“We can keep an eye to the rear and on both sides,” answered his chum, and this was done, but Yellow Blanket failed to reappear, probably thinking that one Indian with only a tomahawk was no match for two strong-looking youths with guns and hunting knives.
When the boys got back and told of the adventure with the Indian, both Mr. Winship and Mr. Parsons said it would not be advisable for them to go out fishing that afternoon.
“There may be more Indians in the neighborhood,” said Ezra Winship. “And if there are, it won’t do for you to run unnecessary risks.”
It was thought best to report the occurrence to Colonel Boone, and Joe walked over to the fort for that purpose.
In those days, the fort at Boonesborough was a rude but strong one. It was about two hundred and sixty feet in length by about one hundred and fifty feet in width, with one corner resting on the bank of the river. It had a strong stockade of pointed timbers planted deeply into the ground, and a similar stockade ran around most of the cabins occupied by those who had first come westward with Daniel Boone, so that they were in close communion with the fort proper. Inside of the main stockade were several log cabins, and a shelter for ammunition and another for garrison stores.
Joe found Daniel Boone at work writing a letter to one of the superior officers of the land company which he represented, telling of what had recently happened at the settlement, and what he thought the Indians would do next.
“So Yellow Blanket is still sneaking around this vicinity,” said the great hunter, on hearing the youth’s tale. “I am glad that you and young Parsons sent him about his business.”
“Do you think he will harm us further?” asked the young pioneer.
“It is not likely, Winship. Yellow Blanket is a cur, nothing more. If he strikes at all it will be in the dark. I will send out Pep Frost and Raystock to see if they cannot capture him. A month of captivity will make him glad enough to shake the dust of this vicinity from his feet.”
Pep Frost, who was close at hand, was called in. Joe had not seen this old hunter for some time, and the two were glad to meet again.