"You might take two of the men left at the clearing; for, in attacking the Indians, you will be defending the Castle, as you call it."
"They are coming," said one of the scouts, approaching the spot where the officer stood.
"How far off are they?"
"Not a mile by this time."
I drove my horses off into the woods, where they could not be injured by any flying bullets; but I was not willing to depart from the exciting scene which impended, and I hastened back to the breastwork. The lieutenant had posted his men behind their defence, and I could distinctly hear the tramp of horses' feet in the distance. The cannon had been placed at the opening in the works prepared for it. The men lay upon the ground behind the defence, with their muskets ready for use. The forest was as silent as at midnight, for the lieutenant had ordered his men not to show themselves till the order to do so was given.
I lay upon the ground, looking through a loophole. The officer in command was near me, watching his opportunity. But the savages were wary; and instead of seeing the whole band, as we had expected, a couple of mounted scouts only appeared. They discovered the formidable obstacle in their path, and halting, unslung their guns.
"I hope they don't mean to assault us alone," said Mr. Jackson.
"They seem to be examining the works," I added.
"I don't want to fire till the main body appears."
"They are going back to report."