the ground.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I got one,” said Joseph casually.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Good for you!” cried Robert exultantly. -“That’s what we’re here for.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Me get one, too,” remarked Deerfoot. He -was busily engaged in loading his gun for another -shot at his ancient enemies.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I hope we all get one,” exclaimed Robert. -“At least I hope we all get at least one.” He -bent to his task again and no further conversation -was held for some time.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The little garrison kept up a hot fire. No Indians -dared venture too close to the fort and -after about an hour had elapsed they turned -their attention to the horses. Robert, whose -porthole commanded a view of the spot where -the animals were huddled, was the first to observe -this move.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“They’re shooting at the horses,” he exclaimed -suddenly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What!” cried Joseph in alarm.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“They’re shooting at the horses,” repeated -Robert. “I suppose they are beginning to find -out that they can’t hurt us here in the fort.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_271'>271</span>“But The Swallow!” protested Joseph. “Suppose -they kill him. Can you see him from -there?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes,” said Robert, peering out cautiously. -“He’s almost in the center of the bunch and my -horse is right next to him. I can see John Mason’s -horse, too, but I don’t see Deerfoot’s anywhere.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Let me look,” begged Joseph. The thought -of harm coming to The Swallow cast a sudden -gloom over the young volunteer. He almost -forgot his own danger in the thought that he -might lose his wonderful pony. He was -prouder of The Swallow than of anything else -in his possession and the thought of being deprived -of his prize was almost more than he -could bear.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He is right in the middle there,” he observed -after a hasty glance. As he looked, -however, a bullet struck a tall sorrel horse -stationed on the edge of the group and with a -scream of pain the animal reared and plunged. -The rest of the animals tugged at their bonds -and wild with fear made every effort to break -loose. Joseph was beside himself with anxiety.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“They won’t hit him,” observed Robert reassuringly. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_272'>272</span>“There are a hundred horses in -that bunch and The Swallow is about the best -protected one of all. He was the first to arrive -so that all the others are grouped around him -and help to keep him covered.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If they shoot him I’ll kill every Indian Black -Hawk has!” exclaimed Joseph fiercely. “That -would be the last straw.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Kill ’em all anyway,” urged Robert. “That’s -our business just now and at present we’re not -attending to it.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>As Joseph turned away to resume his post -another bullet struck in the midst of the -group of horses. The animal collapsed almost -instantly and once more all the others were -thrown into confusion. It was a horrible sight -to see the poor dumb brutes, almost crazy with -fright, and yet unable to do one thing to help -themselves. They kicked and reared and -plunged and many of them were hurt. The Indians -were quick to observe the damage they -were inflicting and soon much of their fire was -concentrated on the horses. Already ten animals -had been shot.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Quite a large number of Indians have been -killed I think,” remarked John Mason to Joseph -<span class='pageno' id='Page_273'>273</span>when he resumed his place at his porthole.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Think they’ll last much longer?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No, I don’t. The very fact that they have -turned their attention to the horses shows that -they haven’t much hope of taking the blockhouse.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I wish they’d leave soon,” exclaimed Joseph. -“I’m afraid they’re going to shoot The Swallow -unless they stop firing at the horses pretty -quick.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The only way you can stop them is to make -it so hot for them they’ll have to leave,” observed -Mason.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I might go out and bring him inside,” said -Joseph eagerly. “Do you think I could get him -out of that bunch of horses?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No, I don’t,” replied Mason shortly. “As -long as I have an ounce of strength left in my -body, I’ll use it to prevent you from doing anything -so foolish, too.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Look there,” cried Robert suddenly. He -hurried up to the spot where Joseph and John -Mason were, and pointed eagerly out of one of -the portholes.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_274'>274</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XXV<br /> <span class='large'>ON THE TRAIL</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c011'>“There they go!” exclaimed Robert triumphantly. -“They’ve had enough.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“So have I,” cried Joseph, with a great sigh -of relief. “I thought that at any moment The -Swallow was going to be shot.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He has run that chance ever since you’ve -had him,” remarked Mason. “Every time -you’ve been in a fight your horse has been in -danger of being killed.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I know it,” said Joseph. “At the same time -they haven’t been turning all their attention to -him.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“They’re going now, anyway,” remarked -Robert. “We’ve made it too hot for them, I -guess. We seem to be pretty good men to defend -blockhouses, don’t we? What do you say -to our hiring ourselves out for that purpose -all along the frontier?”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_275'>275</span>“You’d better clear them out of this neighborhood -before you start in anywhere else, -Red,” cautioned Mason.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“They are clearing out of here now,” replied -Robert. “Just look out of that porthole and -you can see them going.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>What Robert said was true. Black Hawk had -drawn off his forces and could now be seen leading -his warriors in retreat across the prairie. -His attempt to take the blockhouse had resulted -in absolute failure, but five white men were -dead as a result of his visit. One of the five -was Walt and his loss was keenly felt by his -companions.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Poor old Walt,” exclaimed Joseph sorrowfully. -“I’m sorry he had to go.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He died a soldier’s death, though,” said Robert. -“I’d like to get a shot at the Indian that -killed him; also at those demons who stabbed -and mutilated the bodies out there on the -prairie.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Look here, boys,” observed John Mason -quietly. “There is no use in talking about unpleasant -subjects. No one feels the loss of -Walt more than I. He was a good friend of -mine and I had known him for years. He died -<span class='pageno' id='Page_276'>276</span>bravely but his death was only a part of the -game after all. I wish he was back, but wishing -won’t bring him. Talking and thinking -won’t do any good either and I say we try to -forget about it. It seems to me that is the most -sensible thing for us to do.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I guess you’re right,” agreed Joseph. “It -makes one feel badly, though.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Of course it does,” said Mason. “There is -work for us to do just now, though, and because -we try to forget Walt’s loss doesn’t mean that -we don’t feel badly.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>So Walt died and passed out of the lives of -his comrades. He had his faults like all of us, -but he had had many good points as well. We -are all doomed to be forgotten, but if we can -make the world and the people in it a little bit -better or happier for our having lived here, we -can count our lives successful. All who knew -Walt agreed that his had been a successful life.</p> - -<p class='c007'>That evening General Posey arrived at Kellogg’s -Grove with his brigade. Scouts reported -that Black Hawk’s party were encamped only -a short distance away, but for some reason it -was not deemed advisable to attack him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It seems silly to me,” exclaimed Robert -<span class='pageno' id='Page_277'>277</span>hotly. “Here we have a lot of reinforcements -and a fine chance to strike a heavy blow. The -Indians are probably all tired out after their -fight and we might even be able to capture Black -Hawk himself. It seems to me an opportunity -to break the back of the war right now.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You may be right,” admitted Joseph. “At -the same time you must remember that these -men probably know more about fighting than -we do, and we are in no position to criticize.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Maybe so,” growled Robert. “I must say it -doesn’t seem like good sense to me, though.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>No attack was made, however, and a few days -later the two brothers, together with John Mason -and the faithful Deerfoot were once more -at Dixon’s Ferry. They were now attached to -the spy battalion of General James D. Henry’s -brigade. General Henry had been lieutenant-colonel -of Fry’s rangers when the four friends -had first attached themselves to that body after -Major Stillman’s defeat. Colonel Fry still held -command of the spy battalion, however.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Since the defeat at Sycamore Creek a large -army had been gathered by the Whites who were -determined to end the war as soon as possible. -Including the regulars there were now about -<span class='pageno' id='Page_278'>278</span>four thousand effective troops in the field. -Most of these had assembled at Fort Wilburn, -on the Illinois River, south of Dixon’s Ferry. -One brigade under General Alexander was dispatched -post haste to Plum River, a spot not -far from Kellogg’s Grove, as soon as news of -the fight at the latter place was received. It -was thought that Black Hawk might attempt -to cross the Mississippi at this point and it -was Alexander’s mission to prevent this.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Black Hawk did not try to cross the great -river just then, however. Instead he turned -north once more and went into camp near Lake -Koshkonong near the head waters of the Rock -River. Learning of this, General Atkinson at -once left Dixon’s Ferry and advanced up the -east bank of the Rock River in pursuit of the -Indians. The start was made on June twenty-seventh, -the main army now consisting of four -hundred regulars and twenty-one hundred volunteer -troops.