“Within an hour,” answered Jackson.
The Creek town lay some thirteen miles to the east, across the Coosa; and the energetic Coffee immediately began getting his men together, horse and foot, for the advance.
As the backwoodsmen and militia were eagerly responding and falling into line, the colonel turned to Jack.
“Do you know that country across the river, Davis?” he inquired.
“Very well,” said Jack. “I’ve hunted it many a time.”
“Then I’ll depend upon you to lead us by the best way,” said Colonel Coffee, “and to give me some notion of the lay of the country in order that I may make my plans for this little job.”
Before the force under the giant colonel forded the river, its commander had a very clear idea of the natural formations; moreover, Jack and Frank, with Running Elk and a scouting party of young Cherokee braves, were riding ahead.
“Looks like a piece of sharp work,” said the young Virginian to his friend.
“Yes,” replied Jack. “We’ll reach Tallushatchee before morning; and if the Creeks are in the frame of mind Running Elk reports, there will be a piece of fighting such as this border hasn’t seen for many a day.”