Kenton gave what was, perhaps, a somewhat overdrawn account of Hardy’s share in their joint scouting expeditions. Boone expressed as much pleasure as his habitual reticence would permit, and when Hardy begged to be allowed to continue upon the path he had entered under the guidance of Kenton, his foster-father assented. Boone could see no reason why Hardy should not regularly adopt the calling of the scout, for which Kenton declared him to be admirably adapted. It was a time when, next to good leaders, the greatest need of the community was good rangers. And so it was arranged that Hardy should complete his apprenticeship under the tutelage of Kenton. “I wouldn’t undertake it, Captain,” said the scout, apologetically, “only I suppose that you’ll be tied to the station most of the time. What he learns from me in a twelvemonth won’t amount to as much as you’d teach him in a week.” “Make him as good a scout as yourself, Si, and he won’t find any betters this side of the Alleghanies,” replied Boone. Late in the fall, Daniel Boone and his brother Squire went on a hunt in the country to the north of the settlement. One evening they were in camp near the Blue Licks when a party of Indians opened fire upon them from the neighboring brush. Squire fell dead at the first discharge and Daniel Boone sprang to his feet and fled into the forest. He made good headway and after going three or four miles had left his pursuers considerably in the rear, but had not been able to shake off a hound which the savages had set upon his track. At length he stopped and shot the animal, after which his flight was continued without interference. The death of his brother affected Daniel Boone deeply. They had been companions in many hunting and scouting expeditions. They had shared many dangers and difficulties. Before the entry of settlers Daniel and Squire had spent months alone, exploring the wilds of Kentucky. In his self-contained way Boone mourned many months for his brother. But this severe blow was soon followed by a heavier one. XVIII. “THE BLOODY YEAR” Whitaker and his men fall into an ambush--A number are killed but the remainder rally and beat off the Indians--Colonel Floyd goes in pursuit--He has a fight with the savages--His force is put to flight with the loss of half its number--Captain Wells rescues his commander--The McAfee brothers, noted Kentucky backwoodsmen--They have an exciting adventure with a band of Indians--The “bloody year” is ushered in by the loss of Laughrey’s party--One hundred and seven men are killed or captured--Estill’s battle with the Wyandots--Another defeat for the whites--The Indian tribes gather and plan a great invasion of Kentucky under the leadership of two white men.