Raising his head, he said to the negro, in terms rather savoring of the spirit of the braggadocio than that of a high-minded and sympathetic man: "Tell the Cherokees that I will keep a sharp lookout, and if a single Creek comes near the camp to-night, I will carry the skin of his head home to make me a moccasin." When this answer was reported to the Indians they laughed aloud and dispersed.

It was not at all improbable that there might be an alarm before morning.

The horses were therefore, after being well fed, tied up with their saddles upon them, that they might be instantly mounted in case of emergence.

They all slept, also, with their arms in their hands.
Just as Crockett was again falling into a doze, a very shrill Indian yell was heard in the forest, the yell of alarm.

Every man, white and red, was instantly upon his feet.