Ten years prior to the date of our story the Shawnees, led by James Girty, crossed the Ohio and fell like a pack of wolves upon Abner Stark's Kentucky home. The settler, as we have already heard him narrate to young Catlett, was absent at the time, but returned to find his house in ashes, and the butchered remains of his family among the ruins. He believed that all had perished by the tomahawk and scalping knife. By the hatchet buried in the tree which was wont to shade his home, he recognized the leader of the murderous band. From the awful sight he stepped upon the path of vengeance, and made his name a terror to the Indians and their white allies. His companion on the occasion described in the foregoing chapter, was a young borderman who had distinguished himself in the unfortunate campaign of '91. Handsome, cunning in woodcraft, and courageous to no small degree, an expert swimmer and runner, Harvey Catlett united in himself all the qualities requisite for the success of his calling. He was trusted by Wayne, from whose camps he came and went at his pleasure, questioned by no one, save at times, his friend Wolf Cap. We have said that the singular reply given by Wolf Cap to the young scout shortly after the meeting with Little Moccasin almost provoked a laugh. The situation smacked of the ridiculous to the youthful borderer, and the time and place alone prevented him from indulging his risibles. But when he looked into the old scout's face and saw no humor there--saw nothing save an unreadable countenance, his mirth subsided, and he became serious again. "We will not follow the subject further now," he said; "I want to talk about something else--about something which I heard to-night." His tone impressed Abner Stark, and he came to a halt. "Well, go on, boy," he said, his hard countenance relaxing. "If you did get any news out of _her_, tell it." "The lives of some of our people are in danger," Catlett continued. "Several days since a family named Merriweather embarked upon the Maumee near its mouth. Their destination is Wayne's camp; they are flying to it for protection." "Straight into the jaws of death!" "Yes, Wolf Cap. If they have not already fallen a prey to the savages, they are struggling through the woods with their boats, which could not stem the rapids." "How many people are in the company?" Stark asked. "Little Moccasin says eight." "Women and children, of course?" "Yes." "And is this known by the Indians?" "Unfortunately it is." For a moment the avenger did not reply. He appeared to be forming a plan for the safety of the imperilled family, and the young scout watched him with much anxiety.