title: The trail of Tecumseh,
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APPLETON AND COMPANY NEW YORK LONDON 1917 I COPTBIQHT, 1917, BT D. APPLETON AND COMPANY APR -9 1.917 Printed in the United States of America ©Ci,A457876 nvo I , % PREFACE Tecumseh has long been recognized as one of the most romantic characters in American history. A Shawnee chieftain of boundless courage, devoted pa- triotism, and great tenacity of purpose, for many years he was a source of perplexity as well as of trou- ble on the frontier. In his own day he was bitterly hated by the whites, who gave him slight credit for the possession of any humane qualities. A calmer study of his life, how- ever, clearly reveals not only his great ability but also his loyal devotion to the cause of the redmen. He was ardent in his purpose to retain the lands which the tribes, as they believed, had inherited from their forefathers. Although many stories have been written of the great chieftain’s daring, nevertheless the interest in the work of Tecumseh and his brother, the Prophet, is perennial. To the boys of the present generation the visit of the brothers to the Creek warriors in the South, their courage in defying General Harrison and his hardy soldiers, and even their final decision to PREFACE cast in their lot with the British in the War of 1812, thereby hoping to protect their own tribes, are as fasci- nating today as they were to our grandfathers. In this story I have tried to be true to the times in which the events incorporated in this tale took place. I have made free use of the various histories and rec- ords and am hopeful that my young readers will be interested not only in the story itself but in the chap- ter in American history which underlies it all. Paul G. Tomlinson. Elizabeth, New Jersey* vi CONTENTS CHAPTER PAGE Preface 1 I A Story 11 II The Hoot of an Owl 21 III Flight 31 IV On the River 40 V A Brush with the Indians .... 52 VI A New Acquaintance 61 VII Vincennes 70 VIII A Remark by Pierre 80 IX Smoke 90 X A Mission 105 XI In the Dark 114 XII A Rifle Shot 125 XIII Besieged 136 XIV The Indians^ Strategy 148 XV A Lively Skirmish 163 XVI The Man of Mystery 173 XVII In the Forest 180 XVIII An Adventure 189 XIX On the March 203 XX Pursuit 215 XXI The Advance Continues 225 CONTENTS CHAPTER PAGE XXII Up the River 232 XXIII The General’s Strategy 242 XXIV On Watch . 251 XXV Tippecanoe 261 XXVI A Mystery Solved 271 XXVII A Volley op Shots 280 XXVIII Conclusion 288 THE TRAIL OF TECUMSEH THE TRAIL OF TECUMSEH PREFACE LEADING EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF TECUMSEH 1768. The great chieftain was born in the Shawnee village of Piqua on the Mad River in what is now Ohio. This little Indian village was located about six miles from the present city of Springfield in that State. Tecumseh was one of three brothers born at the same time. Another of the three also became a great man. He was commonly known in his day as the Prophet and had great infiuence among the tribes. The name Tecumseh in the In- dian language means ‘‘One who Leaps Swiftly From Place to Place. Because of that fact his name commonly has been taken to mean either “A Crouching Panther/’ or “A Shooting Star.” His father also was a chief, prominent in his day, and the influence of his surroundings doubtless did much to develop the warlike spirit of the little Indian boy who was destined to become one of the famous characters in American history. 1792. While he was still a young man Tecumseh and his brother, the Prophet, became active in the border wars. The first record we have of his hos- tilities against the whites is an attack which he 1 THE TEAIL OF TECUMSEH and a few warriors made upon a family named Waggoner. The ambitious young warrior in- structed his companions to capture the other mem- bers of the family while he himself took Mr. Wag- goner. The young brave failed in his attempt to secure the white man, but the other members of the family were all taken and several of them in the excitement were killed. Tecumseh denied the right of the United States Government to buy lands from any single Indian tribe. He objected on the ground that the land belonged to all the tribes in common, particularly the lands in the Ohio Valley. When the Govern- ment refused to accept this principle Tecumseh began to organize the tribes to resist the incoming white men. 1809. General William Henry Harrison, acting for the United States, purchased land from the Miamis, Delawares and Pottawattomies. Tecumseh boldly disputed the GeneraPs right and soon there were serious threats of trouble between the red men and the white. General Harrison sent for the angry chieftain and there followed an argument logical, strong and forceful by each of them. Tecumseh, as has been said, claimed that the whites had no right