In the ears of the soldiers and drivers sounded the thunderous roar of the mighty cataract.

As men and horses threaded their way past the Devil's Hole savage yells burst from the thick wood on their right, and simultaneously a fusillade from a hundred muskets.

The terrified horses sprang over the cliffs, dragging wagons and drivers with them.

When the smoke cleared and the savages rushed forward, not a living member of the escort nor a driver was to be seen.

The leader of the escort, Philip Stedman, had grasped the critical character of the situation at the first outcry, and, putting spurs to his horse, had dashed into the bushes.