"Oh! that was a fierce bite, all right!" exclaimed Sandy, giving a jerk to his stout line; "and I've got him, too, I do believe! My goodness! how he pulls, Bob! Now, I hope he doesn't break loose! This must be the biggest fish I've had hold of yet." Bob, of course, offered to lend a hand in order to get the prize in; but Sandy, with all a fisherman's ardor, would not think of allowing such a thing. And presently, after a deal of pulling, and expressing fears that he might lose his hard-fighting prize, Sandy managed to drag the fish aboard. It proved to be a very large specimen of what has since become known as the buffalo fish, found along the whole length of the Ohio, and which is considered fairly good for the table. To these people of the early days such a feast was always eagerly welcomed; and, of course, all the women had to come out to see the noble proportions of Sandy's capture, even the children following, filled with delight because it meant a feast for all. Although the persistent fisherman kept up the good work, and landed several more of the same species of fish, none approached in size his first capture; but, then, by the time Sandy was ready to take in his line, for he was yawning sadly, the moon had crept along to top the trees toward the southwest, and he had secured an abundance for their temporary wants. Sandy had just completed winding up his line on the piece of smooth wood he had prepared for this especial purpose, when suddenly the voice of the sentry was heard calling out: "Who goes there? Speak, and give the countersign!" for Mr. Armstrong had organized his little company very much on a military basis. Of course every one started up, and many a hand reached out for the gun that was always kept within reach, day and night. Sandy and Bob were no exception to the rule, and they scrambled to their feet, as, from the tree-lined shore, came the word that had been selected for the night: "Washington!" It was Blue Jacket, coming hastily aboard. His actions told that he must be bringing important news; and a thrill swept through the hearts of the two lads at the prospect of immediate danger. Mr. Armstrong was the first one to meet the Indian as he came crawling over the side of the flatboat, which stood rather high out of the water, despite the load it carried, thanks to the splendid construction of the craft. "Get away--quick--many Indians, like the leaves of the forest--come creep up through trees. No say what, but slip loose, and run!" was the way Blue Jacket expressed himself. Upon hearing these significant words, every one started to carry out his special part of the duty of freeing the boat. There was no noise--no confusion; and this spoke well, not only for the brave hearts that were aboard the boat, but for the rules of discipline instituted by the commander.