The other men were fine marksmen, but it was undoubtedly Jonathan's unerring aim that made the house so unapproachable.

He used an extremely heavy, large bore rifle.

In the hands of a man strong enough to stand its fierce recoil it was a veritable cannon.
The Indians had soon learned to respect the range of that rifle, and they gave the cabin a wide berth.
But now that darkness had enveloped the valley the advantage lay with the savages.Col.Zane glanced apprehensively at the blackened face of his brother.
"Do you think the Fort can hold out ?" he asked in a husky voice.

He was a bold man, but he thought now of his wife and children.
"I don't know," answered Jonathan.

"I saw that big Shawnee chief today.