They knew that the Shawnees had already discovered the junction of the fugitives with a larger force, but the warriors could not yet know that the new party intended to stand and fight.

Ross, therefore, like the general of a great army going into battle, intended to seek the best possible position for his force.
They traveled in a half circle for perhaps two hours, and then Henry struck a trail, calling at once to Ross.

They examined it carefully, and judged that it had been made by a force of about twenty warriors, undoubtedly the band that was following Henry and Paul.
"We're behind 'em now," said Henry.
"But they'll soon be coming back on our trail," said Ross.

"They know that they are more than two to one, and they will follow hard." "I'm gittin' mighty tired ag'in," said Shif'less Sol.

"It 'pears to me thar's a pow'ful good place fur us to rest over thar among all them big trees on that little hill." Ross and Henry examined the hill, which was not very high, but small, and crowned with mighty beeches.