When the gate was secured, the inmates of the little fort crowded about Boone and overwhelmed him with questions.

“Do you think they can get over the posts?” inquired Joe.

“Will they come before father returns?” asked Mary.

“Do you think they will attack us at all?” interrogated Glenn.

“There can be no doubt of it,” replied Boone; “but if we do our duty, I think we shall be able to resist them.  We must be ready to defend ourselves, at all events—­and in the mean time we must watch through the loopholes on every side to prevent a surprise.”  This was hardly spoken before an arrow whizzed over their heads, and, striking against the stone wall of the house, fell at the feet of Joe.

“Ugh! look at that!” cried he, leaping some ten feet away.

“Go in, child—­and the rest to their posts!” remarked Boone, first to Mary, and then addressing the men.

“Yes—­do go in, Miss!” cried Joe, forcing Mary into the house, where he also seemed determined to remain himself.

“Come out here!” cried Sneak, going to the door.

“Wait till I screw a flint in my musket,” said Joe.

“You can see better out here,” replied Sneak.

“But I haven’t found the flint yet,” answered Joe.

“He’s a coward!” said Sneak, turning away and going to his post, whence he could watch the valley below.

Boone’s station was on the opposite side, in the direction of the supposed encampment of the Indians.  But not a savage could now be seen, and the arrow that fell among them had evidently been discharged from a great distance above.

“Shall we fire if any of them come within the range of our guns?” inquired Glenn, from his position on the east, which overlooked the cliff.

“Certainly,” replied Boone; “the arrow was their declaration of war, and if they are again seen, it will be in a hostile attitude.  Watch close, Sneak!” he cried, as another shaft flew over the palisade from the valley below, and penetrated the wood but a few feet above his head.

“Come out to your post, Joe!” cried Glenn, impatiently.

“I will presently—­as soon as I get my gun fixed,” replied Joe.

“If you do not come forth instantly, I’ll thrust you out of the inclosure!” continued Glenn, somewhat fiercely.

“Here I am,” said Joe, coming out, and making an effort to assume a bold bearing:  “I’m ready now—­I only wanted to fix my gun—­who’s afraid?” saying which, he strode in a stooping posture to the loophole on the west of the inclosure.

While the whole male force of the garrison was required to act as sentinels, Mary, whose trepidation had been succeeded by deliberate resolution, was busily employed moulding bullets.