tion, and made the whole scene impressive with a kind of
gloomy grandeur.

As our gallant band of Kentuckians gained the river, they descried some
three or four savages leisurely ascending the stony ridge on the
opposite side. On perceiving the troops, the Indians paused, gazed at
them a few moments in silence, and then, quietly continuing their
ascent, disappeared on the other side. A halt was now ordered by Colonel
Todd, and a council of war called to deliberate on what was best to be
done. The wild gloomy country around them, their distance from any post
of succor, and the startling idea that perchance they were in the
presence of a body of savages of double or treble their own numbers, was
not without its effect upon Todd and those who had seconded his hasty
movements, and served much toward cooling their ardor, and inspiring
each other with a secret awe.

Immediately on the halt of the troops, some twenty officers assembled in
front of the lines for consultation; when, turning to them, Colonel Todd
said:

"Gentlemen, for aught I know to the contrary we are now in the presence
of a superior enemy--superior at least in point of numbers--and I
desire to know your minds as to what course we had best pursue. And
particularly, Colonel Boone," continued Todd, politely bowing to the
veteran woodsman, "would I solicit your views on the matter; believing
as I do, notwithstanding any hasty words I may have uttered in the heat
of excitement to the contrary, that you are a brave soldier, cool under
all circumstances, amply experienced in Indian stratagem, and
consequently capable of rendering much valuable advice in the present
instance."

Boone was not a revengeful man under any circumstances; and though he
had felt more stung and nettled at the implication of Todd the day
before than he cared to let others see, yet now that the other had made
the apology due him, he showed nothing like haughtiness or triumph in
his mild, benevolent countenance, but, bowing slightly, with his
characteristic frankness replied:

"As you say, Colonel Todd, I've had some little experience with the
varmints at different times, not excepting my capter at these same Licks
in 1778; and, besides, I've have traversed this here country in every
direction, and know every secret hiding-place round about, as well as
the rest o' ye know the ground we've jest traveled; and it's on account
o' this knowledge partly, and partly on account o' the lazy movem