to purchase land from one tribe when the land belonged to many tribes. General Harrison, however, disputed this claim, showing that the In- dian tribes had various and different homes, spoke different languages, made treaties with one another and lived separate and distinct lives. He based his argument upon these facts to prove that if any 2 PEEFACE tribe was willing to dispose of its possessions, it had a perfect right to do so. Tecumseh, however, was still unconvinced and in great anger departed from the conference. The following day, however, he returned and apologized although he still de- clared that his convictions were unchanged. There was an agreement made, that if war broke out, Tecumseh would do his utmost to restrain the In- dians from cruelties. When General Harrison in- quired if Tecumseh would try to prevent the survey of the lands he had purchased, Tecumseh quietly replied that he was still of the same mind. Indeed, his determination was made clear when he said quietly, ^‘I will not give in until I have united the red men.^’ 1811. While Tecumseh was organizing the tribes from Florida to the headwaters of the Missouri Eiver he and his brother, the Prophet, or their representatives, visited all this vast region, urging their fellow tribesmen to join the great confeder- acy. In this way alone he declared could the white men be prevented from seizing the land which for generations had belonged to the Indian tribes. His plans, however, were abruptly halted by the battle of Tippecanoe. This fight was brought on by his brother, the Prophet, who was doing his utmost to arouse the warriors that had assembled at the confluence of the little Tippecanoe Eiver with the Wabash. Throughout the battle that followed, the Prophet did not enter into the conflict. Going to a quiet little eminence not far away he busied himself in his incantations and prayers. The events 3 THE TRAIL OF TECUMSEH soon showed that he had made a great mistake in venturing to fight General Harrison’s little army of eight hundred men. Tecumseh, the warrior, was not there and there was no leader to take his place. The Miamis openly opposed the battle, but the Shawnees, Wyandots, Chippewas, Delawares, Pottawattomies and other tribes favored it and with the result that the red men could not be restrained. Although sixty-two Americans were killed and one hundred and twenty-six were wounded in the battle the Indians were defeated and scattered. 1812. For a brief time it seemed that the Indians had been conquered and were willing to enter into a treaty. The War of 1812, however, suddenly broke out and Tecumseh, convinced that the occasion was one that ought not to be lost, soon led his army of two thousand warriors to the help of the British. Indeed, from them he received a regular commission as brigadier-general. With all his soul Tecumseh threw himself into the warfare and took an active part in the battles at Frenchtown, River Rasin, Ft. Meigs and Ft. Stephenson. When Commodore Perry won his great victory on Lake Erie it was Tecumseh and his warriors who covered the retreat of the British troops as they were driven farther into Canada. 1813. At last Tecumseh refused to retreat farther. His decision compelled Proctor, the British com- mander, to make a stand on the bank of the Thames River in Canada near the present city of Chatham, Ontario. A bloody and fierce battle followed. The British and Indians, however, were defeated by 4 PEEFACE General Harrison and many were killed or captured. Tecumseh entered the fight with a conviction that he would lose his life in the struggle. So firm was he in this opinion that he discarded the uniform of a brigadier-general which he had been wearing, and fought clad in deerskin, like the other Indians. It was October 5th when the great chieftain fell in front of his warriors. He had received a bullet in his arm, but still continued to lead his men. An- other bullet in his head laid him low. The career of the Shawnee chieftain was ended before he was forty-five years of age. It is not a source of pride to learn that the Ameri- can soldiers in their anger at the leader of their enemies mutilated the body of the fallen warrior. They even cut away pieces of his skin which they took home with them as mementoes of the struggle. The historian, Trumbell, says that Tecumseh was the most extraordinary Indian character in the history of the United States. It is a pity that there is no reliable portrait of the great Indian. His name and deeds, however, will be known as long as the story of the hardy pioneers is told. V ■ ' » , « I ♦ • I I LEADING EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON 1773. Born at Berkeley, Virginia, February 9th. His father had been one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and also had been Governor of Virginia. 