“The Lexington reinforcements are at hand!”

In a moment the whole station was in commotion—­men, women, and children rushing to the block-houses and pallisades nearest to and overlooking the long lane just mentioned.  The force in question numbered some sixteen horsemen, and about twice as many foot; who, not having heard any firing, nor seen any savages thus far, were somewhat carelessly approaching the fort at a leisure pace, thinking, as was not uncommon in those times of danger, when such things were often exaggerated, that perhaps the alarm had been unfounded, or, at the most, based only on slight grounds.  They had been overtaken on the road between Lexington and Hoy’s station, for which place they had marched on receiving the news of Holder’s defeat, and had been informed by Tomlinson and Bell that Bryan’s station was surrounded by a large body of Indians, of whose numbers they knew nothing.  On hearing this, and knowing the unguarded condition of Lexington, they had instantly turned back, and pressed forward at what speed they could to the assistance of their neighbors, of whom they were now in sight.

“Great Heaven!” cried the voice of the look-out, at this moment, in consternation.  “See!—­see!—­they are ambushed, and will all be cut off!”

As he spoke, a long rolling line of fire could he discerned; and presently was heard the report of a tremendous volley of musketry, followed by a cloud of dust and smoke, which for a time completely hid them from view.  In a few minutes, however, the horsemen were seen close at hand, spurring forward with lightning speed.  Some three or four individuals instantly sprung to and threw open the eastern gate, and in less than two minutes they reined in their panting steeds in the court of the station.  At the first shot of the savages, they had put spurs to their horses, and, as the ground was very dry, a cloud of dust had instantly enveloped them, by which means, fortunately, every one of them had escaped unharmed, although on their way they had drawn the fire of more than three hundred Indian rifles, successively discharged at them while passing the lines of the ambuscade.  Not thus easily, however, escaped their companions on foot.

At the commencement of the firing, these latter were advancing toward the station through the cornfield, and, being completely hidden from the savages thereby, they might, had they pressed rapidly forward, have gained the fort in safety.  Not so was their conduct.  They were brave, hot-blooded, noble men.  They could not think of flying and leaving their friends in danger; and more noble and reckless than wise and prudent, they turned and rushed to their assistance.  They saw their error, but too late to retrieve it.  Their friends had fled, and were safe, but they were now placed within a few paces of three hundred blood-thirsty warriors.  On seeing them, the savages uttered the most hideous yells, rushed forward and cut them