There was work for the little band to do amongst these scattered
holdings. John Stark urged upon such settlers as had the courage to
remain to build themselves block houses, to establish some sort of
communication with one another, to collect arms and ammunition, and
be ready to retire behind their defences and repel an attack. For
the moment the Indians seemed glutted with spoil and with blood,
and were more quiet, although this tranquillity was not to be
reckoned upon for a day. Still, whilst it lasted it gave a
breathing space to many harassed and desperate settlers; and Fritz
could give them many valuable hints as to the best method of
intrenching themselves in block houses. He had seen so many of
these upon his long journey, and understood their construction
well.

Everywhere they found the people in a state of either deep
despondency or intense exasperation. It seemed to them that they
had been basely deserted and betrayed by their countrymen, who
should have been prompt to send to their defence; and although the
arrival of the Rangers, and the news they brought of future help,
did something to cheer and encourage them, it was easy to see that
they were deeply hurt at the manner in which their appeals had been
met, and were ready to curse the Quakers and the Assembly who had
calmly let them be slaughtered like brute beasts, whilst they
wrangled in peaceful security over some disputed point with the
Governor.

"Are you Rogers' men?" was a question which the Rangers met again
and again as they pursued their way.

"No," they would answer; "we know of no Rogers. Who is he, and why