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’re off,” cried Robert enthusiastically, as -the army filed out of the little settlement at -Dixon’s Ferry and started up the bank of the -river. “We’ll finish up the war this time. Just -look at all the men we have.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_279'>279</span>“It does look like a real army, doesn’t it?” -exclaimed Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Like some great serpent the army filed out of -Dixon’s Ferry. The two brothers being attached -to the scout battalion were near the -front, and in back of them the troops stretched -out in a long line as far as the eye could see. -There was little of the bravado and recklessness -that had inspired Major Stillman’s men when -they had started from this same spot some six -weeks before. Bitter and costly experience had -taught the men that over-confidence is a poor -quality for any soldier to possess. A quiet determination -showed on every countenance now. -This army had made up its mind to win and -Black Hawk would soon realize that every member -meant business.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Behind the troops came the baggage and supply -wagons. A mass of dust from the hoofs of -hundreds of horses rose in a cloud about the -army and only an occasional glimpse of the -baggage train could be had. Every once in a -while the cloud lifted momentarily, however, -and the drivers could be seen urging their -horses on to keep pace with the others.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where’s Deerfoot?” exclaimed Robert suddenly. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_280'>280</span>“I haven’t seen him once since yesterday.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You don’t mean to say you don’t know where -he is?” said Joseph in surprise.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No. I’ve been so busy the last twenty-four -hours that I never missed him. I just this minute -noticed that he was gone.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Deerfoot is the proudest Indian in North -America today, I guess,” laughed John Mason, -who rode alongside his young friends.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why?” demanded Robert. “Tell me what -all the mystery is about.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There’s no mystery at all,” replied Joseph. -“This is what happened. Yesterday a Pottowattomie -came into camp and reported that -seventy-five warriors of his tribe were encamped -at Sycamore Creek who wanted to join forces -with us. They seemed to think that this was a -fine chance to get revenge on their old enemies, -the Sacs, and they were very anxious to get in -the fight. Some men of our battalion were sent -on ahead to tell them it was all right and Deerfoot -of course went with them. You ought to -have seen him. Why, he was almost enthusiastic.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You can’t tell me he showed it, though,” -<span class='pageno' id='Page_281'>281</span>laughed Robert. “When are we going to meet -these Pottowattomies?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Tonight, I think.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s fine,” exclaimed Robert heartily. “I -can just see Deerfoot riding at the head of -seventy-five of his own people. He’ll be so -puffed up that he probably won’t deign to speak -to us.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not as bad as that I think,” said Joseph -laughingly. “They’ll be a great addition to our -forces, though. They know the country better -than any of our men and they are good fighters, -too.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“They are if they are anything like Deerfoot,” -agreed Mason. “He is about the best I ever -saw.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>All day long the army continued its march. -A halt for dinner was made at noon and shortly -afterward the advance was continued. No sign -of the enemy was discovered and at night they -went into camp on the old battle ground at -Sycamore Creek. Shortly before, they had -passed the ravine where Joseph had hidden -from the Indians during the disastrous route -after that fight. He also recognized the spot -where he had had the encounter with the Indian -<span class='pageno' id='Page_282'>282</span>and had captured The Swallow. A thrill ran -up and down his spine at the remembrance of -these events and he shuddered to think how -easily the tide might have turned the other way -and his life been forfeited as had Walt’s only -a few days before.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Camp was pitched in a heavy growth of timber -and breastworks thrown up. Sentinels -were posted and every precaution taken against -a surprise attack.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Soon after the army’s arrival Deerfoot came -in with his seventy-five tribesmen. They were -given a hearty welcome by the troops and were -assigned to Colonel Fry’s brigade. Thus the -scout battalion, of which John Mason and Joseph -and Robert were members, now contained -not only one fearless Indian ally, but seventy-five -more of the same kind. Deerfoot, in spite -of the fact that many of his own people were -now with the army, still chose to camp with -his two young white friends.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Wouldn’t you rather be with the rest of -your people?” Joseph inquired of him. He -thought that perhaps Deerfoot had joined him -and his brother for fear they might feel hurt.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Me stay with you,” replied Deerfoot quietly. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_283'>283</span>No urging could induce him to leave, and Joseph -and Robert soon gave up trying.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I believe he’d rather be with you boys than -his own people anyway,” John Mason remarked -to Joseph a short time later.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I guess he would,” agreed Joseph. “He is -certainly a good friend of ours. He is a fine -character, too, and I can tell you that Bob and -I appreciate his affection.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The next day the march was continued. On -the thirtieth they crossed the Illinois-Wisconsin -border where the Turtle village of the -Winnebagos stood. The place was deserted, -however, for the inhabitants had fled at the approach -of the army.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Sac signs were fresh now, for Black Hawk -had fled from Kellogg’s Grove directly for his -stronghold, reaching the Rock River just above -the mouth of the Kishwaukee only three or four -days in advance of the White army. The trail -was warm and the troops were following it with -the determination and eagerness of bloodhounds.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Every night a camp was selected, in the timber -if possible, and the men slept on their arms. -There was constant fear of a night attack, for -<span class='pageno' id='Page_284'>284</span>so close had General Atkinson pressed the fleeing -Sacs that often they came in contact with -the rear guard of the savages. Several times -sentinels had been fired on.</p> - -<p class='c007'>On the second of July the army arrived at -the outlet of Lake Koshkonong. Indian camps -were found, all presenting the appearance of -having been hastily deserted. Tepees stood -empty and household goods had been abandoned -by the Indians in their eagerness to leave.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Look there,” exclaimed Robert as he and -some of the scouts rode into the largest of these -camps.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Hanging from a pole of one of the tepees -were five newly taken scalps. White scalps -they were which had been stretched on frames -to dry.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“All I can say is,” remarked one grizzled old -ranger, “that them Indians must have been in -a powerful big hurry or they never would have -left them things behind.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’ll catch up with them soon,” cried Robert -eagerly. “It can’t be too soon to suit me -either.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_285'>285</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XXVI<br /> <span class='large'>THROUGH THE SWAMPS</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c011'>Robert had maintained that they would -soon overtake Black Hawk, but such -did not prove to be the case. Winnebagos had -come into camp with information that they -knew where Black Hawk was located and their -offers to guide the troops to the spot had been -accepted. As a consequence many days were -wasted in running wild goose chases through -the treacherous swamps and sink holes of that -region. The Winnebagos had been constantly -endeavoring to lead the army into a trap and -only their good fortune had saved them from -destruction more than once.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m getting discouraged,” exclaimed Robert -in despair. A week had been spent in following -false clues, none of which had proved of -any value.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_286'>286</span>“Don’t get discouraged, Red,” urged John -Mason. “Better times are coming.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Maybe they are,” replied Robert disconsolately. -“Not many seem to think so, though. -Governor Reynolds left us this morning.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He did?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, he did, and a lot of other officials went -with him. They think that the Indians have -taken to the swamps and that we’ll never get -them out.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t think it’s as bad as that.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But so many of our men are sick,” protested -Robert. “This business of floundering around -in the marshes isn’t very healthy, you know. -We are almost out of provisions, too.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s the worst thing,” admitted Mason -reluctantly. “Our food supply is low, I guess.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It certainly is, from all I hear. Something -will have to be done soon.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>As he finished speaking Joseph approached. -He hurried along as if he had some important -news to communicate.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What is it, Joe?” inquired Robert as his -brother drew near.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’re going to Fort Winnebago,” Joseph -announced.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_287'>287</span>“To Fort Winnebago?” exclaimed John Mason. -“Why are we going there?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“To get supplies.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Who is going?” demanded Robert, his spirits -immediately reviving at the prospect of an -expedition.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Our brigade and General Alexander’s, and -Dodge’s squadron.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“When do we start?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“In an hour.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Good,” exclaimed Robert. “How about -Deerfoot? Is he going with us?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, indeed. I just arranged it for him. -He thought he might be left behind and he -couldn’t stand the thought of being separated -from us.