No signs at all, unless for the first time in their lives the Indians
are shrewder than the Long Knives. There's not so much as a broken
branch, or a newly fallen leaf. Now, lads, off to the spring with you.
I'll tend this last kettle, and when 'tis boiled, I'll start on the
trail again. There must be bison and deer for the followers of Daniel
Boone. Lads, stay! If because we are unmolested you should sometimes
think that tending the kettle is work for girls--remember that we and
our guns are all that stand between the Indians and the fort at
Boonesborough, where all the women and children are. Will you remember?

ALL
(speaking vehemently).
Aye, sir.

BOONE.
And as I take the trail I will remember the lads who've lived on dry
bread and the paring of bacon rinds, and who've tasted naught but
parched buffalo meat in three weeks.

RIGDON.
You've gone hungry yourself, sir.

BOONE.
Well, lads, 'tis all in the day's luck. We'll not suffer for meat if I
can shoot an elk or a bear. (Lads exeunt through trees in background,
Boone watching them.) Brave lads they are, and true!

[He tends the kettle, facing audience. After a moment Indians
stealthily appear in background.