nd, and
which your rashness will have brought about, I will have you put under
arrest and tried by court martial."

"As you please, Colonel Todd," replied McGary, with a fierce look. "But
you will bear in mind, sir, that at the council yesterday, you scouted
at the proposition advanced by Colonel Boone, and seconded by myself
and others, of waiting for the reinforcements of Colonel Logan, and
insinuated that we were cowards. As _you_, sir, were so _very_ brave,
and so eager for a fight when at a distance, I swore that, if we came
where a fight could be had, I would either draw you into action, or
forever damn you as a coward in the eyes of your soldiers. If I have
succeeded, I rest satisfied to let you do your worst."

"Resume your place, sir! and break an order this day at your peril!"
cried Todd, sharply, his face flushed with indignation.

As McGary slowly obeyed, Todd called to Boone, Trigg, and one or two
others, with whom he held a short consultation as to the propriety of
sending forward scouts before advancing with the main army. This being
decided in the affirmative, Isaac Younker and another individual were
selected from the ranks, and appointed to go on the dangerous mission;
with orders to follow the buffalo trace and examine it carefully on both
sides--particularly round about the ravines--and if they saw any traces
of Indians, to hasten back with all speed; but if not, to continue their
examination for a half mile further on, where the great trace gradually
became lost in lesser paths, which branched off in every direction.

Immediately on the departure of these two scouts, the troops were drawn
up in a long line, ready for action at a moment's notice. Colonel Trigg
commanded the Harrodsburgh forces on the right; Colonel Boone the
Boonesborough soldiers on the left; and Colonel Todd, assisted by Majors
McGary and McBride, the Lexington militia in the center. Major Harlan
led the van, and Major Levi Todd brought up the rear. This was the order
in which they went into battle.

CHAPTER XIX.

THE BATTLE OF BLUE LICKS

In less than an hour, Isaac and his companions returned, and reported
that they had seen no signs of Indians whatever. On the receipt of this
intelligence, the order to march was immediately given, and the whole
body of soldiers, under the scorching rays of an August sun, moved
rapidly forward. Nothing occurred to interrupt their progress, until the
van had reached within a few ya