rapacity prompted them to insist on going
against Bryant's and Lexington. Prudence forbade it. The waters were
rapidly subsiding, and the fall of the Licking river, would have
rendered it impracticable to convey their artillery to the Ohio. Their
success too, was somewhat doubtful; and it was even then difficult to
procure provisions, for the subsistence of the prisoners already
taken.[6] Under the influence of these considerations, Colonel Byrd
determined to return to the boats, and embarking on these his
artillery and the Canadian troops, descended the river; while the
Indians, with their plunder, and the prisoners taken at Ruddle's,
moved across the country.

Among those who were taken captive at Ruddle's station, was a man of
the name of Hinkstone, remarkable for activity and daring, and for
uncommon tact and skill as a woodsman. On the second night of their
march, the Indians encamped on the bank of the river, and in
consequence of a sudden shower of rain, postponed kindling their fires
until dark, when part of the savages engaged in this business, while
the remainder guarded the prisoners. Hinkstone thought the darkness
favorable to escape, and inviting its attempt. He resolved on trying
it, and springing suddenly from them, ran a small [216] distance and
concealed himself behind a large log, under the shade of a wide
spreading tree. The alarm was quickly given, and the Indians,
pursuing, searched for him in every direction. It was fruitless and
unavailing. Hid in thick obscurity, no eye could distinguish his
prostrate body. Perceiving at length, by the subsiding of the noise
without the camp, that the Indians had abandoned the search, he
resumed his flight, with the stillness of death. The heavens afforded
him no sign, by which he could direct his steps. Not a star twinkled
through the dark clouds which enveloped the earth, to point out his
course. Still he moved on, as he supposed, in the direction of
Lexington. He had mistaken the way, and a short space of time, served
to convince him that he was in error. After wandering about for two
hours, he came in sight of the Indian fires again. Perplexed by his
devious ramble, he was more at fault than ever. The sky was still all
darkness, and he had recourse to the trees in vain, to learn the
points of the compass by the feeling of the moss. He remembered that
at nightfall, the wind blew a gentle breeze from the west; but it had
now, become so stilled, that it no lon