The overmountain men saw two white handkerchiefs, axed to bayonets, raised above the rocks; and then they saw Ferguson dash by and slash them down with his sword.

Two horses were shot under Ferguson in the latter part of the action; but he mounted a third and rode again into the thick of the fray.

Suddenly the cry spread among the attacking troops that the British officer, Tarleton, had come to Ferguson's rescue; and the mountaineers began to give way.

But it was only the galloping horses of their own comrades; Tarleton had not come.

Nolichucky Jack spurred out in front of his men and rode along the line.