Dick was a prisoner in the hands of the redskins, within a few hundred yards of the settlers in the fort, and also within half a mile of the patriot soldiers. CHAPTER IX In Search of Tom Dick’s capture by the redskins resulted in making it possible for the patriot soldiers to advance till close to the Indians without being discovered, owing to the fact that the redskins were giving their attention to their prisoner and were not keeping as sharp a lookout around them as usual. When they did discover the soldiers, the latter were already within range, and as the Indians started to flee, Dick, with rare presence of mind, threw himself flat on the ground, at the same time yelling at the top of his voice. “Fire, comrades! You won’t hit me.” The next moment a volley rang out, and ten or twelve of the Indians fell dead or seriously wounded, while several of those who were able to run, were wounded less severely. Then the soldiers came forward on the run, firing their pistols, and the Indians fled at the top of their speed, their yells of fear, dismay and anger commingled. They did not try to take their prisoner with them. Those unharmed were glad to get away with their lives, and Dick’s comrades quickly freed his arms, as he explained how he came to be in the hands of the redskins. “Your shots were the signal for us to advance,” said General Greene. “We guessed that you had gotten into trouble, and so we hastened forward as quickly as possible.” The settlers now came forth from the fort, and greeted General Greene, his officers and the army warmly. “We were about out of provisions,” said Mr. Holden, “and could not have held the redskins at bay much longer.” “Wasn’t there a white man among those Indians?” asked General Greene. “I thought I saw one, a big fellow.” “Yes,” said Holden, “that was Gabe Gurley, a renegade. He is helping the redskins plunder the homes of the patriots in this part of the country.” “That’s the scoundrel that captured me,” put in Dick. “He left me a prisoner in an old cabin, but I managed to escape.” “He said he captured a young fellow, who he guessed was on his way to carry news to the patriot army,” said Holden. “Yes,” said Dick. And then he looked around, and not seeing Tom, asked Ben where his brother was. “Tom left here the night after you did, Dick,” was the reply. “He said he would try to find you and rescue you, but that if he failed in that, he would go on and carry the news regarding the settlers’ danger to General Greene. You didn’t see him then?” “No, I haven’t seen him since I left here.” A sober look settled on Dick’s face, and it was evident that he was worried. Ben looked anxious, also. “Where can Tom be, Dick?” asked Ben, after a few moments. “I’m afraid he has fallen into the hands of the Indians, or of a gang of Tories,” was the reply. Ben nodded. “I think likely you are right,” he agreed. “What are you going to do?”