erything," said the leader of the rangers. "More than
twenty of my men are dead, and nearly twice as many are wounded. 'Tis
apparent they have plenty of grape, and they are sending it like hail
through the forest. The bushes are no shelter, as it cuts through 'em.
Dave, old comrade, what do you think?"

"That St. Luc is about to have his revenge for the defeat we gave him at
Andiatarocte. The cannon with its grape turns the scale. They come on with
uncommon fury! It seems to me I hear a thousand rifles all together."

St. Luc now pressed the attack from every side save the south. The French
and Indians in the fleet redoubled their fire. The twelve-pounder was
pushed forward, and, as fast as the expert French gunners could reload it,
the terrible charges of grape-shot were sent among the rangers. More were
slain or wounded. The little band of defenders on the high cliff
overlooking the lake at last found their corner too hot for them and were
compelled to join the main force. Then the French and Indians in the fleet
landed with shouts of triumph and rushed upon the Americans.

Robert caught glimpses of other Frenchmen as he faced the forest. Once an
epaulet showed behind a bush and then a breadth of tanned face which he was
sure belonged to De Courcelles. And so this man who had sought to make him
the victim of a deadly trick was here! And perhaps Jumonville also! A
furious rage seized him and he sought eagerly for a shot at the epaulet,
but it disappeared. He crept a little farther forward, hoping for another
view, and Tayoga noticed his eager, questing gaze.

"What is it, Dagaeoga?" he asked. "Whom do you hate so much?"

"I saw the French Colonel, De Courcelles, and I was seeking to draw a bead
on him, but he has gone."

"Perhaps he has, but another takes his place. Look at the clump of bushes
directly in front of us and you will see a pale blue sleeve which beyond a
doubt holds the arm of a French officer. The arm cannot be far away from
the head and body, which I think we will see in time, if we keep on
looking."

Both watched the bushes with a concentrated gaze and presently the head and
shoulders, following the arm, disclosed themselves. Robert raised his rifle
and took aim, but as he looked down the sights he saw the face among the
leaves, and a shudder shook him. He lowered his rifle.

"What is it, Dagaeoga?" whispered the Onondaga.

"The man I chose for my target," replied Robert, "was not De Courcelles,