By the middle of the afternoon all that could be done was finished, and then Captain Tanner insisted upon it that the majority of the men and boys lie down to rest.
"You won't get any sleep to-night, so make the most of your time now," were his words. Then he climbed the tallest tree in that vicinity, to take a long and careful look around. But this survey brought nothing new to light.
It was just sundown when the first alarm came in. An Indian carrying a white feather was seen sneaking up to the stockade. Seeing it was one of White Buffalo's followers the captain sent Joseph Morris out to interview him.
"The Indians who side with the French are coming," announced the warrior. "They come by the trail we traveled and by the trail in yonder pathway," pointing with his hand. "They are in four bands, and Gray Tail heard that they will strike to-night when darkness covers the land."
This was all that the Indian could tell, but it was enough, and Joseph Morris ran back to inform Captain Tanner and the others. Those who were sleeping were aroused, and each man and boy was assigned to his place of duty.
As he had desired, Rodney was placed near one of the brooks. The young man's father was stationed some distance above him and Dave an equal distance below. Next to Dave came a pioneer named Ike Lee, and the others followed, completing the circle of the fort. Then all waited anxiously for a first sign of the advancing enemy, each with his eyes strained to their utmost and with his finger on the trigger of his firearm.
CHAPTER X
HOW HENRY FARED
Let us now go back to Henry Morris and find out what occurred to the young hunter and Mrs. Risley immediately after Dave departed from the resting place in the forest.