"They'll never come back," croaked one old man. "Their bones will bleach with the bones of Braddock's men."
The town left behind, the army plunged directly into the wilderness of the Cumberland valley. The road was bad, and the sweating horses had all they could do to draw along the rough wagons and carts carrying the supplies. The rangers, by their own choice, were permitted to take the lead. A constant watch was kept for Indians, but for several days no red men put in an appearance.
"They know better than to fight so close to the settlements," said Barringford. "But wait till we get out a bit—then, like ez not, they'll do their best to ambush us."
The first stop of the army was at Shippenburgh, a lonely settlement about thirty miles from Fort Cumberland. Here they found nearly fourteen hundred men, women, and children, who had fled to the place for safety. These people reported that Fort Ligonier, in the mountains, was surrounded, as was also Fort Bedford, and that all communications with Fort Pitt had been broken off.
"Perhaps Fort Pitt has fallen," said Dave, sadly.
"Let us hope for the best, Dave," answered Rodney. "You know it's a pretty strong place."
A band of thirty soldiers, led by some rangers who knew the way, was immediately dispatched for Fort Ligonier, and the main body of the army marched directly for Fort Loudon, and then for Fort Bedford.
"What a solitary place," was Rodney's comment, as they came in sight of the latter stronghold, perched among the mountains. Only a handful of soldiers were there, and with them more starving families.
"We have been pestered by Indians for weeks," said Captain Ourry, who was in charge. "Not a soul has dared to leave the fort. All of the houses in this vicinity have been burned down and the cattle stolen."
"Have you any news from Fort Pitt?" demanded Colonel Bouquet.