that there was something alien about him,
something in which he differed from the rest of them.

But Henry thought little of the opinion, good or bad in which he was
held, because his heart was turning again to the wilderness, and he and
Ross went forth again to scout on the rear of the Indian force.

CHAPTER XVII

THE BATTLE IN THE FOREST

Henry and Ross after their second scouting expedition reported that the
great war band of the Shawnees was retreating slowly, in fact would
linger by the way, and might destroy one or two smaller stations
recently founded farther north. Instantly a new impulse flamed up among
the pioneers of Wareville. The feeling of union was strong among all
these early settlements, and they believed it their duty to protect
their weaker brethren. They would send hastily to Marlowe the nearest
and largest settlement for help, follow on the trail of the warriors and
destroy them. Such a blow, as they might inflict, would spread terror
among all the northwestern tribes and save Kentucky from many another
raid.

Ross who was present in the council when the eager cry was raised shook
his head and looked more than doubtful.

"They outnumber us four or five to one," he said, "an' when we go out in
the woods against 'em we give up our advantage, our wooden walls. They
can ambush us out there, an' surround us."

Mr. Ware added his cautious words to those of Ross, in whom he had great
confidence. He believed it better to let the savage army go. Discouraged
by its defeat before the palisades of Wareville it would withdraw beyond
the Ohio, and, under any circumstances, a pursuit with greatly inferior
numbers, would be most dangerous.

These were grave words, but they fell on ears that did not wish to
listen. They were an impulsive people and a generous chord in their
natures was touched, the desire to defend those weaker than themselves.
A good-hearted but hot-headed man named Clinton made a fiery speech. He
said that now was the time to strike a crushing blow at the Indian
power, and he thought all brave men would take advantage of it.

That expression "brave men" settled the question; no one could afford to
be considered aught else, and a little army poured forth from Wareville,
Mr. Ware nominally in command, and Henry, Paul, Ross, Sol, and all the
others there. Henry saw his mother and sister weeping at the palisade,
and Lucy Upton standing beside them. His mother's face was the last tha