Ned in the Block-House: A Tale of Early Days in the West

by Edward Sylvester Ellis

"Ned in the Block-House: A Tale of Early Days in the West" by Edward Sylvester Ellis is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story features young Ned Preston and his friend Wildblossom Brown as they navigate the dangers of the Kentucky wilderness during the autumn of 1788. Themes of survival and friendship amid the threats of Native American attacks are central to the narrative, as the boys find themselves in precarious situations while trying to reach Fort Bridgman. The opening of the tale introduces Ned and his companion as they hunt in the forest, where they accidentally encounter danger when an Indian arrow strikes a deer they were tracking. This unsettling close call reveals the presence of lurking Native Americans, prompting the boys to flee. As they attempt to escape, they meet Deerfoot, a young Shawanoe who becomes a vital ally. Through intricate details, the reader is drawn into the dynamics of these characters as they confront adversity and explore their world, setting the stage for a gripping adventure filled with tension and camaraderie.