Page:Crawford's defeat a tale of the frontier in 1812 (1954).djvu/12

 the fears and apprehensions that the Indians might make a descent upon the settlement became common subjects of conversation with them. And as the whisky was freely circulated and the men's blood became warmed, there arose some fine bursts of patriotism and boasts of personal bravery.

"Let me but see the moccasin track of an Indian near Mount Vernon," said Archibald Crawford, "and damn my eyes, give me but a good rifle, and I'll soon drive them into the woods again!"

"Nay now, Archie Crawford," said another who joined in the conversation. "We ought not to brag too high until we have been proved. How would your temper stand the welding heat? Suppose you were attacked by two at once?"

"How? Why, well, never fear me," rejoined the other. "If my ammunition failed, or if my gun was taken from me, I'd so lay about me with these sledge hammers that they would soon give up the game. Why, I'll tell you what it is, Emmett: these Indians are not so brave as you think. Besides, we fight for our country. And damn my eyes, but I believe that with Captain Walker's Company, I could drive a regiment of them back to Sandusky."

A general burst of laughter followed this high-toned declaration of personal bravery, and the labors of the day were resumed. Evening at length drew on; and the company, having taken the parting glass, began to separate. A little after dusk Archibald Crawford was on his way to Mount Vernon, where he resided. He crossed Dry Creek just above its confluence with the waters of Owl Creek, where they form what is now known as the Vernon River. Whistling the then familiar tune of "White Cockade," he proceeded directly toward the footbridge that led across Owl Creek into the town.

Suddenly, from behind a clump of sycamores that may yet be seen near the bank of the creek, two able-bodied red warriors sprang out and, with the cry of "Wah!" instantly seized him. Their language, dress, and accouterments, together with the general war cry that seemed to be raised in his ears, confirmed his belief that he was surrounded by British and Indians. After a few wild screams and some of the most desperate plunges and struggles that perhaps were