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How far is it to Fort Winnebago from -here?” Joseph inquired of John Mason.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Nearly eighty miles, I should say.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What do we care?” cried Robert. “We’re -going to leave this hole and that is enough to -make me cheerful again.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You’ll strike worse holes than this on the -way to Fort Winnebago,” cautioned Mason. -“We may all wish we were back here again before -many days have passed.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_288'>288</span>“It’s a change anyway,” Robert persisted. -“That is the principal thing just at present.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>An hour later the start for Fort Winnebago -was made. The journey was a hard one and -it was with a great feeling of relief that the -troops finally reached their destination. At the -fort were many Winnebago Indians who were -eager to give advice to the white chiefs.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No trust them,” said Deerfoot earnestly in -speaking of these offers. “They fool white men -too much already.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I wouldn’t trust them either,” exclaimed -Robert hotly. “It seems to me we ought to -know better by this time.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The four scouts were seated together at one -end of the enclosure discussing the future plans -of the army. They were tired from their long -trip and as a consequence were low in spirits. -The rest of the men seemed to share their feelings -and many were anxious to give up the -struggle and go home.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t want to go home,” said Robert -warmly. “What I want to do is to find Black -Hawk, and find him soon too. I can’t help but -think that there is some way to do it.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If we only had a trustworthy guide,” said -<span class='pageno' id='Page_289'>289</span>John Mason. “Some man who knows what he -is talking about and whose word can be relied -upon.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But where can we find such a man?” demanded -Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I wish I knew,” exclaimed Mason.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We can get supplies here,” remarked Joseph. -“That is some consolation anyway.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, but a pretty poor one,” growled Robert. -“What we want is Black Hawk, not -supplies.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We must have supplies first though, Red,” -reminded Mason. “Don’t you know what I told -you the other day that no man can fight on an -empty stomach?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Nor without sleep either,” added Joseph. -“I’m going to bed.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The fifteenth of July came and the troops -left Fort Winnebago. General Alexander’s -men insisted upon returning by the shortest -possible route to General Atkinson and the main -army. Consequently they set out with twelve -days’ provisions. Henry and Dodge, however, -had received a clue as to Black Hawk’s whereabouts -and decided to follow it.</p> - -<p class='c007'>At Fort Winnebago there was a famous halfbreed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_290'>290</span>trader and scout named Pierre Paquette. -He had long been a trusted employee of the -American Fur Company and to all appearances -answered John Mason’s requirements of a man -whose word could be relied upon and who knew -what he was talking about. Paquette had informed -General Henry of the true location of -Black Hawk’s camp and with a dozen Winnebago -assistants was engaged to lead the army -there.</p> - -<p class='c007'>On July eighteenth they reached the village -where Black Hawk and his band had been quartered, -but the enemy had fled. The Winnebago -guides insisted, however, that the Sacs had just -gone to Cranberry Lake, a half-day’s march up -the Rock River. It was then noon and the commanders -decided to wait until the following -morning before proceeding. Camp was made -and the men settled down to wait until the next -day came.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Meanwhile two men, Adjutants Merriam and -Woodbridge, were dispatched to the south to -carry the news to General Atkinson. Little -Thunder, a Winnebago chief, went with them -to act as guide. Mounting their horses they -rode off, leaving behind them seven hundred -<span class='pageno' id='Page_291'>291</span>and fifty very much disheartened and discouraged -troops.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There’s nothing to do hut wait till morning, -I suppose,” exclaimed Robert peevishly. “It -seems as if we spent half our time in waiting.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You must be patient, Red,” advised John -Mason. “Surely you wouldn’t have us start for -Cranberry Lake now. Why, we’d just about -arrive there as it was growing dark; the Indians -would discover us and get away again. -They could easily escape us in the darkness.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s right, Bob,” agreed Joseph. “I think -we are doing just the right thing.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Probably we are,” admitted Robert. “I -guess I’m in too much of a hurry. Besides I -don’t like this business of having nothing to do.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why don’t you look after your horse?” suggested -Joseph. “I’m going to give The Swallow -a good rub down this afternoon.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s a good scheme,” exclaimed Mason. -“Come on, Red. Come on, Deerfoot. We’ll all -go and do as Joe advises.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The four friends were soon busied with their -horses, and being busy the afternoon soon -passed. Darkness approached by the time they -had finished and soon after supper they rolled -<span class='pageno' id='Page_292'>292</span>themselves in their blankets and prepared for -sleep.</p> - -<p class='c007'>To the four tired volunteers it seemed as if -scarcely a half-hour had elapsed when they -were suddenly aroused from their slumbers. -The camp seemed to be in an uproar. Men ran -hither and thither. Loud commands were being -shouted and all was bustle and noise.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What is it?” exclaimed Robert. “Are we -being attacked?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t know,” replied his brother hastily. -“I guess not though, for I don’t hear any guns. -Let’s see what it is all about.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Together with John Mason and Deerfoot -they hastened to headquarters.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What’s all the excitement?” Robert inquired -eagerly of the first man they met.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’ve found him at last,” the man answered -gleefully.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Found who? What do you mean?” demanded -Mason.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Is Black Hawk captured?” exclaimed -Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Here’s what has happened,” said the man -quietly. “You know that Merriam and Woodbridge -started for General Atkinson’s camp -<span class='pageno' id='Page_293'>293</span>with Little Thunder as a guide. Well, when -they had covered about twenty miles of the distance -they suddenly came upon a broad fresh -trail leading west. Little Thunder at once began -to wave his arms and shout, but the two -adjutants couldn’t understand a word of what -he said. Suddenly, however, he turned his -horse around and started at full speed back -over the way he had come. Woodbridge and -Merriam were afraid to go any farther without -a guide, so they had to follow Little Thunder. -They all got back here just a little while -ago, and it seems that they just happened to -stumble across Black Hawk’s trail.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Are we going to follow it as fast as we can?” -said Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Exactly,” agreed the man. “We start very -soon.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Hooray!” cried Robert, turning a full handspring -to show his approval of this move.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We must get our horses and be ready to -start at once,” reminded Mason. “Let’s waste -no time.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The news that the trail of Black Hawk had -been discovered was received with great joy -in the camp. The men were all eager to start -<span class='pageno' id='Page_294'>294</span>and with rapidly rising spirits they awaited the -order to move. More enthusiasm was shown -by the troops than they had displayed at any -time up to the present. If it was fighting and -danger they wanted there would be no cause -for their enthusiasm to lag again either. At -last the preparations had been all made and -General Henry drew his men up in order to -address a few words of advice to them.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We have at last struck the right track,” he -said. “The trail is fresh and we must follow -it like hounds on the scent. We have reason to -believe that our enemies are sorely pressed for -food. That fact will help us, but we must take -quick advantage of it. We must strike before -Black Hawk can secure supplies and consequently -our watchword must be ‘speed.’ We -must sacrifice everything to speed and to that -end I charge you men to discard every article -that is not absolutely essential to you. We -must not be weighted down with unnecessary -baggage. I have confidence in you all and I -know that every man can be counted on to the -utmost.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>This speech of General Henry’s was greeted -with wild cheering and every man immediately -<span class='pageno' id='Page_295'>295</span>did as he had been advised. Blankets, cooking -utensils, and all sorts and kinds of camp equipage -were thrown aside. Ammunition and a -scanty supply of food was all that the men -retained.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The word to advance was given and the army -moved forward. What had been a band of discouraged -and gloomy men was now a body of -spirited and eager soldiers. Every man realized -that at last they were not following a -will-o’-the-wisp, but a certainty. They knew -that Black Hawk was not far away now and -that if they tried hard enough they could probably -overtake him. They were all determined -to do their utmost.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What an awful country!” exclaimed Robert, -when they were a few miles out from camp. -“Is the whole region filled with swamps and -sink holes like this?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Pretty much so, I’m afraid,” replied Mason. -“It makes the traveling pretty hard, doesn’t -it?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I should say so,” agreed Joseph. “The men -don’t seem to mind it though. Just look at -them! They look like a lot of schoolboys out -for a picnic.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_296'>296</span>“They’re on the trail of big game now,” said -Mason. “Nothing else matters. We cannot be -so far away from it, either,” he added. “Just -look there.