“We’ll protect ourselves by hiding behind the houses and fire at the redcoats, and hold them back or drive them away,” asserted one of the settlers, who seemed to be looked upon as the leader. “If we can save our houses and household goods, we will do so; but if they are too strong for us, we can retreat up the mountainside.” “We can drive them away, I think, sir,” said Tom. “I hope so, young man.” And then the settler added: “We thank you for bringing us warning of the approach of the British.” “You are welcome, sir. I am a patriot, and a member of the patriot army under General Greene, whose army is about sixty or seventy miles east and north from here. I was captured by the British and made to join their force, but did so with the intention of making my escape at the earliest possible moment.” “Well, it is lucky for us that you brought us the news of the coming of the redcoats just when you did.” “They are almost within rifle-shot distance now,” said one of the settlers. “All right,” replied the leader. “Keep your eyes on them, and as soon as they are within range, begin firing. Take aim, and make every shot tell.” A few moments later, the British soldiers were close enough for the bullets from the rifles to reach them, and the settlers began firing. Yells of anger went up from the lips of the redcoats. CHAPTER XIV Friends in Need Dick Dare and Ben Foster were never nearer death’s door than at the moment when the flames of the fires built around them, as they stood tied to trees, began to scorch their clothing. Both youths were very brave, but there was something so terrible about being burned at the stake, that a feeling of horror took hold upon them. The Indians now leaped to their feet and began jumping about, and uttering cries, evidently of enjoyment at the spectacle that they were about to witness. Then, just as the flames were about to begin burning the clothing of the youths, they felt the ropes that bound them to the trees loosen, and to the ears of each came the words: “When I say, ‘now,’ leap away from the tree and run for your life.” The voices were strange to the youths, but they realized that the words were uttered by friends, and each replied, cautiously: “All right.” Smoke was going up from the fires, and when there came a moment that a thick sheet of smoke lay for a few moments between the youths and the redskins, they heard the word, “Now!” The youths acted instantly. They leaped out from the midst of the piles of wood, and turned and ran with the swiftness of the wind in the opposite directions from where the Indians were dancing and singing. Then the smoke lifted and the redskins caught sight of the vacant positions so recently occupied by their intended victims. Instantly their singing changed to wild yells of rage and chagrin, followed by war-whoops, and then the braves dashed in among the trees, in pursuit of the fugitives.