wed in
pursuit of the men who had escaped from the first attack and from the
fight in the cornfield was most likely, they concluded.

Peleg whispered: "The safest place for us is where the Indians were
hidden. They have gone from there and will not come back to look for any
of us."

Israel nodded his head in assent, and, firmly grasping their rifles,
the boys darted across the road and gained the shelter of the trees.
When the two young scouts were convinced that their immediate presence
had not been discovered, Peleg said to Israel: "Are you sure you can
find your way if we again separate?"

"Yes," answered Israel. "But the Indians are between us and the fort. Do
you think we can ever get through?"

"We must," said Peleg. "The folk at Bryant's Station are in such danger
that not one of us must fail them now."

The words hardly had been spoken when there was a sharp report of a
rifle, and a bullet passed so near them that both boys heard it singing
on its way.

Moved by a common impulse, they turned and dashed into the forest.
Whether or no any of their enemies were hiding behind the trees toward
which they were running neither knew.

They were chiefly intent upon speed now, and ran on for several minutes,
well knowing that their lives depended upon the success of their
efforts.

At last, breathless, both halted for a rest, and Peleg said to his
companion, "I am sure it will be better for us to separate now. You know
the way, and can look out for yourself. I shall come, too, and if we
succeed In getting through, it had better be before night."

"Yes," assented Israel. "If we wait until dark and then creep up to the
fort, the guards will be likely to fire upon us, mistaking us for
Indians."

With these words Israel departed. Peleg watched his friend as long as he
remained within sight, and then began with caution to retrace the way
over which they had come. Keeping a firm grip upon Singing Susan, Peleg
darted from tree to tree and did not venture from each refuge until he
was convinced that no one was near him.

His attempt to proceed was interrupted, however, by the report of a
rifle, and again a bullet whistled uncomfortably close to his head,
tearing some splinters from the tree at his elbow. The young scout at
his utmost speed darted into the wood at his right.

He was aware that a swift flight could not long be maintained because of
his recent exertions. Where a refuge might be found he did not know.