50 The Winning of the West 



words, cold and grave, accustomed to every kind of 

 risk and hairbreadth escape, and as little apt to 

 praise the deeds of others as he was to mention his 

 own ; but on this occasion he broke through his usual 

 taciturnity to express his thanks for Kenton's help 

 and his admiration for Kenton himself. 



Kenton went with his captain on the expedition 

 to the Scioto. Pushing ahead of the rest, he was 

 attracted by the sound of laughter in a canebrake. 

 Hiding himself, he soon saw two Indians approach, 

 both riding on one small pony, and chanting and 

 laughing together in great good-humor. Aiming 

 carefully, he brought down both at once, one dead 

 and the other severely wounded. As he rushed up 

 to finish his work, his quick ears caught a rustle in 

 the cane, and looking around he saw two more In- 

 dians aiming at him. A rapid spring to one side on 

 his part made both balls miss. Other Indians came 

 up ; but, at the same time, Boone and his companions 

 appeared, running as fast as they could while still 

 keeping sheltered. A brisk skirmish followed, the 

 Indians retreated, and Kenton got the coveted scalp. 

 When Boone returned to the fort, Kenton stayed 

 behind with another man and succeeded in stealing 

 four good horses, which he brought back in triumph. 



Much pleased with his success he shortly made 

 another raid into the Indian country, this time with 

 two companions. They succeeded in driving off a 

 whole band of one hundred and sixty horses, which 

 they brought in safety to the banks of the Ohio. 

 But a strong wind was blowing, and the river was 



