Chapter Nine
Death’s TurningAfter a fine dinner of venison grilled on the fire, the Hershberger family was settling in when the family dogs raised an alarm outside. Jonas looked at his youngest son. “Go see what ails the dogs, lad.”
Aaron went to the door to see what was the matter, and when he opened it, there was a flash and the report of a rifle. The boy screamed and fell back into the room with blood pouring from his leg.
Jonathan sprang to the door, slammed it shut, and dropped the bar into place before the Indians could enter. There were several loaded guns on the walls, and he grabbed one. Quickly, they doused the lamps. The girls were whimpering. Jonathan laid his finger to his lips. “Hsst, girls. Get down in the corner and make not a sound.”
Joshua went to the window and opene
