Deep in the gloom of the solemn wilderness, many a deadly conflict occurred between the hunter and the Indian.

Often the victim sunk noiselessly to the turf, and his bones bleached for years in these wilds, while none but his slayer knew of his fate.
Captain Prescott, placing great faith in the treaty of Greenville, had erected a fine mansion upon a tract of land received from Government.
His residence was upon the extreme frontier.

He had misgivings when he removed his wife and two daughters to that wilderness home.

He provided a number of trusty servants for their protection in his absence with the army.

Circumstances transpired which prevented his fulfilling his promise to return home to remain, and he continued absent nearly three years, occasionally making a short visit, and returning to his duties again before he had fairly greeted his family.
On one of these visits, Captain Prescott took, as his companion, a young Lieutenant named Canfield.