1792. When young Harrison was nineteen years of age he found that he must depend entirely upon himself for his support. His father was dead and there was no one to whom he could look for help. He became an ensign in the army on the frontier, first under General St. Clair and then under Gen- eral Anthony Wayne, who was commonly known as Mad Anthony. There were many stirring adven- tures and experiences in the years in which he was engaged in fighting the western Indians. 1795. Promoted to be a captain in the army. He had become a favorite of Mad Anthony and the in- fiuence of that daring leader was most helpful when Harrison was placed in command of Port Washing- ton, located where now the city of Cincinnati, Ohio, stands. 1797. He resigned his commission in the army to be- come Governor of the territory, northwest of the Ohio. 1799. Chosen delegate to Congress. 1801. The new territory in the northwest having 3 7 THE TEAIL OF TECUMSEH been divided, Harrison, now twenty-eight years old, was appointed Governor of Indiana. The territory, however, included not only that which now is known by the name of Indiana but also Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. Very few white people were living in the region and the Indians were be- coming increasingly hostile. 1811. Defeated the warriors of Tecumseh at the Bat- tle of Tippecanoe. 1812. After the surrender of Detroit by General Hull in the War of 1812, Harrison was placed in command of the Army of the Northwest. His posi- tion was that of brigadier-general. The feeling to- ward General Hull, for what was believed to be his cowardly surrender of Detroit, found expression in an old song, — ^‘Let William Hull be counted null, A coward and a traitor. For British gold his army sold. To Brock, the speculator.’^ 1813. Harrison’s subordinate officers were inefficient. Many had received their appointments through po- litical influence instead of through their own abil- ity or experience. Consequently, it was not until 1813, after General Harrison had been made a major-general, that his work began to count. Com- modore Perry’s victory on Lake Erie enabled Har- rison to lead his army against the British and re- cover much of the territory that previously had been surrendered by the Americans. It was not 8 PEEFACE long after Harrison’s success that he, like many other men of his day, found it impossible to work with Armstrong, at that time Secretary of War. General Harrison after a very decided difference of opinion with the Secretary abruptly resigned his position. 1816. Elected to Congress from Cincinnati. He served three years. 1819. Elected to the State Senate of Ohio where he served two years. 1824. Elected to the Senate of the United States. 1828. John Quincy Adams appointed General Har- rison to be Minister Plenipotentiary to the Repub- lic of Colombia. His service was brief, however, as he was speedily recalled after the election of Andrew Jackson as President. A few years of quiet followed, which General Harrison spent on his farm at North Bend on the Ohio, not far from Cincinnati. He was not possessed of wealth and soon accepted the office of clerk of the county court, which contributed somewhat to his support. He continued to hold this office, in connection with his life on the farm, twelve years. 1836. Nominated for President of the United States. He was exceedingly popular in the West. His hon- esty, earnestness and the fact that he was thor- oughly reliable had made him many friends among the settlers. In the election which followed he re- ceived seventy-three electoral votes, but was de- feated by Martin Van Buren, who became Presi- dent of the United States. 1840. Great financial troubles had arisen in Van 9 THE TRAIL OF TECUMSEH Buren’s administration and the people who were opposed to him were confident they then had their opportunity to elect some one in his place. The names of General Scott, Henry Clay and others were proposed, but at last William Henry Harrison received the nomination. The campaign that fol- lowed was the most exciting which the country had ever seen. For the first time there were mass meet- ings, parades, torch light processions, etc. Some of his enemies had taunted Harrison for having lived in a log cabin and his only drink being hard cider. The “log cabin became one of the rally- ing cries of the campaign. John Tyler was the candidate for vice-president and a popular slogan throughout the country became “Tippecanoe and Tyler too.’’ General Harrison was completely suc- cessful, receiving two hundred and thirty-four elec- toral votes to sixty for Van Buren. 