Yet it was obvious to all that this state of security could not last long, and that it existed only because the enemy was not yet aware of his advantage.  The condition of the ruins was such that a dozen men of sufficient spirit, dividing themselves, and creeping along the earth, might at any moment make their way to any and every part of the hovel without being seen, when a single rush must put it in their power.  An open assault indeed from the whole body of besiegers, whose number was reckoned by Nathan at full fifteen or twenty, must have produced the same success, though with the loss of several lives.  A random shot might at any moment destroy or disable one of the little garrison, and thus rob one important corner of the hovel, which, from its dilapidated state was wholly indefensible from within of defence.  It was indeed, as Roland felt, more than folly to hope that all should escape unharmed for many hours longer.  But the worst fear of all was that previously suggested by Nathan:  all might survive the perils of the night; but what fate was to be expected when the coming of day should expose the party, in all its true weakness, to the eyes of the enemy?  If relief came not before morning, Roland’s heart whispered him, it must come in vain.  But the probabilities of relief, what were they?  The question was asked of Nathan, and the answer went like iron through Roland’s soul.  They were in the deepest and most solitary part of the forest, twelve miles from Bruce’s Station, and at least eight from that at which the emigrants were to lodge; with no other places within twice the distance, from which help could be obtained.  They had left, three or four miles behind, the main and only road on which volunteers, summoned from the Western Stations to repel the invasion, of which the news had arrived before Roland’s departure from Bruce’s village, could be expected to pass; if indeed the strong force of the enemy posted at the Upper Ford had not cut off all communication between the two districts.  From Bruce’s Station little or no assistance could be hoped, the entire strength of its garrison, as Roland well knew, having long since departed to share in the struggle on the north side of Kentucky.  Assistance could be looked for only from his late companions, the emigrants, from whom he had parted in an evil hour.  But how were they to be made acquainted with his situation?

The discussion of these questions almost distracted the young man.  Help could only come from themselves.  Would it not be possible to cut their way through the besiegers?  He proposed a thousand wild schemes of escape; now he would mount his trusty steed, and dashing among the enemy, receive their fire, distract their attention, and perhaps draw them in pursuit, while Nathan and the others galloped off with the women in another quarter; and again, he would plunge with them into the boiling torrent below, trusting to the strength of the horses to carry them through in safety.