Zane's that night was not the occasion of good-humored jest and pleasant conversation.

Mrs.Zane's face wore a distressed and troubled look; Betty was pale and quiet; even the Colonel was gloomy; and the children, missing the usual cheerfulness of the evening meal, shrank close to their mother.
Darkness slowly settled down; and with it came a feeling of relief, at least for the night, for the Indians rarely attacked the settlements after dark.Capt.Boggs came over and he and Col.

Zane conversed in low tones.
"The first thing in the morning I want you to ride over to Short Creek for reinforcements.

I'll send the Major also and by a different route.

I expect to hear tonight from Wetzel.