n any that had preceded
it came from the bend in the road.

"I wonder if they got every man," whispered Israel, his voice trembling
in his excitement. "I do not believe one of our men suspected there was
any danger here. Not even my father spoke of it."

"Your father does not always speak of his fears. If it is possible for
any one to get away I am sure your father will be safe."

"What's that?" whispered Israel sharply. From the sounds it was evident
that some at least of the mounted men were fleeing from the place. The
shots of the Indians were plainly heard, and it was clear that they were
following the fugitives. Perhaps a few had contrived to force their way
around the bend.

The two anxious young settlers, however, soon were recalled to the
perils of their own position. Suddenly, not far to their right, they
heard a rustling sound, as of the furtive approach of some one moving
through the standing corn.

"Drop!" whispered Peleg. "Don't move! Do not say a word!"

The two boys cast themselves upon the ground, each holding his rifle in
readiness for instant use. The sound of some one moving in the midst of
the corn might indicate the presence of an enemy or of a friend, and
until the anxious boys could determine which was near, they remained
motionless.

All at once the silence which had continued for moments was broken by
whoops nearby, and the reports of rifles from within the field. Both
boys were startled when each looked into the other's face and found his
suspicions confirmed. The Indians were aware of the presence of the
settlers in the cornfield and were stealthily entering from every side
of the field at the same time. Already some of the unfortunate settlers
had been found and their fate had been sealed. The summer stillness was
broken by the wild whoops which indicated the success of some warrior in
bringing his victim to the ground. There were also calls and cries from
the wounded, mingled with the frequent reports of the rifles.

The standing corn, a few yards in advance of the place where Peleg and
Israel were lying, now suddenly was drawn apart and the boys saw three
painted Shawnee warriors in single file stealthily making their way
between the tall stalks.

They concluded that discovery was not to be avoided, and after Peleg had
whispered to his companion to follow his example, one after the other
the boys raised their rifles and fired upon their enemies.

Aware that one and perhaps two o