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_297'>297</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XXVII<br /> <span class='large'>WISCONSIN HEIGHTS</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c011'>The object to which John Mason pointed -was not very startling in itself. It seemed -entirely harmless and innocent as it lay on a -tuft of grass beside a large tree. It was an -earthen pot like many that were used by the -Indians in their camps.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You see they are beginning to throw away -their own belongings,” exclaimed Mason. -“They must know we are close behind them -and are trying to make time.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There are some blankets too,” cried Robert. -“They evidently don’t intend to carry any more -weight than necessary.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The trail was soon littered with baggage and -paraphernalia of all kinds. Everything pointed -to the fact that the Indians were now in dire -straits. The troops pushed on eagerly, every -<span class='pageno' id='Page_298'>298</span>man spurred forward by the knowledge that -their opponents were weakened and must soon -be overtaken. Nature seemed to impose almost -every difficulty imaginable in the way of the -pursuers, but nothing discouraged the men any -more. Frequently it became necessary to dismount -and wade in mud and water shoulder -deep. A violent thunder storm and cloudburst -struck the little army, but undismayed they -fought their way along.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There’s an Indian!” exclaimed Joseph suddenly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where?” cried Robert excitedly. The two -boys were in advance of the others, for their -knowledge of woodcraft learned from Deerfoot -had enabled them slightly to outdistance the -rest of the army.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Just ahead there,” said Joseph quickly as -he raised his gun to fire.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Wait, Joe,” cried Robert. “He’s holding up -his hands.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The Indian was seated on a pony, and, as -Robert had said, was holding up his hands in -token of surrender. Joseph quickly lowered his -rifle.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“A Winnebago,” announced Joseph, when he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_299'>299</span>had obtained a closer glimpse of the red man.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’d better wait for the others,” advised -Robert. “He probably can’t speak English and -we can’t find out what he wants.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Several soldiers soon joined the brothers, -among them a man who understood the Winnebago -tongue. He shouted to the Indian and -learned that he was a deserter from Black Hawk -and wished to join the Whites. The interpreter -questioned him closely and upon relating what -had been said to General Henry, the Winnebago -was given permission to attach himself -to the army.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Who was he? What did he say?” Robert -demanded of Deerfoot, who was now riding -with the two boys and John Mason.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He Winnebago,” replied Deerfoot. “He say -Black Hawk only two miles away, and much -weary.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Hooray!” cried Robert excitedly. “We’ll -catch him soon.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The news had spread throughout the army, -spurring the men on to even greater efforts -than before.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We won’t catch them tonight, I’m afraid,” -remarked Mason. “It will be dark before long.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_300'>300</span>“It always gets dark just at the wrong time,” -Robert complained.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How are you going to prevent it, Red?” -laughed Mason.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m not going to prevent it,” replied Robert. -“It is certainly tough luck the way it always -happens like this, though.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’ll camp soon, I think,” said Mason. -“We must be almost at the lakes by this time, -and it is nearly sunset.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What lakes?” inquired Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The Four Lakes,” explained Mason. “You’ll -see them yourself in a minute.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I hope they’re better looking than the rest -of this country,” exclaimed Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Don’t worry about that,” Mason assured -him. “You’ll never see anything prettier than -these lakes as long as you live.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>As he finished speaking they emerged from -the swamp, passed through a belt of heavy -timber and came to the edge of a lake. The -water was clear as crystal and the bottom was -covered with shining white pebbles.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“This is Third Lake,” announced Mason. -“What do you think of it?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Wonderful!” exclaimed Robert and Joseph -<span class='pageno' id='Page_301'>301</span>in amazement as they looked out across the -beautiful sheet of water. The sun was sinking -low in the western sky and its rays cast a gleam -of silver and gold over the quiet waters. As -the rest of the army came up, every man stood -in silence and looked out over the lake, almost -too strongly impressed to speak.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How big is this lake?” inquired Robert at -last.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“About ten miles around, I should say. -Fourth Lake is about twice the size.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>War and strife were forgotten for a few moments -under the spell of this beautiful scene. -The silence did not long continue, however, for -the order to camp here for the night was soon -given and preparations were made at once. -Scouts came in and reported Indians but a few -miles away, but nothing happened to disturb -the encampment during the night. The next -morning at daybreak the men were up and once -more on the march.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Across the isthmus between Third and Fourth -Lakes swept the army. Joseph, Robert, Mason -and Deerfoot rode in front with Ewing’s spy -battalion and soon picked up the trail. It was -easy to follow and more and more evidences of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_302'>302</span>the desperation of the Sacs came into view. -Apparently the Indians were discarding everything -but their firearms.</p> - -<p class='c007'>In desperate haste the army advanced. Several -horses gave out, but the troopers thus -deprived of their mounts kept on on foot, not -one whit discouraged by their mishaps.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Several Indians were shot. They were all -old men who were exhausted by hunger and -unable to keep pace with the rest of their band. -The morning passed and noon came. With undiminished -speed the army pressed forward. -At about half-past four in the afternoon the -Indians were sighted. They had taken up their -position on the bluffs about a mile and a half -from the Wisconsin River.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Halt!” came the sharp command. “Dismount!” -A moment later the army was on -foot, awaiting the next order. This soon came, -and the men were instructed to form in line -and prepare to charge. One man out of every -four was delegated to hold the horses.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Scarcely had the army time to do as they -were commanded when the Sacs themselves -charged. Yelling like madmen they rushed -down upon the Whites. A heavy volley from -<span class='pageno' id='Page_303'>303</span>their guns failed to break the lines of the troops, -however, and the fire was returned spiritedly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Let ’em have it! Give it to them!” cried -Robert enthusiastically.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Charge!” came the order.</p> - -<p class='c007'>With a cheer the men advanced. They returned -the galling fire of the Indians with -deadly effect, but their foes were not lacking in -valor.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Keep low and close to me, Bob,” warned -Joseph as they hurried forward.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m all right, Joe,” cried Robert. “Forget -me and give all your attention to those red -demons over there.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The fire of the Whites was most effective and -the Indians appeared to be giving way.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“They’re running,” shouted Robert. “Keep -right after them.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Apparently what Robert had said was true. -The Indians did seem to be leaving their positions, -but they certainly were not retreating, -as subsequent events soon proved.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’ve got ’em!” cried Robert, who was almost -beside himself with excitement. “We’ve -got ’em now, and now’s the time to finish them -up.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_304'>304</span>“Don’t expose yourself too much, Red,” cautioned -Mason, who kept close beside the two -young brothers. Robert was absolutely regardless -of danger and ran forward fearlessly, with -no thought other than to load and fire his rifle -as many times as possible.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“They can’t——”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Look out!” cried Mason, breaking in on what -Robert had started to say.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What is it?” shouted Joseph in response to -Mason’s warning.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“They’re trying to flank us.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where are they?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>As he spoke the sharp bark of several rifles -sounded from some very tall grass on one side -of the battlefield. The Indians who had apparently -retreated, as a matter of fact had stolen -around and into the grass where they opened -a heavy fire on the Whites. For a moment the -army was taken by surprise, but it did not last -long. Quick action was needed and quick action -was taken, and luckily too. Had the Indians -succeeded in getting behind the Whites they -could have caused enormous damage.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Charge them!” shouted General Henry.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The command was instantly obeyed. With -<span class='pageno' id='Page_305'>305</span>bayonets bared and with cheers and shouts the -white men bravely dashed forward. The troops -may have displayed cowardice in some of the -previous engagements of the war, but they were -redeeming themselves now. Fearlessly and -gallantly they rushed at top speed to dislodge -the enemy from his position.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There is no load in my gun, Bob,” shouted -Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Nor in mine,” echoed John Mason.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You don’t need it,” cried Robert. “We’ll -chase ’em out of there with our fists if we -haven’t anything else. My gun is loaded, but -I don’t need it.