startled to hear what evidently were the sounds of a
struggle between two men nearby. The laboured breathing and an
occasional exclamation which he heard alike convinced him of this. With
increasing anxiety Peleg crept forward.

He was not molested when he came to the end of the row, but before him
he saw a contest which threatened to terminate speedily as well as
fatally for Israel Boone.

The son of the great scout was in the hands of a white man, and was
struggling desperately. His contestant, however, plainly was much the
stronger. Peleg saw the face of the man distinctly, and he assured
himself that never before had he looked upon so villainous a
countenance. The man's face was distorted and discoloured by his
efforts, and the perspiration streamed down his cheeks leaving furrows
behind it. In spite of his excitement, Peleg asked himself if the man's
face had ever been washed. The necessity for quick action, if his friend
was to be rescued, caused Peleg instantly to raise his rifle to his
shoulder and fire.

Israel's contestant dropped to the ground as Peleg had seen an ox
collapse from the blow of an axe.

Instantly darting to the side of his friend, Peleg whispered, "Come!"

"That is Simon Girty!" gasped Israel, looking down into the face of the
fallen man before him.

Startled as Peleg was by the words of his companion, he did not wait to
verify them, but turned back at once into the cornfield. As soon as he
had gone a short distance, bidding Israel follow him, he turned to his
left, and, still running swiftly and silently, the boys advanced a
hundred yards; they then turned abruptly to their right in the direction
of the side of the field where they had first entered. Although
mystified by the action of his companion, Israel did not protest as he
followed Peleg in his flight.

CHAPTER XXVI

THE WHITE SHAWNEE AGAIN

Again turning to his left, Peleg, still followed by his friend, ran
swiftly toward the border of the cornfield.

The cries and whoops in a measure had died away, and from what he could
hear Peleg concluded that some of his friends had escaped from the field
and were being pursued in their flight toward the fort.

When Peleg and Israel found they were near the road, on the opposite
side of which stood the forest where the Indians had made their
ambuscade, they peered cautiously in all directions, but were unable to
see any of their enemies. That another band of warriors had follo