As the men came nearer, Pa suddenly recognized the taller one. “George Rogers Clark! As I live and breathe.” Then he raised his arm in greeting. “Howdy, Mr. Clark. I don’t reckon you remember me. I’m Jim Hudson. I used to work the land bordering your father’s farm back in Virginia. And this is my son, Jim.” The tall, red-haired man looked at Pa Hudson for a moment and then smiled, his hazel eyes shining and friendly. He shook hands with Jim, then with Pa. “Of course I remember you, Hudson.” He gestured toward his companion. “This is Tom Shelton. He’s one of the settlers going back to Virginia with me.” “Howdy,” Tom Shelton said, shaking Pa’s hand. George Rogers Clark looked inquiringly at the Hudsons. Then he asked, “What are you doing out here so far from Virginia?” “We came out here three years ago,” Pa replied, “to take up a claim. It’s wonderful land; my boy and I are clearing it as fast as we can.” While Pa talked about his dreams for his claim, Jim stared at the splendidly built man his father had called Mr. Clark. He was taller than Pa, young too, and most impressive-looking. Tom Shelton shook his head when Pa paused for breath. “No more Kentucky for me. I’m beat. I can’t take these Indian raids any longer. Last week finished me. My nearest neighbors were attacked and taken prisoners. I got all my possessions with me.” He nodded toward the heavily laden pack horse. “Many of us settlers are going back with Colonel Clark. Better join us, Hudson.” “Colonel Clark!” Pa exclaimed. “So you’re a colonel now, sir.” The colonel seemed not to have heard Pa’s exclamation. He shook his head gravely. “This Indian situation is bad. They’re more stirred up than ever this season.” Pa bristled. “There’s no Indians going to scare me off my land. I got a good warm cabin and quite a few acres cleared. I’m staying.” Colonel Clark nodded and smiled. “I like your spirit, Hudson, but if I were you, I’d take my family and crops up to Harrodsburg. Stay there until these Indians quiet down a little.” Pa shook his head. “I mean to stay, sir. I got through last winter all right. We’ve never been molested.” Colonel Clark put his hand on Pa’s shoulder. “We could use more brave men like you out here, Hudson, but the Indians are really on the warpath now. I can’t prove it, but I hear Hamilton’s paying the Indians for all of the prisoners they deliver to him at Detroit—paying them well, too.” “Hamilton? Who’s he, sir?” “The British commander in charge of all the western country, stationed at Detroit. I hear he’s got the Indians really aroused. Better take your family to Harrodsburg for a while.” Pa scratched his ear. “Harrodsburg? That’s a far piece from here. Why not to McClellan’s Fort?” The colonel looked grim. “Haven’t you heard, Hudson? Burned out by the Indians early this year.”