The river had much to interest the boys. At night they returned home filled with excitement over the large hollow oak they had found almost a mile below.
"It was just like a house, father. We planned the rooms and played there all day."
"And saw no Indians?" their father inquired with some anxiety.
"Yes, on the opposite bank we saw several creeping up the river, but we had a fine hiding place."
The boys little knew that on that 17th day of July, some two hundred Indians were stealing cautiously up the Oyster River, on both sides, to the Upper Settlement. Their plan was to divide into small groups and attack each house at sunrise, the next morning. A single shot was to be the signal.
On the following day by some mistake the shot was given before the Indians were ready.
"What does that mean?" exclaimed Thomas Bickford, who from his home had heard the crack of a gun far up the river on that early morning of July 18th. Instantly he recalled the stealthy Indians that the boys had seen the previous day, and he sensed immediate danger.
"Quick!" he called to his wife and boys. "Run to the boat! I believe the Indians are afoot!"
Hurrying into their clothes, they rushed to the river and jumped into the boat. Bickford passed them the oars.
"Down the stream," he pointed, "and get around the bend as soon as you can! The savages are up the river!"