he blackness as though by magic, and
unaccustomed to the tactics of forest warfare, the newly arrived troops
became filled with a mysterious fear.

Still their leader urged them forward, and the uncertain march was
continued for a short distance until it became apparent that the fence
lines had been changed, so as to lead them from the road, and that they
were involved in a maze of outbuildings and enclosures. As they
blindly groped their way, starting nervously at every contact with each
other, and becoming each moment more confused, the shrill war-cry was
again raised, in their very ears; the guns of an unseen foe again
flashed in their faces, and they were furiously attacked from all sides
at once. They could not fight back; for if they sprang at the flash of
a gun, it was only to find an empty space. A cry arose that they were
being surrounded, and in another minute the whole force was in a
panic-stricken retreat, rushing pell-mell down the bank and across the
bridge which was still held by the rear guard under Captain Grant.

Here Dalzell managed to restore partial order and give his men a
certain degree of confidence by ordering the crews of the bateaux,
which had come up the creek, to sweep the opposite bank with grape from
their swivel guns. Thus the enemy was held in check while such of the
wounded as could be found were got into the boats. The moment this
task was accomplished the retreat was resumed, while the Indians sprang
in pursuit, pouring in a heavy fire from the rear and both flanks.
Every now and then the rear guard faced about and delivered a volley at
their yelling pursuers, who promptly returned it with interest. Still
the way was open to the fort, and no serious fears were entertained
that this would not eventually be reached, until, when half the
distance was covered, the main body came opposite to a newly dug
cellar. In this were concealed a strong force of Indians under Pontiac
himself, who had hurried them to this point with the hope of still
cutting off the retreat, and making good the previous failure of his
plan. The advance was allowed to pass. Then came again the terrible
signal-cry of the Ottawa chieftain. With it his warriors delivered
such an unexpected and scathing volley that the bewildered troops again
broke ranks, and, not knowing which way to fly, huddled together like
sheep in their frenzied efforts to escape the hail of bullets.

Dalzell, already twice wounded, threa