commencement of hostilities at an earlier period of
the season, than usual, several families retired into Harbert's
block-house, on Ten Mile (a branch of the West Fork,) in the month of
February. And notwithstanding the prudent caution manifested by them
in the step thus taken; yet, the state of the weather lulling them
into false security, they did not afterwards exercise the vigilance
and provident care, which were necessary to ensure their future
safety. On the third of March, some children, playing with a crippled
crow, at a short distance from the yard, espied a number of Indians
proceeding towards them; and running briskly to the house, told "that
a number of _red men_ were close by."--[174] John Murphey stepped to
the door to see if danger had really approached, when one of the
Indians, turning the corner of the house, fired at him. The ball took
effect, and Murphey fell back into the house. The Indian springing
directly in, was grappled by Harbert, and thrown on the floor. A shot
from without, wounded Harbert, yet he continued to maintain his
advantage over the prostrate savage, striking him as effectually as he
could with his tomahawk, when another gun was fired at him from
without the house. The ball passed through his head, and he fell
lifeless. His antagonist then slipped out at the door, sorely wounded
in the encounter.

Just after the first Indian had entered, an active young warrior,
holding in his hand a tomahawk with a long spike at the end, also came
in. Edward Cunningham instantly drew up his gun to shoot him; but it
flashed, and they closed in doubtful strife. Both were active and
athletic; and sensible of the high prize for which they were
contending, each put forth his utmost strength, and strained his every
nerve, to gain the ascendency. For a while, the issue seemed doubtful.
At length, by great exertion, Cunningham wrenched the tomahawk from
the hand of the Indian, and buried the spike end to the handle, in his
back. Mrs. Cunningham closed the contest. Seeing her husband
struggling closely with the savage, she struck at him with an axe.
The edge wounding his face severely, he loosened his hold, and made
his way out of the house.

The third Indian, which had entered before the door was closed,
presented an appearance almost as frightful as the object which he had
in view. He wore a cap made of the unshorn front of a buffalo, with
the ears and horns still attached to it, and which hanging loosel