“Let us incline to the left, your honour,” said Joyce, respectfully; “there is a naked rock hereabouts, that completely overlooks the clearing, and where we can get even a peep at the Hut.  I have often sat on it, when out with the gun, and wearied; for the next thing to being at home, is to see home.”

“I remember the place, serjeant, and like your suggestion,” answered the captain, with an eagerness that it was very unusual for him to betray.  “I could march with a lighter heart, after getting another look at the Knoll, and being certain of its security.”

The parties being both of a mind, it is not surprising that each looked eagerly for the spot in question.  It was an isolated rock that rose some fifteen or twenty feet above the surface of the ground, having a width and depth about double its height—­one of those common excrescences of the forest that usually possess interest for no one but the geologist.  Such an object was not difficult to find in an open wood, and the search was soon rewarded by a discovery.  Bending their steps that way, our two soldiers were quickly at its base.  As is usual, the summit of this fragment of rock was covered with bushes; others shooting out, also, from the rich, warm earth at its base, or, to speak more properly, at its junction with the earth.

Joyce ascended first, leaving his rifle in the captain’s charge.  The latter followed, after having passed up his own and his companion’s arms; neither being disposed to stir without having these important auxiliaries at command.  Once on the rock, both moved cautiously to its eastern brow, care being had not to go beyond the cover.  Here they stood, side by side, gazing on the scene that was outspread before them, through openings in the bushes.

To the captain’s astonishment, he found himself within half musket shot of the bulk of the hostile party.  A regular bivouac had been formed round a spring in the centre of the clearing, and bodies of trees had been thrown together, so as to form a species of work which was rudely, but effectually abbatied by the branches.  In a word, one of those strong, rough forest encampments had been made, which are so difficult to carry without artillery, more especially if well defended.  By being placed in the centre of the clearing, an assault could not be made without expensing the assailants, and the spring always assured to the garrison the great requisite, water.

There was a method and order in this arrangement that surprised both our old soldiers.  That Indians had resorted to this expedient, neither believed; nor would the careless, untaught and inexperienced whites of the Mohawk be apt to adopt it, without a suggestion from some person acquainted with the usages of frontier warfare.  Such persons were not difficult to find, it is true; and it was a proof that those claiming to be in authority, rightfully or not, were present.