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>A galling fire greeted their advance and several -of the men dropped. The volley was returned -but feebly, for most of the men were -in the condition of Joseph and John Mason; -that is, their guns were empty. No one halted -for a second, however; all increased their pace.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ll save my load,” thought Robert to himself. -“I may need it more in a few minutes -than I do now.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>At this moment a man on a gray horse dashed -madly past him. Robert recognized the rider -as Colonel Jones, one of the officers. As he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_306'>306</span>glanced up at the fearless rider a bullet struck -the horse, killing it instantly. Colonel Jones -was pitched headlong to the ground and Robert -rushed to see if he was hurt.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Were you hit, Colonel?” he demanded anxiously.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Never touched me,” came the quick reply, -and instantly jumping to his feet the gallant -officer continued the advance. “Follow me!” he -shouted, and with a cheer the men closed in -behind him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Absolutely regardless of consequences, fearlessly -the men charged. The grass which the -Indians occupied was at least six feet tall, a -fact which rendered it very difficult for the -Whites to see their opponents. Not one man -faltered, however.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Soon they came to the edge of the grass and -a desperate hand to hand encounter took place. -Stabbing with their bayonets and using the butt -ends of their guns the white soldiers slowly but -surely forced their redskinned foes to fall -back. Every inch of ground was contested -stubbornly and desperately. The men became -separated from one another and individual combats -took place everywhere.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_307'>307</span>Robert had forced his way clear through to -the opposite side of the high grass and emerged -into the open. As he came out he saw a white -man suddenly trip and fall headlong to the -ground. With a howl of rage a painted warrior -sprang at the fallen soldier with upraised -tomahawk.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Robert’s heart almost stopped beating when -he suddenly recognized the prostrate man as -his brother Joseph.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_308'>308</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XXVIII<br /> <span class='large'>THE TRAIL LEADS WESTWARD</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c011'>There was not a second to lose. The Indian -would surely be upon Joseph before -he could raise himself from his fallen position -and even should he be able to get up he would -stand no chance of escape. If Joseph’s life -was to be saved, it was Robert who must do it. -But how was it to be done? He had fired the -charge which had been in his gun and he had -had no chance to reload. The bloodthirsty Sac -was nearer to Joseph than he, and would evidently -reach the spot first. The case looked -desperate.</p> - -<p class='c007'>All of this happened in the twinkling of an -eye. Robert rather felt than thought these -things as he saw the Indian rushing toward -his helpless brother. “The only relative I have -left in the world,” thought Robert as, with a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_309'>309</span>choking cry, he started forward. Glory was -forgotten. Bravery was forgotten. The impulsive -young pioneer remembered only that -his brother was in terrible and immediate -danger.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The Indian was now about ten yards from -Joseph, who was striving desperately to regain -his feet. Robert was at least twenty yards distant. -He shouted to Joseph, but Joseph had -already seen the Sac approaching and was -doing his utmost to get out of the way. Robert’s -cry did not warn him of his peril, but only -served to bring a faint ray of hope into his -mind that he might yet escape.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Robert saw instantly that it was out of the -question for him to reach his brother before -the Indian would be upon him. He stopped -and started to swing his rifle about his head -with some hazy idea of throwing it at his enemy. -Before he could put this plan into execution, -however, a strange thing occurred. Something -flashed in the rays of the afternoon sun and -with a cry the onrushing Indian suddenly threw -up his hands and pitched forward, stumbling -and tripping until he fell to the ground limp -and helpless.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_310'>310</span>A tomahawk coming from some place in the -tall grass had struck the Sac warrior full in -the forehead and put an end to his fighting forever. -So suddenly and so unexpectedly had -this fortunate event taken place that neither -of the two boys realized for a few moments -just what had occurred. Joseph sank back -upon the ground and Robert merely stood with -open mouth and a dazed expression on his face, -staring stupidly at the dead form of the Indian -at his feet.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The mystery was not long unsolved, however. -The tall grass parted and out stepped Deerfoot, -as calm and stoical as ever, his face as expressionless -as a statue.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“So you did it, did you?” exclaimed Robert -as soon as he found his voice.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Deerfoot!” cried Joseph and the young soldier -could say no more.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The Pottowattomie paid no attention to either -of the boys. He picked up his tomahawk which -now was lying upon the ground, and then advanced -to the spot where the body of his fallen -enemy lay. Without a word he whipped out his -knife and soon possessed himself of another Sac -scalp. The two brothers looked on in silence.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_311'>311</span>“How can I ever thank you?” cried Joseph, -walking up to Deerfoot.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No try.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But, Deerfoot, you saved my life,” protested -Joseph, tears of gratitude appearing in his -eyes as he spoke.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why not save life?” demanded Deerfoot -simply. “You my brother. Me always save -brother’s life.” He extended his hand to Joseph, -who grasped it in silence. Then the -Pottowattomie turned to Robert and also shook -hands with him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>This solemn rite having been performed, the -three brothers turned their attention to the -fight. For a time they had been oblivious to -everything but their own affairs. The fight was -ended, however. The Indians had been driven -from their positions and now occupied a piece -of rising ground overlooking the Wisconsin -River.</p> - -<p class='c007'>They remained in that place only a short -time, however, for the troops pursued them relentlessly. -The Sacs fired a few more shots -from the top of the rise and then turned and -retreated swiftly down the bluffs to join the -main body, which was engaged in crossing the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_312'>312</span>river. The troops soon occupied the bluffs, and -further pursuit was considered useless.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Between the army and the river was a -swampy bit of ground, some sixty yards wide. -On the river bank was a heavy growth of timber. -The white commanders seeing that the -Indians could reach this protection before being -overtaken decided to give up the chase for -the night.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“A few more battles like that and the war -will soon be over,” remarked Robert enthusiastically, -when camp had been pitched.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes,” agreed Mason. “They seem to be on -the run now all right.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m glad I was in it,” exclaimed Robert. “It -is a pleasanter sensation to be the one to do -the winning than it is to have to run away. -Until now we have been mostly on the defensive.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m glad I was in it, too,” said Joseph -quietly. “I’m more than glad to be here right -now though. If it hadn’t been for Deerfoot -I’d have been dead.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There’s no doubt of that,” agreed Robert -heartily. “Deerfoot,” he added, “you are a -hero. Get up and make a bow.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_313'>313</span>“No bow,” said Deerfoot. He shifted his -position uncomfortably and was much embarrassed -by these remarks of Robert’s. He did -not desire praise for doing what he considered -merely his duty.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Robert loved to tease his red brother, however, -and seeing how uncomfortable his words -made Deerfoot he decided to continue them.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You must make a bow, Deerfoot,” he continued. -“Whenever a man saves another’s life -he always has to make a bow.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No bow,” protested Deerfoot, looking about -for some avenue of escape.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Of course not,” exclaimed Joseph, coming -to the rescue of the embarrassed Pottowattomie. -“Don’t pay any attention to what he says, -Deerfoot.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The army turned in and soon most of the -men were asleep. Everyone slept on his arms, -for the region was infested with prowling Indians -and no one wished to be taken unawares -by a sudden attack. No incident of note occurred, -however, until just about an hour and -a half before the dawn of the following day. -Joseph, naturally a light sleeper, awoke with -a start. He had a strange feeling that someone -<span class='pageno' id='Page_314'>314</span>had been talking to him. He sat up and looked -about him. The stars were out and the camp -was dimly illuminated by their ghostlike light. -“I must have been dreaming,” thought Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Suddenly he realized that he had not been -dreaming after all. A voice, loud, shrill, and -speaking in an unknown tongue could be heard -distinctly. The sound came from the direction -of the knoll, which Black Hawk, seated on a -white pony, had occupied during the battle.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Wake up, Bob,” exclaimed Joseph excitedly. -He shook his brother, who was instantly wide -awake and on his feet. The rest of the camp -was soon aroused and a great panic ensued. -The strange voice continued to be heard and -nearly every man present thought it was merely -a prelude to a great attack on the part of the -Indians.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What is it, do you suppose?” exclaimed -Robert in alarm.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m sure I can’t tell you,” replied Mason. -“It is certainly strange.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Let’s fire a volley in that direction,” cried -Robert eagerly. “Perhaps if we do that it will -show them we are prepared and they will be -scared off.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_315'>315</span>“Don’t be silly,” exclaimed Joseph in alarm. -“At any rate we couldn’t fire without orders.