The Creek town of Tallushatchee was no great distance from Fort Strother, and this last band of Cherokees, so it seemed, had passed quite close to it in the night. “Heap Creek warriors at Tallushatchee,” said Running Elk to the two boys, after a time. “Great dance. Council of warriors and chiefs. White chief must be careful.” As this seemed to be a piece of important information, Jack Davis went to the general’s tent and informed the sentry that he had some important news to communicate. “The general will see you,” said the sentry, a few moments later as he returned. Jack entered the tent. He found a number of officers present; among them was Colonel Coffee, the giant leader of the cavalry. The youth saluted General Jackson and upon being asked what he had to say, told of Running Elk’s story of the Creek village. When he had finished, Jackson’s eyes went to Coffee’s face. “It’s just as you said, colonel,” said he. “They are making ready an attack.” Coffee nodded, and spoke in a deep voice. “They’ll attack us within a week,” said he. But General Jackson shook his head and replied, grimly: “You are wrong in that, at least. We’ll not await an attack. Take one thousand men and strike at Tallushatchee as hard as you can.” Coffee sprang alertly to his feet, and pulled his sword belt a hole tighter. “Now?” he asked eagerly. “Within an hour,” answered Jackson. The Creek town lay some thirteen miles to the east, across the Coosa; and the energetic Coffee immediately began getting his men together, horse and foot, for the advance. As the backwoodsmen and militia were eagerly responding and falling into line, the colonel turned to Jack. “Do you know that country across the river, Davis?” he inquired. “Very well,” said Jack. “I’ve hunted it many a time.” “Then I’ll depend upon you to lead us by the best way,” said Colonel Coffee, “and to give me some notion of the lay of the country in order that I may make my plans for this little job.” Before the force under the giant colonel forded the river, its commander had a very clear idea of the natural formations; moreover, Jack and Frank, with Running Elk and a scouting party of young Cherokee braves, were riding ahead. “Looks like a piece of sharp work,” said the young Virginian to his friend. “Yes,” replied Jack. “We’ll reach Tallushatchee before morning; and if the Creeks are in the frame of mind Running Elk reports, there will be a piece of fighting such as this border hasn’t seen for many a day.” CHAPTER IX THE BLOW AT TALLUSHATCHEE Some few miles from the Creek town Colonel Coffee brought his command to a halt. “Houston,” said he, to a young ensign who sat his horse near by, “take a few scouts and make a reconnaissance of the village. Find out, if you can, how many redskins there are.” The ensign, who was Sam Houston, years afterward hero of San Jacinto, and president of the Texan republic, saluted and rode forward; he signaled to Jack, Frank and Running Elk.