They then made a rush on the fort, but were driven off at once, one of their number being killed and several badly hurt, while but one of the defenders was wounded, and he but slightly.

After this they withdrew to cover and began a desultory firing, which lasted for some time.
Suddenly a noise like distant thunder came to the ears of the men in the fort.

It was the beat of horsehoofs.

In a minute or two forty-five horsemen, headed by McGarry, appeared on the road leading from Harrodsburg, shouting and brandishing their rifles as they galloped up.
The morning was so still that the firing had been heard a very long way; and a band of mounted riflemen had gathered in hot haste to go to the relief of the beleaguered stockade.
The Indians, whooping defiance, retired; while McGarry halted a moment to allow the rescued settlers to bridle their horses--saddles were not thought of.

The pursuit was then begun at full speed.