Page:Crawford's defeat a tale of the frontier in 1812 (1954).djvu/18

 with fortitude and a determined spirit of resistance.

The women and children, safely lodged in the garrison, were left under the protection of the old men and a few others who were considered unable for harder service; the rest of the assembled forces scoured the adjacent woods and kept watch around the village until morning. The Indians did not make an appearance. Captain Walker, who by this time had placed himself at the head of his trusty riflemen, proposed to repair to the scene of the scuffle between Crawford and the Indians, to pick up their trail, and to pursue them. As Walker was an old hunter and well acquainted with the woods and with the habits of the Indians, his proposition was immediately heeded. The sun had scarcely tinged the young foliage of the elms and tall sycamores that grow upon the margin of the stream when the party assembled upon the spot pointed out by Crawford as the place where he had been attacked. True, there could not be discovered any remnants of Indian clothing, nor did the rank grass or beaten path permit them to discover distinct moccasin tracks. But there were the most undeniable proofs of a desperate struggle having taken place there; the buttons torn from Crawford's coat and other pieces of his dress which were picked up on the spot confirmed the truth of his story.

"Why did you not drive them back to Sandusky, Archie Crawford?" cooly inquired someone near him. Crawford turned and discovered Emmett surveying the scene with an air of carelessness, while a sarcastic smile played upon his hardy features.

"Would you have one man drive a whole band of savages?" replied the other, somewhat nettled at the question. "And they armed with rifle, tomahawk, and scalping knife? A man must not throw away his life at a time when his country may have need of his assistance." And with this patriotic remark he turned away.

Not being able to trace the trail of the Indians, the party returned to the garrison and made a report of their discoveries. After a hasty breakfast, a council was held. It was determined that the whole force of the town, or as many men as could be spared, should be divided into different