children exposed to certain
destruction.

While these discussions were in progress, the attention of each was
suddenly arrested by the cry of some person from the right hand
block-house, looking toward the south, announcing that a single horseman
was approaching with a speed which betokened evil tidings. These were
times of excitement, when news of disaster and death was borne on almost
every breeze; and consequently all now sprung rapidly to the southern
pickets, where, through loop-holes and crevices in the partially decayed
pallisades, they perceived an individual riding as if for life.

"How he rides!--Who is it?--What can have happened?" were some of the
remarks now rapidly uttered, as the horseman was seen bounding forward
on his foaming steed. Instantly the nearest gate was thrown open; and,
in less than two minutes, horse and rider stood within the enclosure,
surrounded by a breathless multitude, eager for his intelligence.

"Arm!" cried the horseman, a good looking youth of eighteen: "Arm--all
that can be spared--and on to the rescue!"

"What's happened, Dick Allison?" asked one who had recognized the rider.

"I have it on the best authority," answered Dick, "that Hoy's Station
has just been attacked, by a large body of Indians, and Captain Holder
and his men defeated."

"But whar d'ye get your news?" inquired another voice; while a look of
alarm, and resolute determination to avenge the fallen, could be seen
depicted on the upturned countenances of the assemblage.

"I was riding in that direction, when I met a messenger on his way to
Lexington for assistance; and turning my horse, I spurred hither with
all speed."

"Have the red devils got possession of the fort?" inquired another.

"I am not certain, for I did not wait to hear particulars; but I'm under
the impression they have not, and that Holder was defeated outside the
walls."

"Well, they must have assistance, and that as soon as it can be got
to 'em," rejoined a white-haired veteran, one of the head men of the
garrison, whose countenance was remarkable for its noble, benevolent
expression, and who, from love and veneration, was generally called
Father Albach. "It's too late in the day, though, to muster and march
thar to-night," continued the old man; "but we'll have our horses got up
and put in here to night, and our guns cleaned, and every thing fixed
for to start at daylight to-morrow. Eh! my gallant lads--what say ye?"
and he glanced pl