He divided his terrible cavaliers into three detachments, one commanded by Numank and Bright-eye, gave half his outlaws to Oliver, and took the rest under his own immediate orders.
Then at a given signal, the three troops rushed, with horrible yells and cries, upon the astonished assailants.
Though taken aback, the brave redskins fronted both ways, and made a most terrible defence.
Samuel Dickson and his brother meantime contrived to enter the settlement, amid joyous acclamations.
It was time; the palisades and intrenchments were giving way, and the Indians were rushing in.
The combat became now gigantic in its proportions. The redskins, led by Tubash-Shah, fought with desperate valour.
He kept the élite of his men together, and worked his way towards the interior of the settlement.
Presently he drew forth his human thighbone whistle and darted for the house. He had seen Diana.
The young girl, seeing the demon covered by blood and powder, brandishing his hatchet, and forcing, with a hideous cry, his horse towards the women, gave a desperate shriek of agonised terror.
"Ah, ah!" cried Tubash-Shah, in triumph; "The paleface girl. At last she is mine."