A momentary scrutiny convinced him that it was
the one he was in pursuit of, and he concluded it must have been delayed by
some misfortune, as he did not expect to come up to it so soon, if at all.
However this might be, one thing was certain, the boat was there, and more
still, the crew were careless, a certain sign that they felt secure and
free from any dread of danger. So much the better for his purpose, thought
the villain.
Driving on through the forest, at a speed far exceeding the slow motions of
the boat, he resolved to collect a body of savages, and intercept the
prize. Fortune seemed to favor him; for on the next day he fell in with a
large force of warriors, who were "on the war-path," and ready for any work
that gave promise of blood, booty, or scalps. They were easily induced to
further the designs of Ramsey, of whose character they were well aware; and
placing themselves under his guidance, he soon posted them along the banks
of the river to watch for the coming boat. At dark it was descried, but
being too far out to admit of being attacked, the enemy silently withdrew,
and hastening forward, took a second position below the first. This was
done several times, and, at last, Ramsey had the satisfaction of seeing the
boat near the Ohio shore. When within fifty yards of the bank, the Indians,
to the number of several hundred, suddenly came down to the edge of the
water, and opened a heavy fire upon the crew.
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