1841. Inaugurated as President March 4th. Great expectations had been aroused by his election and the hopes of the people were high. Within a month after his inauguration, however. President Harri- son was taken ill and at the expiration of eight days he died. Tyler then became President in his place. William Henry Harrison was the grandfather of General Benjamin Harrison who was elected President of the United States in 1888. CHAPTER I A STORY T ell me about Tecumseb.’’ ^‘Ha, ba/’ laughed tbe trapper. ‘Hf I told you all I knew about bim you’d bave to sit up all nigbt listening.’’ George Hollister was seated in tbe log cabin of bis friend Alec Smith, tbe trapper, and like all people on tbe frontier in tbe days just pre- ceding tbe War of 1812 was interested in the famous Indian chieftain. George bad only recently celebrated bis eighteenth birthday, but be was almost a man in size and strength. Tbe active outdoor life of a pioneer had made bis muscles supple and strong; bis chest was full and deep, and bis clear eyes showed that be enjoyed perfect health. He bad lived on tbe frontier but a short time, having moved there from bis home in Virginia. Typhoid fever had robbed bim of both father and mother a few months pre- ^ 11 THE TRAIL OF TECUMSEH vious to the opening of this story, and being an only child he had been left alone in the world. Nothing daunted, however, George struck out for himself and with a healthy boy’s love of ad- venture had turned his footsteps westward. After many hardships and perils he had finally come to that part of our country which is now included in the state of Indiana. In those early days Indiana seemed far west. Here he had become acquainted and had formed a warm friendship with Alec Smith, a man who made his living by hunting and fishing. He was double George’s age but they got on splendidly together nevertheless and now were partners. ‘‘Yes,” laughed Alec, “it would take all night for me to tell you all I know about Tecumseh.” “I don’t care,” insisted George. “I want to hear something about the Indian who is mak- ing all this trouble along the border.” “Well, I hope he doesn’t pay us a personal visit,” said Alec more seriously. “IVe seen him, but I donT care to see him again unless I have a bodyguard with me. ’ ’ “Is he so bloodthirsty?” “Indeed he is, and he loves red scalps too.” Alec’s eyes twinkled as he glanced at the flam- 12 A STOEY ing red hair that adorned his young companion's head. ‘^Because your hair is black and curly I sup- pose you’re safe,” retorted George. The two friends loved to banter each other. ^^Well, I’m not so sure of that,” said Alec. ^ ‘ At any rate I hope I may be able to keep out of his way.” You haven’t told me about him yet,” George reminded his friend. ‘‘That’s true. You know I saw him just about a year ago.” “Is that so? Where was that?” “At Vincennes. Just a year ago this month it was ; August 12, 1810, was the exact date as I recall it. ’ ’ “Go on,” urged George eagerly. “You’ve got to tell me, you know.” ‘ ‘Well, it was like this, ’ ’ Alec began. ‘ ‘ Along about September, 1809, there was a treaty made at Fort Wayne between the Delawares, Miamis and Pottawattomies and General Harrison, who represented the United States as commissioner. By this treaty the Indians gave to the govern- ment a tract of land extending along the Wabash Eiver above Vincennes. Now this was all done 13 THE TEAIL OF TECUMSEH without the knowledge of Tecumseh and when he heard of it he was furiously angry/ ^ ‘‘But/’ protested George, “what did Tecum- seh have to do with it anyway T’ “Nothing at all,” said Alec. “The Miamis had owned the land for a longer time than any one could remember and the whole transaction was legal in every way. The chiefs of the other tribes attended the council and all agreed to the provisions of the treaty. At any rate Tecum- seh didn’t belong to any of the tribes concerned. He is a Shawnee.” “Where was he while the treaty was being ar- ranged T’ “He was off trying to stir up some other tribes against the Americans, that’s where he was. When he returned and found out what had been done he was furious. He threatened to kill all the chiefs who had signed the treaty and he boasted that he would never allow the United States to survey or occupy the land in question. ’ ’ “He had nerve all right, didn’t he?” ex- claimed George, who was much impressed by the red man’s brave attitude. “How old a man is he now, anyway?” 14 A STORY ‘‘Let^s see,’’ mused Alec. ^‘He was born in 1768 and this is 1811; that would make him about forty-three, wouldn’t it?” ‘‘Was he born around this part of the coun- try?” “No. Over in Ohio on the Mad River, I be- lieve. He was one of three brothers all bom at the same time. Did you ever hear of his brother, the Prophet?” George acknowledged that he never had. “Well,” said Alec. “I’ll tell you about him sometime too, but now I’ll go on with my story if you still want to hear it.” “Of course I want to hear it.” “Well, Tecumseh was mad when he heard what had happened and made a lot of threats, just as I told you. General Harrison heard of it and at once invited him to come down to Vin- cennes and talk things over. General Harrison told him that if he had any good claims to the land they would be allowed, and that at any rate he had better come down and state his case. I happened to be at Vincennes at that time with a load of skins and so I saw the whole proceed- ing. I shall never forget it either.” “Did Tecumseh come alone?” 