They might have been grandfather and grandson.

Undoubtedly they had fought in the Battalion of the Very Old and the Very Young, and now, when everything else was lost, they were seeking to save their lives in the friendly shelter of the woods.

But they were pursued by two groups of Iroquois, four warriors in one, and three in the other, and the Indians were gaining fast.
"I reckon we ought to save them," said Shif'less Sol.
"No doubt of it," said Henry.

"Paul, you and Sol move off to the right a little, and take the three, while the rest of us will look out for the four." The little band separated according to the directions, Paul and Sol having the lighter task, as the others were to meet the group of four Indians at closer range.

Paul and Sol were behind some trees, and, turning at an angle, they ran forward to intercept the three Indians.