It was only after Dark Arrow had disappeared, taking Daniel with him, that the men realized there were few attackers left. They rose up as one in anger, and fought off the remaining renegades. Standing amidst the smoke of the rifles, in the darkest part of the night, they counted twenty-one dead warriors. Mr. Tanner had died, and Mr. Smith had taken a bullet in the arm, but it appeared only a surface wound. In all they had lost three good men, Tanner, Peterson, and Beck. Branson stood favoring his left leg, his right had been struck by an arrow, turning to Mingo he said, "Why did he go? Couldn't he see we were winning?"
Mingo sighed locked deep in grief. "That Shawnee, Dark Arrow, he killed Daniel's son, years ago. He tortured that boy. And Daniel has never recovered from it."
"We have to go after him." Everett said. "He has no braves. We can take him down."
"You tells us how, Mingo. We'll not leave him behind." Branson said.
Mingo stared in the direction that Dark Arrow and Daniel had walked. "He's taking him up to that narrow pass. There might be another group of braves waiting. We don't know. If there are, they'll see us coming. I'm going, no matter what. We are blood brothers, but think carefully before you choose to accompany me. You have wives and children."
"Our wives in children would all be dead now, or worse," Everett McCleary said, "If you and Mr. Boone had trained us and led us. I will go."
"We must hurry then." Mingo said. He glanced around and saw that in all six men intended to set Daniel free. "The rest of you, get to the cave and watch over the women and children. As soon as dawn hits, head out to the settlement. You should be there in two days."
Turning to the men beside him he said, "Let's go."