15 THE TEAIL OF TECUMSEH ‘‘He did not. He had several hundred war- riors with him and they certainly made a great sight as they all sat around on the grass. “There were soldiers there too, weren’t there?” asked George. “Oh, yes. All in all it was quite a large gathering. Well, after the usual formalities Tecumseh got up to speak.” “What does he look like?” demanded George. “I suppose he was all painted up, wasn’t he?” “Not at all. I guess Tecumseh doesn’t care much about all the gaudy things that most In- dians like. He was just dressed in simple deer- skin, but he looked like a chief all right. He’s a little fatter than most Indians, but I imagine he gets around about as fast as any of ’em. He stands up very straight, and his face is stern, and his eyes just look you through and through. They say he’s usually pretty quiet but he’s a great speechmaker when he gets started; any one will tell you that. He ’s smart too ; the fact that the United States always sends her best man to treat with him proves that. ’ ’ “What did he speak about that day?” “Well, he got up and started a long harangue about the Great Spirit having made the Western 16 A STORY World for the use of the Indians, and the In- dians only. He said the white man had no right to come there and take their land away from them ; furthermore he said that all the land was owned in common by every tribe and that no tribe had any right to sell any land unless all the others also gave their consent. ‘ ‘ That was a queer statement to make, ^ ’ re- marked George. ‘‘WasnT it! Everyone knows that the dif- ferent tribes all hate one another and they fight every chance they get. As though you could ever get the consent of all ! ’ ^ And Alec snorted at the very idea of anything so absurd. Still it^s hard to blame the Indians for not wanting to give up their lands, said George. ‘‘We’d probably feel the same way.” “But this was a straight sale,” protested Alec. “No one was trying to steal the land or rob them of it; they didn’t have to sell unless they wanted to. ’ ’ “What did General Harrison say to Tecum- seh’s speech!” “Well, he said something pretty good all right. He said that what Tecumseh had claimed was all wrong ; he said that the Indians 17 THE TRAIL OF TECUMSEH were just like the white people and were di- vided into different tribes and nations ; he said the Great Spirit never intended the Indians should all have the same interest and the fact that they spoke so many different languages proved that ; he said that at any rate Tecumseh could have no claim to the land in question be- cause he was a Shawnee and that tribe had origi- nally come from Georgia, while the land sold on the Wabash had been in the possession of the Miamis beyond the memory of any man liv- ing/' ^‘What did Tecumseh think of that?" ex- claimed George. ‘‘Well, say," said Alec, “you just ought to have been there to see what he thought." The trapper became greatly excited at the memory of what had taken place ; he rested the butt end of the rifle, which he had been cleaning, on the floor between his legs while he grasped the barrel in both hands and leaned forward eagerly. Night had fallen outside and the plaintive call of a hoot owl sounded across the tiny clearing. They were in the heart of the wilderness. A moment later Alec continued. “General 18 A STORY Harrison had hardly finished talking when Te- cumseh jumped to his feet. Ht is all false T he shouted, and then he gave a signal and every Indian there jumped up off the ground, his tomahawk or his war club in his hand. General Harrison sprang up from his seat and drew his sword. I can tell you things looked pretty black. ^ ’ ‘‘Didn’t General Harrison have any armed at- tendants!” “His personal attendants weren’t armed and the only guard he had was a sergeant and twelve men. Well, both parties stood and glared at each other for a while, but General Harrison never flinched and the Indians got sort of scared. Finally the general broke the silence and told Tecumseh that he was a bad man, that he wanted nothing more to do with him, and that he must leave the camp at once. ’ ’ “Did he go!” demanded George deeply in- terested in his friend’s tale. “He certainly did.” “And no fight took place!” “Well that night all the militia in the neigh- borhood was ordered into the town, for every one thought surely the Indians would attack