The Forest Runners by Joseph Altsheler
A STORY OF THE GREAT WAR TRAIL IN EARLY KENTUCKY
"The Forest Runners: A Story of the Great War Trail in Early Kentucky" by Joseph A. Altsheler is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers around two young protagonists, Paul Cotter and Henry Ware, as they navigate the treacherous wilderness of early Kentucky during a time of conflict with Native American tribes. The story captures their adventure and growth as they undertake a mission that involves both physical challenges and the looming threat of danger. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Paul and Henry as they journey through the expansive Kentucky wilderness, delivering gunpowder to a nearby settlement. Paul, a scholarly boy, feels out of place in the wild compared to his more adept friend Henry, who is a true child of the forest. The opening sets up Paul’s initial struggle with being lost, immediately establishing a tense atmosphere, which escalates when Paul finds himself captured by Shawnee warriors. Just when hope seems lost, Henry finds and rescues him, showcasing their strong bond and setting the stage for a series of thrilling encounters with the enemy as they work to survive and fulfill their crucial mission amidst the surrounding dangers.
Table of Content
Chapter 2 In the River
Chapter 3 The Lone Cabin
Chapter 4 The Siege
Chapter 5 The Flight
Chapter 6 The Battle on the Hill
Chapter 7 What Happened in the Dark
Chapter 8 At the River Bank
Chapter 9 A Change of Places
Chapter 10 The Island in the Lake
Chapter 11 A Sudden Meeting
Chapter 12 The Belt Bearers
Chapter 13 Braxton Wyatt's Ordeal
Chapter 14 In Winter Quarters
Chapter 15 Work and Play
Chapter 16 Noel
Chapter 17 Footprints in the Snow
Chapter 18 What the Warriors Saw
Chapter 19 The Warning
Chapter 20 The Terrible Ford
Chapter 21 The Flight of Long Jim
Chapter 22 The Last Stand