Such times as these were sent to us to see whether we be of iron or
putty.

KENTON.
All the same, sir, I'll be glad when the boiling is done and we can
pack our salt, and start through the forest for home. Long as the trail
is, I would sooner have it than----

BOONE
(clutching rifle).
Hark! The crack of a branch--in the forest. On the defense, lads. I'll
investigate.

[Goes into woods at right.

KENTON
(in a low voice, as the lads seize their rifles).
If it should be those venomous Shawnees! Before we left Boonesborough
'twas said that they'd already passed the war-pipe through their
villages. They have been still so long, 'tis time for an uprising.
(Approaching footsteps are heard.) Who comes?

COLBY
(on the alert).
Just Boone himself.

RIGDON.
What signs, sir?

BOONE.