the 19 THE TRAIL OF TECUMSEH place, but they didn’t. The next day there was another conference and Tecumseh sort of half apologized for his actions. He said he didn’t want to go to war with the United States but he was determined to defend the old boundary, and there the matter ended. He said he would rather fight with the United States than with the British but unless the Americans would promise to give up the land he would join the English against them.” ‘‘What has he been doing since then!” asked George. ‘ ‘ Going around the country stirring up all the tribes as far as I can see,” said Alec, “and now they’ve started in on their border raids.” As he finished speaking the call of an owl was again wafted across the clearing. This time, however, it seemed to come from a ditfer- ent direction than when it had been heard be- fore. Alec half raised his rifle and cocking his head slightly to one side listened intently. “That’s queer,” he muttered. “What’s queer!” demanded George, puzzled by his companion’s behavior. Alec made no answer. CHAPTER II THE HOOT OF AN OWL F or some moments there was absolute silence in the little dwelling. The trapper sat still, as if suddenly changed into stone. His great muscular hands gripped his rifle tightly, while his young companion did not once remove his gaze from his friend ^s face. Alec’s coat was otf, his coarse shirt was un- buttoned at the neck, and George could not help admiring the man’s great strength so apparent to any one who saw him thus. Muscles rippled across his chest and shoulders and as George noted the powerful hands and forearms of his friend he shuddered involuntarily to think what might happen to any one who should come within his grasp. Outside a cricket chirped and the wind rustled the leaves of a great tree that stood beside the door. The flickering blaze of a pine knot lighted up the tiny room with a ghostly flare and 21 THE TEAIL OF TECUMSEH did little to relieve the tension that pervaded the air. George could feel his heart pounding in his breast and he almost held his breath as he gazed fixedly at his companion. Alec was alarmed, but why? He had heard the hoot of an owl but surely that was not a sound to alarm a woodsman. George knew however that Alec was not a man to look for trouble and consequently he remained quiet and awaited developments. What seemed like hours passed and George was beginning to think that after all his comrade had been deceived. Then he thought of Tecum- seh and remembered that they had just been talking about the red chief’s border raids. He shivered at the thought and then dismissed the idea as silly. Why should any Indian wish to attack two peaceful trappers? His mind kept returning again and again to the Indians, however, and try as he might he could not dismiss them from his mind. A branch blew against the side of the cabin and at the noise George almost cried out. It seemed to him he could endure the strain no longer. Still Alee sat motionless, apparently not having moved a muscle of his face or body. 22 THE HOOT OF AN OWL ‘^Say, A1 — ” began George in a low voice when he was suddenly interrnpted. Once again the call of a hoot owl came to his ears. Instantly Alec was all action. Springing hastily to his feet he locked and donble-barred the door ; then he turned to the tiny window that furnished light during the day, and hung a blanket over it so that no one from the outside could peer within. ‘‘WhaFs wrong, AlecT’ demanded George excitedly. He had instantly seized his rifle, however, and with a hasty glance satisfied him- self that the priming was all right. ^Hndians,’’ said Alec briefly. ‘‘How do you knowT’ “HidnT you hear that callT’ “I heard an owl.’’ “That was no owl. That was an Indian.” “Are you sure?” “Positive. Don’t pass in front of where that window is, either.” George moved over to the place where Alec was standing by the door and at the same time was out of line with the window. They both crouched low and listened intently. The silence became almost appressive. 23 3 THE TEAIL OF TECUMSEH ‘Hs it safe to stand by the door?^’ whispered George doubtfully. Their bullets will never penetrate this door,’’ said Alec. ‘‘The red fiends!” he added under his breath. “Do you think they’ll attack us?” “ Can ’t tell. W e ’ve got to be ready anyhow. ’ ’ The minutes dragged along and nothing hap- pened to disturb the apparent peace and quiet of the night. George began to think that perhaps Alec had been deceived after all. He was on the point of voicing his opinion to his friend when there was a sudden crash. A bullet wing- ing its way through the window, tore a hole in the blanket and knocked a tin pail from the table. It fell to the fioor with a clatter. ‘ ‘ Look out ! ’ ’ warned Alec. ‘ ‘ Duck lower ! ’ ’ George needed no second urging and was in- stantly flattened out on the floor, as close up against the wall as he could squeeze. “Who said that was an owl?” inquired Alec grimly. “I did,” said George, “but I take it back.” “Lucky this cabin was built the way it was,” said Alec. “Come here and I’ll show you some- thing.” 