“Take care of yourself, Joe,” said Harry, as the pair parted.
“And you take care of yourself and the others, Harry,” was the answer.
It was nearly noon before the settlers started out, sixty-five strong, and led by Colonel Boone. Each man carried a rifle and plenty of ammunition, and in addition rations for two days. If more food was needed the settlers felt that they could easily supply themselves from the game in the forest and the plenteous fish in the numerous streams.
CHAPTER XXV
IN A FOREST FIRE
This period has well been called the “dark and bloody” years of life in Kentucky. Raids by the Indians occurred frequently, not only at Boonesborough, but also at the other settlements, until more than one pioneer became so disheartened that he gave up the contest and returned to the East.
The war with England was at its height and the red men knew that it was impossible for the colonists to send any troops to the West to subdue them. More than this, the English were only too glad to give the Indians a hand against the settlers at every opportunity.
Daniel Boone felt that a stand must be taken, and the Indians must be taught a lesson they would not readily forget. He was very silent on the march, but his head was busy with his plans.
“I reckon he means business this trip,” observed Joe to one of the others.
“That he does, lad,” answered the pioneer. “And can you blame him?”
“Blame him? No, indeed, Mr. Pembly. We have good cause to bring the redskins to terms.”