The body of the dead man had to be taken back to the settlement, and the wounded cared for, so that immediate pursuit of the Indians was out of the question—and, indeed, nobody of the party just then felt like moving. The smoke in the valley was as thick as ever, and this now covered both hills.
“We will go into camp here,” said Colonel Boone, and this was done, and the pioneers rested for the best part of a week. During those days the injured returned home, and ten other settlers came from another settlement to take their places.
On the eighth day the men under Boone prepared to move forward once again. A heavy rain had drowned out the forest fire, and the trail over one of the hills was found to be perfectly safe to travel.
The order to march had just been given when one of the sharpshooters who was in advance came running back with news of importance.
“A body of white men are approaching!” he cried. “And unless I am greatly mistaken they are the men who left the fort last fall to see if they couldn’t rescue the captives the Indians took at that time.”
CHAPTER XXVI
THE ATTACK ON THE FORT
“My father must be with that party!”
Such was the thought which rushed into Joe’s mind when he heard the announcement made by the sharpshooter.
The news created a stir among the followers of Daniel Boone, and all of the party hurried forward to meet the newcomers.
The other party looked travel-stained and weary. Their hunting garbs were almost reduced to rags, and more than one was suffering from wounds.