XXV. A FIELD OF CORN 242 XXVI. THE WHITE SHAWNEE AGAIN 251 XXVII. THE STRUGGLE IN THE RAVINE 260 XXVIII. AT THE LOWER BLUE LICKS 271 XXIX. TO THE MEETING-PLACE 282 XXX. CONCLUSION 293 ILLUSTRATIONS "On the August air arose the reports of many rifles and the terrifying whoops of the Indians" _Frontispiece_ FACING PAGE "'What is that?' At the question the two pioneer boys stopped abruptly" 10 "He was a tall, lean man, quiet in his bearing, and with every indication of self-control, as well as of strength, stamped upon his face and form" 28 "The Indian had been able to draw his knife and struck at her again and again while the bear held him in one of her most fervent hugs" 76 "Boone quickly rallied his startled followers and when the red men returned the hardy settlers were ready and awaiting their coming" 116 "One of the men who had been stationed as a guard was shot early in the morning" 126 "The scout, with his family, returned to Boonesborough" 220 "Silently the men crossed the ford" 276 SCOUTING WITH DANIEL BOONE CHAPTER I IN THE WILDERNESS "What is that?" At the question the two pioneer boys stopped abruptly. From within the forest they had heard the sound of a snapping branch. The sound itself had not been loud, but the quiet of that September day in 1773 had been sharply broken by the slight noise from the brush. For a brief time both boys listened intently and then one of them went back a short distance along the trail over which the little procession had advanced, carefully looking for signs of danger on either side. And there was need for caution. Under the leadership of Daniel Boone five families besides his own had been making their way slowly through the unbroken wilderness from the settlement on the Yadkin in North Carolina. At Powell's Valley, through which they recently had passed, forty men had joined the little company, thereby adding greatly to its strength, and increasing the confidence of the hardy settlers. As the little cavalcade spread out in a long line, an advance guard of five opened the way, while three rear guards, of two each at irregular intervals, were stationed to prevent surprises from the hostile Indians or attacks by the prowling beasts of prey that were wont to follow the trail of men in the wilderness.