fire could he discerned; and
presently was heard the report of a tremendous volley of musketry,
followed by a cloud of dust and smoke, which for a time completely hid
them from view. In a few minutes, however, the horsemen were seen close
at hand, spurring forward with lightning speed. Some three or four
individuals instantly sprung to and threw open the eastern gate, and in
less than two minutes they reined in their panting steeds in the court
of the station. At the first shot of the savages, they had put spurs to
their horses, and, as the ground was very dry, a cloud of dust had
instantly enveloped them, by which means, fortunately, every one of them
had escaped unharmed, although on their way they had drawn the fire of
more than three hundred Indian rifles, successively discharged at them
while passing the lines of the ambuscade. Not thus easily, however,
escaped their companions on foot.

At the commencement of the firing, these latter were advancing toward
the station through the cornfield, and, being completely hidden from
the savages thereby, they might, had they pressed rapidly forward, have
gained the fort in safety. Not so was their conduct. They were brave,
hot-blooded, noble men. They could not think of flying and leaving their
friends in danger; and more noble and reckless than wise and prudent,
they turned and rushed to their assistance. They saw their error, but
too late to retrieve it. Their friends had fled, and were safe, but
they were now placed within a few paces of three hundred blood-thirsty
warriors. On seeing them, the savages uttered the most hideous yells,
rushed forward and cut them off from the fort, and then sprung after
them, tomahawk in hand. Luckily, however, for our little band of heroes,
the Indians had just discharged their rifles, and their own were loaded;
by which means, when hard pressed, they turned and kept their foes at
bay--the savage, in all cases, being too cautious to rush upon a weapon
so deadly, with only a tomahawk wherewith to defend himself. Moreover,
the corn was stout and tall, among which they ran and dodged with great
agility; and whenever an Indian halted to load his rifle, the fugitive
for whom its contents were designed, generally managed, by extra
exertion, to gain a safe distance before it was completed, and thus
effect his escape. Some five or six, however, were so unfortunate as
to be knocked or shot down, when they were immediately tomahawked and
scalped; bu