collected to have
travelled, the preceding evening, and keeping along it, arrived at
the station awhile before day. The inhabitants were however, all up
and in much uneasiness for the fate of the boys; and when they came
near and heard a well known voice exclaim in accents of deep distress,
"_Poor little fellows, they are killed or taken prisoners_," John
replied aloud,--"No mother, we are here again."

When the tale of their captivity, and the means by which their
deliverance was effected, were told, they did not obtain full
credence. [308] Piqued at the doubts expressed by some, John observed,
"you had better go and see." "But, can you again find the spot," said
one. "Yes, replied he, I hung my hat up at the turning out place and
can soon shew you the spot." Accompanied by several of the men, John
returned to the theatre of his daring exploits; and the truth of his
statement received ample confirmation. The savage who had been
tomahawked was lying dead by the fire--the other had crawled some
distance; but was tracked by his blood until found, when it was agreed
to leave him, "_as he must die at any rate_."

Companies of rangers had been for several seasons stationed on the
Ohio river, for the greater security of the persons and property of
those who resided on and near the frontier. During this year a company
which had been stationed at the mouth of Fishing creek,[5] and had
remained there until its term of service had expired, determined then
on a scout into the Indian country; and crossing the river, marched on
for some days before they saw any thing which indicated their nearness
to Indians. Pursuing a path which seemed to be much used, they came in
view of an Indian camp, and observing another path, which likewise
seemed to be much frequented, Ensign Levi Morgan was sent with a
detachment of the men, to see if it would conduct them to where were
others of the Indians, who soon returned with the information that he
had seen another of their encampments close by. Upon the receipt of
this intelligence, the Lieutenant was sent forward with a party of
men to attack the second encampment, while the Captain with the
residue of the company should proceed against that which had been
first discovered, and commence an assault on it, when he should hear
the firing of the Lieutenant's party at the camp which he was sent to
assail.

When the second camp was approached and the men posted at intervals
around it, awaiting the