raw the whites into an ambuscade, the consequences of
which must necessarily be terrible. In this view of the case, Colonel
Boone was strongly seconded by Major McGary, who, though a hot-headed
young officer, eager on almost all occasions for a fight, now gave his
voice on the side of prudence.

But these prudent measures were combatted and overruled by Todd; who,
being an ambitious man, forsaw that, in waiting for Logan, he would be
deprived of his authority as commander-in-chief of the expedition, and
the glory which a successful battle would now cast upon him. By him it
was urged, in opposition to Boone and McGary, that to await the arrival
of Colonel Logan, was only to act the part of cowards, and allow the
Indians a safe retreat; that in case they were overtaken and their
numbers found to be double their own--which report he believed to be
false--the ardor and superior skill of the Kentuckians would more than
make them equal, and the victory and glory would be their own. Whereas,
should the Indians be allowed to escape without an effort to harass
them, the Kentuckians would be held eternally disgraced in the minds of
their countrymen.

The dispute on the matter waxed warm, high words ensued, and the
discussion was in a fair way of being drawn out to great extent; when
Boone, becoming tired and disgusted with the whole proceedings, replied:

"Well, I've given my conscientious opinion about the affair, and now you
can do as you please. Of course I shall go with the majority, and my
seniors in command; and ef the decision's for a fight, why a fight we
must venter, though every man o' Kaintuck be laid on his back for the
risking. Ef we fail--and its my opine we shall--let them as takes the
responsibility bear the blame. I'll give my voice, though, to the last,
that we'd better wait the reinforcements o' Colonel Logan."

"Sir!" exclaimed Colonel Todd, turning fiercely to Boone; "if you are
not a _coward_, you talk like one! Don't you know, sir, that if we wait
for Logan, he will gain all the laurels?--and that if we press forward,
we shall gain all the glory?"

"As to my being a coward, Colonel Todd," replied Boone, mildly, with
dignity, "when the word's explained so as I know the full meaning on't,
prehaps I'll be able to decide ef I be or not. Ef it means prudence in a
time o' danger, on which the welfare o' my country and the lives o' my
countrymen depends, I'd rather be thought cowardly than rash. Ef it
means a