This was the place where for years the Indians had tortured their prisoners by burning them at the stake, and skulls were frequently found on the ground. It was a high pinnacle rising several hundred feet above the water of the Delaware, and the rocks hanging over the river. (See Appendix.) The Quicks and Drake, as soon as the fire ball started, returned to their cabin on the Shinglekill, and viewed from the distance the fire and smoke that ascended above the battle-field on the Neversink. The sun had just set when Rolla came bounding in and dropped a stone at Drake’s feet, and then whined as if in distress. The dog means something, said the elder Quick. In the meantime Drake had picked up the slate and was trying to decipher the marks on it. Here is something about the Skull Rock, but that is all I can make out. That means that Cahoonshee is in trouble—perhaps a prisoner. Dry the stone and you can read it better. Drake held the stone to the fire, and then read: “Prisoner. To be burned at the stake at sunrise, to-morrow at Skull Rock.” Our friend is doomed, exclaimed Drake, can we do anything to free him? That depends on how many Indians there are with him. We saw several hundred go down the river but none have returned. If they go to the rock in force we cannot help him. But they usually take but six or eight on such occasions, and with my knowledge of the ground and the under ground approach, I think we could rescue him. Let us try, said Tom. I will take my chances. There is an under ground approach to that place, known only to Cahoonshee and myself, said the elder Quick. It will be several hours before sunrise and we have time to get there and make our arrangements. Put new flints in your guns and fill the knapsacks with provisions and ammunition.