24 THE HOOT OF AN OWL George wormed himself along on his stomach until he reached a spot close to his friend. ‘^See that spotT’ whispered Alec. ‘‘That^s a porthole and all I have to do is give it a pull and it will open right up. The wood is double thickness, three feet high around the sides so that no bullets can go through.’’ ‘ ‘ Suppose they sneak up and set fire to us. ’ ’ ‘‘Depends on how many there are of them. If there are only a few and they think we are ready for them they may not dare come close.” At that instant, however, a second bullet fol- lowing the course of the other one through the window struck the blazing pine knot squarely. It was splintered and sent hurtling into the far corner of the room where it spluttered weakly for a moment and went out. The cabin was left in complete darkness. “That’s a nice state of affairs,” muttered Alec disgustedly. “Want me to light another?” asked George quickly. “No. Stay where you are. I’m going to open this porthole.” Carefully he swung back the little door and peered out. George could not see him, for the 25 THE TEAIL OP TECUMSEH room was inky dark, but be knew instinctively what was taking place and he could hear the slight grating noise as the porthole was opened. can just see the moon coming up over the trees, announced Alec after one cautious look around. ‘‘Thatdl help us,’’ said George. ‘‘We’ll be able to see something.” ‘ ‘ I hope so, ’ ’ muttered the trapper. ‘ ‘ Here, ’ ’ he added, “you come and station yourself at this porthole and without taking any unneces- sary chance see if you can’t keep watch of what is going on outside there.” ‘ ‘ Where are you going 1 ’ ’ “There’s more of these portholes in the cabin. I’m going over to the other side of the room and open up another. I know where they are so you stay there. Keep a sharp lookout. ’ ’ “I’ll do that all right.” “And have your gun ready. If you see any of them red prowlers send ’em one of your lead pills.” George promised to follow instructions and i\lec crawled off, groping his way along in the darkness. Left alone George felt for the open- ing and finding it, peered out cautiously. 26 THE HOOT OF AN OWL Grasped tightly in his right hand he held his rifle. At first he saw nothing. The moon, now risen above the tops of the trees, suffused the clearing with its light and as George’s eyes be- came adjusted he began to recognize various ob- jects. Against the sky the forest trees were outlined, and, as time passed, the stumps and rocks in the clearing could be distinguished.^ Meanwhile the moon rose higher and higher and George’s ability to see increased in proportion. His gaze wandered over the ground as far in both directions as the limited space of the porthole would permit, but he saw nothing to arouse his suspicions. He remembered Alec’s warning, however, and never for a moment re- laxed his vigilance. His position on the floor was cramped and uncomfortable, however, so that he was not enjoying himself very much. He quickly forgot all his discomforts when the hoot of an owl again sounded across the clearing. This time it seemed to come from a spot directly in front of him, but how far dis- tant he was unable to determine. Suddenly the call was answered, apparently from some place on the opposite side of the clearing. 27 THE TEAIL OF TECUMSEH ‘‘Hear that?’’ hissed Alec from across the room. ‘ ‘ W atch sharp. ’ ’ From behind a stump near the border of the clearing George saw a figure suddenly spring up and run swiftly forward. The young pioneer hastily raised his rifle and thrust it through the porthole but before he could aim the Indian threw himself down behind another stump, nearer the cabin. “I saw one of them,” exclaimed George in a low voice, not turning his head around however. “I had no chance to shoot, though.” “I saw one too,” said Alec. “He sneaked from one stump to another.” “Same as mine did.” “Well, just keep the stump where he is now well covered,” said Alec. “We’ll get ’em next time they stick their heads out. ’ ’ The minutes passed and then the call of an owl suddenly sounded again. Again it was echoed on the opposite side of the clearing. ‘ ‘ Look out ! ’ ’ warned Alec. George held his gun ready for instant action. His finger was on the trigger and he carefully sighted the stump from behind which he ex- pected to see the Indian spring. None appeared 28 THE HOOT OF AN OWL as he had expected however. Instead he saw with the tail of his eye another savage drop from sight behind a stump near the one he had been watching. ‘ ‘ He fooled me, ’ ’ he exclaimed. got