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Isn’t it weird?” said Mason.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The harangue continued uninterruptedly -while the army sat and quaked with fear. At -any moment the men expected to be set upon -by a band of bloodthirsty Sacs. Some of the -more timid were in favor of decamping at once. -So great was the alarm in the camp that General -Henry found it necessary to deliver a -patriotic speech to rally the sinking spirits of -his men.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Don’t you understand what the voice is saying, -Deerfoot?” inquired John Mason at last.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Me no understand,” answered Deerfoot, and -in fact he was apparently just as much puzzled -as all the others at the strange performance.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Suddenly the harangue ceased. For over an -hour it had continued without interruption, but -just before daylight the speaker stopped talking -and the voice was heard no more. Until -broad daylight appeared the army anxiously -awaited the expected attack. It did not come, -however. Scouts could discover no Indians in -the neighborhood and the purpose of the harangue -remained as great a mystery as ever.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_316'>316</span>On the twenty-third of July, General Henry’s -corps set out for Blue Mounds to secure provisions. -Mason, Joseph, Robert and Deerfoot -went with this detachment and arriving there -that evening were joined by Generals Atkinson -and Alexander. The two commanders had -heard of the rapid pursuit of Black Hawk and -had hastily set out from Lake Koshkonong to -join the victorious army.</p> - -<p class='c007'>General Atkinson at once assumed command -of all the forces collected at Blue Mounds. He -distributed rations and ordered the pursuit at -once to be resumed. The army departed and -during the days of July twenty-seventh and -twenty-eighth crossed the Wisconsin River. -Rafts, made from the log houses at the deserted -village of Helena, carried the army across the -stream. The advance was continued and General -Henry’s brigade was ordered to bring up -the rear in charge of the baggage.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why do you suppose they put us back here?” -exclaimed Robert hotly. “We have done most -of the fighting and this is our reward. Now -if we catch up with Black Hawk again those -others will have first chance and will get all the -glory. We’ll be left out of it almost entirely.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_317'>317</span>“You just said why it was done,” remarked -John Mason quietly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No, I asked why it was done,” corrected -Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You said we had done most of the fighting -so far,” explained Mason. “That, to my mind, -is why we are stationed back here.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What do you mean?” demanded Joseph, -greatly puzzled by his friend’s remark.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Simply this: General Henry has gotten -what little glory there has been to get in this -war. The others are jealous of him and jealous -of the way he won the battle at Wisconsin -Heights. They think that the next fight will -put an end to the war and they don’t intend -that General Henry shall get any credit for that, -if they can help it.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Is that really so?” exclaimed Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m sure of it,” replied Mason. “I shouldn’t -like to be quoted as saying so, though.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’s a pretty mean trick, I should say,” cried -Robert. “I hope General Henry will fool them. -He has three hundred men in his brigade, and -if I were in his place I’d take them and go off -on my own hook. We’ve got enough here to -defeat all Black Hawk can put in the field.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_318'>318</span>“General Henry must obey orders, Red,” reminded -Mason. He smiled at the boy’s impetuosity, -and, though he concealed it, had -somewhat the same feeling that Robert had.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Five or six miles northeast of Helena the -trail was discovered leading westward toward -the Mississippi. The country it traversed was -rugged and unfamiliar to the Whites. Their -Indian guides were scarcely better acquainted -with it and evidently Black Hawk had chosen -this route to retard the progress of the white -army and give his people more time to escape.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Great swamps loomed up before the army. -Rushing rivers had to be crossed, while thickly -wooded hills constantly imposed themselves -between the Whites and the fleeing redskins. -The trail grew constantly fresher, however, and -this fact spurred the men on. Corpses of dead -Sacs strewed the pathway; some had died of -wounds and some of starvation. Dead ponies, -the flesh partly eaten from their sides, and the -half-chewed pieces of bark showed how desperately -in need of food the Indians were.</p> - -<p class='c007'>On the night of August first an old Sac Indian -was captured. Unable to keep pace with -the main body he had been abandoned. The -<span class='pageno' id='Page_319'>319</span>army was now about ten miles from the Mississippi -and from the captured Indian it was -learned that Black Hawk intended to cross the -great river early the following day. General -Atkinson’s army was nearly exhausted from its -recent exertions and he decided that a few -hours’ rest was absolutely necessary for his -men. Accordingly, a halt was called about -eight o’clock of the evening of August first, -and orders given to proceed at two o’clock the -following morning.</p> - -<p class='c007'>At that hour the bugles sounded and the army -once more was soon on the march. A grim -spirit of determination filled the men and they -were eager for the fray.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I wish we were in front,” complained Robert -as they started out.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Don’t worry, Red,” advised Mason. “I have -a feeling that we’ll get all the fighting we want, -all right.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Look at Deerfoot,” directed Joseph in a low -voice.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The Pottowattomie rode proudly forward, -his head held high and a gleam in his eyes that -boded ill for his enemies. His attitude reflected -that of the whole army.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_320'>320</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XXIX<br /> <span class='large'>BAD AXE</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c011'>Suddenly shots were heard. A bugle -sounded and the men realized that the deciding -struggle of the war had commenced. -Orders were at once given for the army to form -for the attack. An orderly came riding furiously -through the lines with orders from General -Atkinson. Alexander and Posey with their -commands formed the right wing, Dodge with -his regulars the center, and General Henry the -left.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The firing increased. Dense timber afforded -a protection to the Sacs and hindered the operations -of the army. An advance was ordered, -however, and the Indians withdrew slowly. -Their fire seemed to come from a wide range of -ground and it was confidently believed that now -the main body of Black Hawk’s force had been -<span class='pageno' id='Page_321'>321</span>encountered. Upstream the Indians retreated. -A proof of John Mason’s remark as to the -jealousy borne General Henry was provided by -the commands which next were issued. The -right wing and the center were ordered to pursue -the savages. General Henry, however, received -no orders at all and so was apparently -left out of the fight entirely. This was evidently -part of a plan to deprive him of any share in -the honor which everyone felt was to be won in -this fight.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“A mean shame!” protested John Mason -hotly. “I knew they were going to try something -like this all the time.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I should say it is a shame!” cried Robert -angrily. “Why should we stand for it?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What can we do?” queried Joseph. “We are -left here with no orders. Certainly if they -wanted us they would have asked us to come.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well then, if we have no orders why can’t -we go anywhere we please?” Robert protested. -“I’d follow along if I were General Henry.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We can’t do that,” said Mason. “I guess -we’re left.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Henry’s brigade was stationed on the top of -a bluff, not far from the river.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_322'>322</span>Sounds of firing came to the men left there -and a feeling of intense rage at the affront offered -them possessed everyone present. For -days and weeks they had fought their way -through countless difficulties and had endured -untold hardships. Now that the prize was almost -in their grasp they were denied any share -in it.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Suddenly two men on horseback appeared, -riding furiously from the direction of the river.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Two of Ewing’s spy battalion,” announced -Joseph, as he recognized the men. “I wonder -what they want.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The horsemen at once sought General Henry -and excitedly began to talk and gesticulate to -him. They continually pointed toward the -river in the direction whence they had come. -As they finished speaking, General Henry drew -his sword, waved it above his head and gave -the order to advance.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What is it? What’s going on?” demanded -Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Many more were asking the same questions -and the answers were not long in forthcoming. -The spies had discovered that the main trail -was farther down the river than the course of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_323'>323</span>the Indians pursued by the center and right -wing. Evidently the Sacs first encountered -were merely decoys who were purposely attempting -to lead the army astray.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What luck!” cried Robert joyously. “They -tried to leave us out but we stumbled into the -main affair after all.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Down the steep sides of the bluff General -Henry led his troops. Arriving at the base, -the men found themselves on a wooded plateau -which stretched between the bluff and the shore. -On the other side of the timber, Black Hawk -was stationed.</p> - -<p class='c007'>A bullet tore some leaves from a tree close to -Joseph’s head. A second bullet followed the -first and soon a perfect hail of lead was cutting -its way through the forest. The trooper next -to Deerfoot had his horse shot from under him. -The bugle sounded and with a shout the men -dashed forward. Over dead logs, under low -hanging branches and through thick clumps of -bushes they forced their way. A galling fire -raked their lines from end to end but not a man -faltered.