364 TKAVEL, ADVENTURE, AND SPORT. 



detached to fire the wigwams. Along the bush- 

 crowned ridge several advanced posts were stationed, 

 intended to maintain the communication between the 

 picket at the creek and a second party which had 

 pressed forward to the habitation of the Miko, and 

 to support either, as need might be. From the whole 

 arrangement, it was evident that the pirate had 

 planned the carrying off the Miko and his adopted 

 daughter ; and this he might possibly have accom- 

 plished before creating an alarm, had not two of the 

 Comanches taken upon themselves, according to the 

 custom of their nation, to keep guard during the 

 bridal night in front of the wigwam of their chief. 

 These warriors, it is true, had partaken largely of the 

 M iko's extravagant hospitality ; but their senses, 

 although duller than usual, were not sufficiently 

 deadened to prevent their overhearing the step of 

 the white men, a sound so easily recognised by 

 Indian ears. 



During his two years' intercourse with the Oconees, 

 the pirate had become too well acquainted with their 

 habits not to appreciate the danger of attacking them 

 in broad daylight, when each of his men Avould fur- 

 nish an easy target for the Indians, who, on their 

 side, would be sheltered behind trees and in the 

 brushwood. He had therefore chosen the night for 

 his attack ; and, in order to ensure himself as much 

 as possible against a counter-surprise in the darkness, 

 and at the same time to spread terror amongst the 



