Spurred on by the hope of striking some well-planted blow at the
heart of the enemy, the hardy band of Rangers pushed their way
through the forest tracks, scarcely pausing for rest or sleep, till
the lights of a little camp and settlement twinkled before them in
the dusk, and they were hailed by the voice of a watchful sentinel.

"Friends," cried Stark, in clear tones--"Rangers of the
forest--come to the aid of Colonel Armstrong, hoping to be in time
for the attack on Kittanning."

"Now welcome, welcome!" cried the man, running joyfully forward;
and the next minute the little band was borne into the camp by a
joyful company of raw soldiers, who seemed to feel a great sense of
support even from the arrival of a mere handful.

"Rogers' Rangers are come! the Rangers are come!" was the word
eagerly passed from mouth to mouth; and before the newcomers could
make any explanation, they found themselves pushed into a
fair-sized building, some thing in the form of a temporary
blockhouse, and confronted with the Colonel himself, who received
them with great goodwill.

"You are from Captain Rogers?" he said; "is one of you that notable
man himself?"

Stark stepped forward to act as spokesman, and was shaken warmly by
the hand.

"Rangers we are, but not of Rogers' company," he said. "Indeed,