</p> - -<p class='c007'>As yet no sight of the Indians appeared. -That they were present was testified to, however, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_324'>324</span>by the energetic fusillade they kept up. -Suddenly the woods thinned and the brigade -found itself in the midst of about three hundred -warriors. The numbers on each side consequently -were even.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Savage yells and whoops rent the air. Mixed -with these were the cheers and shouts of the -troops who urged one another forward. No -man needed much urging, however, for everyone -was there to do his duty and it was done -with no thought of flinching.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Dismount!” came the order from the bugle.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Instantly every man sprang from his horse’s -back, and quickly tethering his mount to some -nearby tree, continued the attack on foot. -Every tree seemed to shelter a hostile Indian, -and the Whites themselves took advantage of -every bit of cover that offered itself.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Keep close together, boys!” urged John Mason, -as, rifle in hand, he started forward with -Deerfoot and the two brothers. “Watch every -tree and don’t let yourselves be taken by surprise.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Look out!” warned Joseph suddenly. -“There’s an Indian.” He pointed to a large -tree in front of them and as he spoke a shaved -<span class='pageno' id='Page_325'>325</span>head appeared on one side, a rifle was quickly -raised and a bullet sang close above the heads -of the four troopers.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Quick! Before he can reload!” cried Robert, -and at full speed he darted forward toward -the tree which sheltered their enemy.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Follow him! Follow him!” shouted Mason. -“Two on each side.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Robert was the first to reach the spot, but -the Sac had fled. A movement in the bushes -close at hand warned him of the Indian’s presence, -however, and quickly raising his rifle he -fired. He saw a body fall, crashing to the -ground and knew that his aim had been true.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Bob!” shouted Joseph. “Look out! Behind -you!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Robert unconsciously dropped to the ground -in response to his brother’s warning. He was -not a second too soon. A tomahawk whizzed -over his head and buried itself deep in the trunk -of a nearby tree. Robert shuddered as he -realized how narrow an escape he had had. -The brave who had made this attempt on his -life, however, did not long escape the attention -of his intended victim’s companions. Three -rifles spoke almost at the same instant and one -<span class='pageno' id='Page_326'>326</span>more Sac was added to those already lost by -Black Hawk.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’d better keep under cover more,” Mason -advised when Robert had rejoined his comrades. -“It’s all right to dash out and chase Indians -from behind trees but it’s risky business.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We must do it if we are going to win,” protested -Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not at all,” retorted Mason. “We’ll drive -them off all right without having to expose ourselves -as much as you did.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The noise was terrific. The reports of the -guns filled the air and the constant whoops of -the Indians added a weird note to the din. How -often the two brothers had heard the war -whoop. This time, however, it was tempered -by the shouts and cheers of the troops and its -effect consequently was not as horrifying.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Here comes Atkinson!” cried Joseph suddenly. -The fight had been in progress for half -an hour and General Henry’s men were more -than holding their own.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He heard the noise,” exclaimed Mason. -“I’m sorry for it, too. After the way he treated -General Henry he doesn’t deserve to be in this -at all.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_327'>327</span>“It will finish it up quicker, that’s all,” said -Robert, who was feverishly engaged in reloading -his rifle. He was intent upon doing his full -share in the battle and he was fearful that he -might waste a moment.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“They’ll be nearly surrounded now,” remarked -Joseph. “This is the end of Black -Hawk, I guess.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The battle now degenerated into a massacre. -The Indians put up a stubborn defense until the -last, but their case was hopeless. They were -outnumbered and they were also weakened by -lack of food. The nature of the ground was to -their advantage, however. Deep ravines, old -logs, swamp holes, high grass and weeds -abounded, providing excellent protection to the -warriors. Knowing that they were doomed -they fought desperately, determined to sell -their lives as dearly as possible.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“This is too much for me,” exclaimed Joseph -at length.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What’s the matter, Joe?” demanded Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I can fight, but I can’t slaughter people,” replied -Joseph with a shudder.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I was just thinking the same thing,” remarked -John Mason. “I saw one of our men -<span class='pageno' id='Page_328'>328</span>shoot a wounded Indian a few minutes ago. -That settles me.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It’s awful,” cried Joseph. “This isn’t war. -It is butchery.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“They butchered us, though,” Robert maintained -stoutly. “Why shouldn’t we give them -what they gave us?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“They don’t know any better, Bob,” said Mason. -“They are savages, but we are supposed -to be civilized, and we ought to know better, if -we don’t. A fair fight is one thing, but this is -not fair.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Look there!” cried Joseph. “Did you see -that?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No, what was it?” demanded Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“An Indian girl held up her hands to surrender, -and somebody shot her down. Do you -call that right?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I certainly do not,” admitted Robert. -“Where’s Deerfoot?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“In the thick of it, I suppose,” answered Joseph. -“We can’t stop him, for he wouldn’t understand, -but we can at least keep out of it ourselves.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The three volunteers were now standing on -a bluff overlooking the great river. The Indians -<span class='pageno' id='Page_329'>329</span>were hopelessly beaten and were making -desperate efforts to escape. Men, women and -children were trying to swim across the river, -but many were drowned and others coolly -picked off by sharpshooters stationed on the -bank. The sight was sickening. The ground -was littered with the corpses of Indians and -many of the white men were taking scalps as -freely as their red enemies ever did.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There are a whole lot of Indians on that -island,” cried Robert pointing to a small piece -of ground covered with willows which lay not -far from the shore.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not for long, though,” said Mason grimly. -“Here comes the <i>Warrior</i>.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The <i>Warrior</i> was a small steamer used to -transport army supplies. On board were a few -regulars and volunteers and a small cannon. -The boat approached close to the island that -Robert had indicated and fired round after -round of canister, raking it from end to end. -As if this were not enough a detachment of -troops was landed on the island soon after -the bombardment and with bayonets completed -the destruction of the few remaining -survivors.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_330'>330</span>“Do you suppose any one escaped?” asked -Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“From the island?” queried Mason. “Not a -single soul, I’m sure.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Do you think any Indians escaped at all?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I think so. Some crossed the river before -we got here.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not many, I guess,” exclaimed Joseph. -“Black Hawk hasn’t enough men left to do any -damage now. The war is ended.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes,” agreed Mason. “The war is ended. -We can now go back to our homes and lead -peaceable lives once more. For my part I’m -glad of it.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’d be, too, if I had a home to go to,” remarked -Joseph sadly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’ve had our revenge, though, Joe,” exclaimed -Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, we’ve had that, all right. At least -Black Hawk has been punished, though we -didn’t do so much of it.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You did your share,” said John Mason -warmly. “You got one good thing out of the -war, too, Joe.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What was that?” asked Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The Swallow.”</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_331'>331</span>“I certainly did,” exclaimed Joseph warmly. -“I think I’ll go see if he is all right. I’d hate -to have him stolen at this late date.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We’ll all go,” said Mason. “The fight is over -and we might as well leave. Where’s Deerfoot?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He here,” replied a familiar voice as Deerfoot -appeared from behind a large clump of -willows. He had an expression of grim satisfaction -on his face and at his belt hung three -new scalps. The boys could not repress a feeling -of disgust as they saw these bloody trophies. -They had witnessed a great deal of killing and -seen much gore in the past few weeks, but instead -of becoming accustomed to it, they were -thoroughly sick of it all.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where’s Black Hawk?” demanded Robert of -Deerfoot. “Did you capture or kill him?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Black Hawk run away,” replied Deerfoot.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If he is still at large we may have trouble -yet,” remarked Mason somewhat anxiously. -“He is a very smart man and may be able to -collect more braves and come back for revenge -some time.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Don’t you think he realizes that it is hopeless -to resist?” asked Joseph.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_332'>332</span>“I don’t know,” said Mason, shaking his head. -“I have a feeling that we are always going to -have trouble until he is put out of the way. I -wish someone would capture him.”