Boone was returning alone, with a pack-horse load of salt and game, when a blinding snowstorm overtook him and hid from view four stealthy Shawanoes on his trail.

He was seized and carried to a camp of 120 warriors led by the French Canadian, Dequindre, and James and George Girty, two white renegades.

Among the Indians were some of those who had captured him on his first exploring trip through Kentucky and whom he had twice given the slip.

Their hilarity was unbounded.

Boone quickly learned that this band was on its way to surprise Boonesborough.