We advanced from one place of shelter to another, firing rapidly,—Page 142. On the Kentucky Frontier.
At that moment we were in more danger of such of the savages than from those who were yet sound in body; but as the time passed and I felt neither the sting of a bullet nor the burning cut of a knife, my courage came back again before those around me noted the fact of my having been near to cowardice.
We advanced, leaping from one sheltered spot to another, until the word was passed along the line that the remnant of the foe had taken to flight, no longer trying to shelter themselves, and the battle was over, save for those eager white men who pursued in the hope of shedding yet more Indian blood.
Major Clarke gave the word for his force to fall back to the boat. He told off four men to search the thicket for bodies of the savages in order that we might know how many had fallen, and the remainder of the party, save two or three who were so far in advance as not to have heard the command, returned to where the flat-boat was moored.
It was in my mind to congratulate Paul upon his having been in action and come out unscathed, believing a lad like him, who had stood up against the enemy for the first time in his life, would be ready to hear words of praise, or, at least, discuss the exciting events.
But the boy whom I had looked upon as ignorant because of never having lived on the frontier, was now shaming me by his actions.
Instead of spending his time in useless words, Paul began cleaning his heated rifle, and otherwise putting himself into condition to do a like service if the occasion should suddenly require it.
Abashed by his calm and manly behavior, I held my peace, following his example, and when the last of the pursuers had returned to the flat-boat we two lads were ready to take part in another encounter.
Those who had been detailed to learn how much injury we inflicted upon the foe, reported that fourteen killed or grievously wounded lay in the thicket, and once more Major Clarke questioned us as to the probable number we had seen in the encampment.