The third Creek had been quickly disposed of; and now the two Cherokees were free to turn their attention elsewhere. “Horses, good!” muttered Running Elk in Jack’s ear. “Make ’um fast run--away.” At the edge of the thicket the boys climbed into the saddle; the two hunters mounted behind them. Then with a word to the faithful nags, they rode unnoticed through the Creek camp. A signal whistle was heard from a sentinel at the outskirts. This was the sign that speed, not silence, was the necessary thing; so they dug their heels into their horses’ ribs and with a scattering flight of arrows dropping harmlessly about them, they dashed away into the forest. CHAPTER XII A FIGHT--AND A REVOLT There was no pursuit by the Creeks, and after the first mile or so the doubly laden horses were permitted to slow down; and then the two Indians slid to the ground and ran easily at their sides, one hand upon the saddle. A half hour brought them in sight of the spot where Jackson’s men had camped for the night; passing the sentries, they were received by their friends with surprise and enthusiasm. “Never expected to see either of you again,” said one of the scouts. “Not many get away from the Creeks when they once fall into their hands.” A little later the two boys rolled themselves in their blankets and went to sleep; they felt that as Jackson was so close to the Indians, the morning would see a battle. And in this they were right. At sunrise the haggard general was abroad, issuing his commands. The troops were quickly under arms and advancing through the forest. The force of savages besieging Talladega numbered more than a thousand. They were well armed, having many rifles and muskets supplied by the English, besides their spears, war clubs and bows and arrows. They were worked up to the proper war pitch and did not hesitate to give battle. With yells they greeted the force of frontiersmen, and plunged forward to the fight. Andrew Jackson had studied the tactics of the Creek nation in warfare, and so had a pretty clear idea of what they would do. With a few orders, he arranged his soldiers in the form of a crescent, the horns pointed forward. His horsemen were placed upon the flanks. “As the Creeks rush forward, as I think they will do,” said the general to Colonel Coffee, who led the cavalry, “drive forward without delay, and get behind them. Then, as we force them back, let them feel your strength.” All being ready and the savages, their war cries sounding, filling the air with arrows, Jackson said to Jack Davis: “Advance on foot with a score of men and engage them with rifle fire; as they advance, fall back until you get the order to stop.”