Mr. Armstrong was leaning forward, and surveying the swimmer closely, as though he, too, had detected certain familiar features in connection with the party. "You'll always be glad you didn't fire so hastily, Pat," he declared; "for upon my word I do believe yonder man who acts as though he were determined to come aboard our craft is none other than our friend, Simon Kenton, the borderer, who mocks the efforts of the Indians to finish him, and has been held a prisoner, doomed to the stake, more times than any man along the Ohio!" CHAPTER XIX KENTON, THE RECKLESS BORDERER THE swimmer had timed himself so as to reach the side of the flatboat as it swung past; and, in order to create a diversion in his favor, Pat called on his friends to send in a hot fire among the charging Indians. This had the effect of making them scamper for shelter; and meanwhile Kenton managed to get on the other side of the floating craft. Eager hands were outstretched to assist him over the side. He was still laughing, as though he considered the whole thing a joke. And the very first thing he did upon reaching the deck of the boat was to shake his fist in the direction of the hidden foes, and shout some derisive words in the Shawanee tongue toward them. (Note 10.) They were soon far below the dangerous spot; and, after Kenton had regained his breath, he proceeded to explain how it all happened. He had learned, while hunting with a party of friends, that the Indians over in Kentucky were once more on the war-path, and that Boonesborough itself was threatened with extinction. Faithful to his best friend, Daniel Boone, Kenton, after trying in vain to coax the other hunters to join him, had alone started for the Ohio, meaning to cross over, and make his way to the scene of action by fast stages. He had had the misfortune to fall upon a party of Shawanees, and, after a fierce battle, was taken prisoner, and carried to their village. "But, as usual, they could not hold you," remarked Mr. Armstrong. "Oh! I knew that was what would happen," replied the woodsman, lightly. "And I managed to escape in good season, for time was worth something to me, since my rifle is needed for the defence of Boonesborough. After I am refreshed I will only ask you to put me ashore over yonder," and he pointed across the rolling river, to where lay the hilly shore of the "Dark and Bloody Ground," as Kentucky was well called in those early days. "Then we must start without delay, and you shall have a bite to eat before you leave us," said Mr. Armstrong; after which he gave orders to have the course of the flatboat changed, heading once more across the river. The women were soon engaged in preparing supper, so that Kenton might not be detained longer than was absolutely necessary, and, some of the venison having been held over, it came in very handy for that purpose.