</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_333'>333</span> - <h2 class='c005'>CHAPTER XXX<br /> <span class='large'>CONCLUSION</span></h2> -</div> - -<p class='drop-capa0_0_6 c011'>John Mason had wished for Black Hawk’s -capture. His wish was fulfilled and as fortune -would have it, he, Deerfoot and both Joseph -and Robert were present when the great -chief was delivered into the hands of his -enemies.</p> - -<p class='c007'>After the battle of Bad Axe the volunteers -were mustered out of service and the fighting -came to an end. All resistance on the part of -the Indians had been broken, and out of a thousand -Sacs who had crossed the Mississippi and -invaded the settlements in April, only a hundred -and fifty now remained. Black Hawk had -escaped, but Indians of hostile tribes were put -on his trail and at length succeeded in capturing -him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>On the twenty-seventh day of August, 1832, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_334'>334</span>John Mason, Deerfoot, Joseph and Robert were -at Prairie du Chien. This was not far from the -scene of the last battle and the four friends -were still in that vicinity, chiefly because they -had no other place to which they might go. At -least the two brothers had no home, and Deerfoot -would leave them under no conditions. -John Mason remained with his young friends, -thinking he might still be of service to them, and -could offer them advice as to starting life -afresh.</p> - -<p class='c007'>They were all talking to the Indian Agent, -a man named Street, and were seeking his -knowledge of the country in the hope he might -be able to help them in the selection of a new -home. Suddenly a commotion started outside -and everyone rushed to see what the cause of -the excitement was. Into the streets of the -town marched two Winnebagos, Chaetar and -One-eyed Decorah by name. Between them and -with head held high, walked Black Hawk.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Black Hawk is captured!” cried Mason. -“There he is now!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Everyone in the crowd surged forward to -obtain a glimpse of the famous redman and -Joseph and Robert were in the very first row. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_335'>335</span>Straight to the office of the Indian Agent the -old warrior was led and then Agent Street came -forward to meet him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Black Hawk was indeed an imposing figure. -He was clad in a suit of white doeskin. His -hair was all plucked out with the exception of -the scalp-lock and in that were fastened some -eagle’s feathers. He was short in stature, as -he was only about five feet four or five inches -tall. His face was thin, with the high cheek -bones characteristic of his race. His mouth -was large and when in repose his lips remained -slightly parted. He had a prominent nose of -what is called the Roman type. His eyes were -bright and piercing, but with a thoughtful expression -in them. He had no eyebrows and his -forehead was high and broad. His head he -kept thrown back and his pose gave the impression -of dignity and of one accustomed to command.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He’s not very beautiful,” whispered Robert. -“He looks smart, though.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He is smart,” exclaimed John Mason. “He -certainly led us a dance.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You know I feel sort of sorry for him,” said -Joseph. “I never had any pity for him when -<span class='pageno' id='Page_336'>336</span>we were fighting him but he looks sort of pitiful -now.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not to me,” cried Robert. “I can’t forget -what he did to us.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Speeches were now made by the different men -in the assembly. Black Hawk’s two captors related -how they had captured the prisoner at -the Wisconsin River Dells, and Agent Street -congratulated, them on their good work. -Finally Black Hawk’s turn came and he arose -slowly and proudly from his seat. In a steady -and clear voice he faced the crowd and spoke -as follows:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You have taken me prisoner with all my -warriors. I am much grieved, for I expected if -I did not defeat you, to hold out much longer, -and give you more trouble before I surrendered. -I tried hard to bring you into ambush, but your -last general understands Indian fighting. The -first one was not so wise. When I saw I could -not beat you by Indian fighting I determined to -rush on you, and fight you face to face. I fought -hard. But your guns were well aimed. The -bullets flew like birds in the air and whizzed by -our ears like the wind through the trees in -winter. My warriors fell around me; it began -<span class='pageno' id='Page_337'>337</span>to look dismal. I saw my evil day at hand. -The sun rose dim on us in the morning and at -night it sank in a dark cloud, and looked like a -ball of fire. That was the last sun that shone -on Black Hawk. His heart is dead, and no -longer beats quick in his bosom. He is now a -prisoner of the white men; they will do with him -as they wish. But he can stand torture and is -not afraid of death. He is no coward. Black -Hawk is an Indian.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He has done nothing for which an Indian -ought to be ashamed. He has fought for his -countrymen, the squaws and the papooses, -against white men, who came year after year -to cheat him and take away their lands. You -know the cause of our making war. It is known -to all white men. They ought to be ashamed -of it. The white men despise the Indians, and -drive them from their homes. But the Indians -are not deceitful. The white men speak bad of -the Indian, and look at him spitefully. But the -Indian does not tell lies; Indians do not steal.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“An Indian who is as bad as the white men -could not live in our nation; he would be put -to death and eaten up by the wolves. The white -men are bad schoolmasters; they carry false -<span class='pageno' id='Page_338'>338</span>books. They smile in the face of the poor Indian -to cheat him; they shake him by the hand -to gain his confidence, to make him drunk, to -deceive and ruin him. We told them to let us -alone and keep away from us, but they followed -on and beset our paths, and they coiled themselves -among us like the snake. They poisoned -us by their touch. We were not safe. We -lived in danger. We were becoming like them, -hypocrites and liars, all talkers and no workers.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We looked up to the Great Spirit. We went -to our great father. We were encouraged. -His great council gave us fair words and big -promises; but we got no satisfaction. Things -were growing worse. There were no deer in -the forest. The opossum and beaver were fled; -the springs were drying up, and our squaws -and papooses were without victuals to keep them -from starving. We called a great council and -built a large fire. The spirit of our fathers -arose and spoke to us to avenge our wrongs or -die. We all spoke before the council fire. It -was warm and pleasant. We set up the war -whoop and dug up the tomahawk; our knives -were ready and the heart of Black Hawk swelled -high in his bosom when he led his warriors to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_339'>339</span>battle. He is satisfied. He will go to the world -of spirits contented. He has done his duty. -His father will meet him there and commend -him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Black Hawk is a true Indian and disdains -to cry like a woman. He feels for his wife, his -children and friends. But he does not care for -himself. He cares for his nation and the Indians. -They will suffer. He laments their -fate. The white men poison the heart. My -countrymen will in a few years become like the -white men, so that you cannot trust them, and -there must be as in the white settlements, nearly -as many officers as men to take care of them -and keep them in order.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Farewell, my nation. Black Hawk tried to -save you, and avenge your wrongs. He drank -the blood of some of the Whites. He has been -taken prisoner and his plans are stopped. He -can do no more. He is near his end. His sun -is setting and he will rise no more. Farewell -to Black Hawk.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>He finished speaking and a silence fell upon -the crowd gathered to hear him. He had made -a profound impression and his hearers were -deeply affected.</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='pageno' id='Page_340'>340</span>“I certainly feel sorry for that man,” exclaimed -Joseph at length.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“So do I,” agreed Mason. “He tried to do -right as he saw it and now he is broken-hearted -and discouraged.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“His spirit is not broken, though,” said Robert -warmly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I should think not,” exclaimed Joseph. “It -never will be either. As he says himself, ‘he -is an Indian’.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He doesn’t think much of the white men, -does he?” said Robert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not much,” agreed John Mason. “I don’t -blame him, for they have given the Indians a -pretty rough treatment as a rule.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There are bad Indians, just as there are bad -white men,” said Joseph. “I guess the bad -white men are more numerous, though.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Ugh,” grunted Deerfoot.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Did you agree with that remark?” cried Robert, -advancing toward Deerfoot with a threatening -air. “You know what will happen to you -if you did.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Deerfoot smiled grimly at his young friend’s -remarks. He was gradually becoming used to -the teasing he was constantly subjected to and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_341'>341</span>he was learning how to take it in good spirits.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Me no afraid,” he exclaimed and almost -laughed as he spoke.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You’re improving, Deerfoot. You’ll be all -right soon,” laughed Robert as he slapped his -Pottowattomie friend heartily on the back.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Come on, Bob,” urged Joseph. “It’s time -for us to be leaving. There goes Black Hawk.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The four friends turned to look and saw -Black Hawk being led away down the street. -Two soldiers walked on each side of him, while -with head still held proudly erect the aged warrior -marched silently on and thus passed from -the sight of John Mason, Deerfoot, Robert and -Joseph forever.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='small'>THE END</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c003' /> -</div> -<div class='tnotes x-ebookmaker'> - -<div class='section ph2'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c001'> - <div>TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - - <ol class='ol_1 c002'> - <li>Silently corrected typographical errors and variations in spelling. - - </li> - <li>Archaic, non-standard, and uncertain spellings retained as printed. - </li> - </ol> - -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TRAIL OF BLACK HAWK ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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