He ran at top speed, but was too late, otherwise he might have been among the men who fell under the volley which a band of about fifty Indians, lying in ambush at the very place indicated by the boy, poured into the ranks of Captain Wood’s men.
Rodney hesitated and then ran forward, joining in the mêlée.
A moment later there was yelling and commotion behind, and Morgan and his men came running to their support. A heavy hand was laid on the boy’s shoulder, and Captain Morgan demanded of him, “Do you know of any place where we can get behind the red devils and dislodge ’em?”
“This way, Captain,” and Rodney ran to the right. He recalled the way he had left the hiding place. Up that bluff they might attack the Indians in the rear.
“Come on, boys,” Morgan shouted, and a rush was made upon the heels of young Allison.
A shot from above warned them that the Indians had discovered their approach. Rodney heard the bullet singing. The next instant Morgan seized him by the shoulder, saying, “Go back! You are ordered to the rear;” then, with a yell, the leader charged up the hill, his men close at his back. The charge dislodged the Indians and they fled.
The troops advanced toward the town more cautiously, but found the Indians had deserted it, carrying away everything movable.
“Why ain’t we chasin’ ’em, I’d like to know?” asked an ensign with an important air.
“We first better find out whether they’re running or hiding,” replied Rodney, nettled at the fellow’s importance.