Late one afternoon the scouts thrown in advance came hurrying back to report a large band of Indians strung out in battle array a few miles ahead.

The wagons were at once formed five abreast, their one cannon was wheeled to the front, and the company advanced in close formation.

Perceiving these aggressive manoeuvres, the Indians seemed to change their plan and, instead of coming on to attack, were seen to be setting fire to the prairie.
The result might well have been disastrous, as the wind was blowing toward the train.

Joel Rae saw it; saw that the time had come for a miracle if the little company of Saints was to be saved a serious rebuff.

He quickly entered his wagon and began to pray.