Page:Tomlinson--The rider of the black horse.djvu/353

Rh in his coat, his words to the simple red men required no further confirmation. In response to their inquiries as to the numbers of their foes, he pointed up to the leaves on the trees, and his task was completed.

The rumor spread like wildfire among the warriors, and the friendly Oneida Indians who had accompanied Han Yost increased the confusion by their own startling words. They declared that the Americans had no desire to visit their vengeance upon their red brothers, but only upon St. Leger and his troops. If the warriors, however, should be found with St. Leger, there would be no doubt that they would be compelled to share his fate.

The alarm had speedily become consternation, and wildly the Indians began to flee. Barry St. Leger, almost in despair, did his utmost to calm them, but in vain. He threatened, he promised fire-water and fire-arms, he pleaded, he begged; but the flight was not stayed. Whenever the speed of the departing men appeared for the moment to slacken, Han Yost and the friendly Oneidas who followed the fleeing army would shout, "They 're coming! They 're coming!" and the swift pace would be instantly resumed.

Even the white men shared in the panic,