“Oh, my goodness!  I’m sick!” said Joe, urging the spade in the earth with his foot, and betraying unequivocal signs of indisposition.  However, the garment was soon covered up, and the annoyance abated.

But no sooner was Joe well out of this difficulty, than the dread of the tomahawk and scalping knife returned in greater force than ever.

Boone remained taciturn, his clear, eagle-eye scanning the palisade, and the direction from which the savages would be most likely to come.

Joe approached the renowned pioneer for the purpose of asking his opinion respecting the chances of escaping with life from the expected struggle, but was deterred by his serious and commanding glance.  But soon a singular change came over his stern features, and as sudden as strange.  His countenance assumed an air of triumph, and a half-formed smile played upon his lip.  His meditations had doubtless resulted in the resolution to adopt some decisive course, which, in his opinion, would insure the safety of the little garrison.  His brow had been watched by the inmates of the house, and, hailing the change with joy, they came forth to ascertain more certainly their fate.

“How much powder have you, my young friend?” asked Boone.

“Five kegs,” answered Glenn, promptly.

“Then we are safe!” said Boone, in a pleasant and affable manner, which imparted confidence to the whole party.

“I thought—­I almost knew that we were safe, with you among us,” said Mary, playing with Boone’s hand.

“But you must not venture out of the house as much as you did before, my lass, when arrows begin to fly,” replied Boone, kissing the maiden’s forehead.

“But I’ll mould your bullets, and get supper for you,” said Mary.

“That’s a good child,” said Roughgrove; “go in, now, and set about your task.”

Mary bowed to her father, and glided away.  The men then clustered round Boone, to hear the plan that was to avail them in their present difficulty.

“In times of peril,” said Boone, “my knowledge of the Indian character has always served me.  I first reflect what I would do were I myself a savage; and, in taking measures to provide against the things which I imagine would be done by myself, I have never yet been disappointed.  The Indians will not rashly rush upon us, and expose themselves to our bullets, as they storm the palisade.  Had they the resolution to do this, not one of us would escape alive, for they would tear down the house.  It is a very large war-party, and they could begin at the top and before morning remove every stone.  But they shall not touch one of them—­”

“I’m so glad!” ejaculated Joe.

“Hush your jaw!” said Sneak.