fooled too,^’ said Alec angrily. ‘‘There’s two over here.” ‘ ‘ What shall we do ! ” “Keep an aim on the first stump I say. I don’t believe there’s more than four of them. If there were they’d have been up a good deal closer than they are by this time.” “Do you suppose they’ll signal again T’ “You can’t tell what they’ll do. Don’t count on it.” During this conversation neither one of the two friends had once turned his head or relaxed his caution. The Indians evidently had adopted their present method of advance, two at a time and from opposite directions, so that the chances of one reaching the destination were that much increased. George gazed fixedly at the stump, and when he had just begun to think that the Indian had moved without his knowledge or that he had been deceived in the first place, what he had been 29 THE TEAIL OF TECUMSEH expecting to see took place. The Indian sud- denly appeared from behind the stump and keeping low to the ground darted forward. Instantly taking aim, George fired. CHAPTER III FLIGHT T here was practically no breeze and the smoke from George’s gun hung low, and for a moment obscured his vision so that he was unable to see whether or not his shot had taken effect. At that moment, however, there came a quick puff of smoke from behind the stump where the second Indian was hidden. Again a bullet tore through the blanket that covered the window and flattened itself against the opposite wall. Then Alec’s rifle spoke. Peering out into the moonlight George was unable to see a sign of any Indian. If his bullet had gone true and had found its mark it was possible that the savage might have fallen in a patch of long grass and thus have been ob- scured from view. The young pioneer was an expert marksman and it was not conceit that made him think it most unlikely that he had missed. 31 THE TRAIL OF TECUMSEH got my man/’ announced Alec briefly. ‘H saw him fall.” Both woodsmen had instantly reloaded their rifles and now were ready for more develop- ments. ‘ ‘ You fired, ’ ’ said Alec. ‘ ‘ What luck did you haver’ don’t know. I couldn’t see whether I hit him or not. ’ ’ guess you did, all right,” said Alec con- fidently. ‘ ‘ That makes only two left. ’ ’ ^^We’re not sure of that.” ‘‘Pretty sure though. I wonder what they’ll do next.” By way of answer George’s gun spoke. He had suddenly spied a crouching form making for the edge of the clearing. With the report the Indian broke into a run, and as George’s bullet went wild he saw his foe gain the shelter of the trees before he could reload. “One of them just sneaked off into the woods,” he exclaimed excitedly. “That’s bad,” muttered Alec, still gazing earnestly out of his porthole. “Why so?” “It means he has gone for help.” 32 FLIGHT ‘‘You think soT’ “I know so. They don’t dare come any nearer when there are only two of them but they’re probably mad now and determined to get us.” “What shall we do about it!” demanded George. ‘ ‘ If they can bring help before we get away it will be all over with us. ’ ’ “That’s just it; we must get away.” ‘ ‘ Go now you mean ! ’ ’ “The sooner the better. You light one of the candles and we’ll get a few things together that we’ll need.” After much fumbling around in the darkness, George finally succeeded in striking a light. With the aid of its feeble blaze the two com- panions prepared themselves for fiight as speed- ily as possible. “We won’t take much,” said Alec. “We’ll travel light and fast.” “Where are we going f” “To Vincennes, if they don’t get us first.” “That’s pretty far.” “I know it, but it’s the only place for us. We’ll strike straight from here for the Wabash Kiver; I know where there’s a canoe we can 33 THE TEAIL OF TECUMSEH take and well paddle the rest of the way/’ ‘‘Do you suppose these raids are going on all along the border T’ George inquired. “No doubt of it, and it’s time they were stopped. I’m going to go right to Governor Harrison as quick as we get to Vincennes and make a complaint.” As large a supply of powder and shot as pos- sible was taken by each and then the matter of food was looked after. Dried meat and corn were the principal articles and soon the fugi- tives were ready to start. “We’d better take a look around before we go out,” suggested Alec. “Yes,” agreed George and started for the window. “Where you going!” demanded Alec sharply. “I’m going to lift the blanket and take a look out of the window.” “Well, you’re not going to do anything of the kind,” exclaimed Alec. “You keep away from that window. Do you want to commit sui- cide!” “No, I don’t,” said George meekly. “That’s the best place to see out, though.” “Best place to get shot you mean. We’ll do 34 FLIGHT all our seeing out of the portholes; they ^11 have to do us.’’ ^‘Wouldn’t it be better if we waited for the moon to set before we started?” suggested George. 