“I see the bushes waving again,” said Tayoga.  “It is proof that the warriors are approaching.  It would be well for the soldiers to lie flat for a little while.”

Captain Colden, adhering to his resolution to take the advice of his new friends, crept along the line, telling the men in sharp whispers to hug the earth, a command that they obeyed willingly, as the darkness, the silence and the mysterious nature of the danger had begun to weigh heavily upon their nerves.

Robert saw a bead of flame among the bushes, and heard a sharp report.  A bullet cut a bough over his head, and a leaf drifted down upon his face.  The soldiers shifted uneasily and began to thrust their rifles forward, but again the stern command of the young captain prompted by the hunter, held them down.

“’Twas intended merely to draw us,” said Willet.  “They’re sure we’re in this wood, but of course they don’t know the exact location of our men.  They’re hoping for a glimpse of the bright uniforms, but, if the men keep very low, they won’t get it.”

It was a tremendous trial for young and raw troops, but they managed to still their nerves, and to remain crouched and motionless.  A second shot was fired soon, and then a third, but like the first they were trial bullets and both went high.  Black Rifle grew impatient.  The memory of his murdered family began to press upon him once more.  The night was black, but now it looked red to him.  Lying almost flat, he slowly pulled himself forward like a great wild beast, stalking its prey.  Colden looked at him, and then at Willet, who nodded.

“Don’t try to stop him,” whispered the hunter, “because he’ll go anyhow.  Besides, it’s time for us to reply to their shots.”

The dark form, moving forward without noise, had a singular fascination for Robert.  His imagination, which colored and magnified everything, made Black Rifle sinister and supernatural.  The complete absence of sound, as he advanced, heightened the effect.  Not a leaf nor a blade of grass rustled.  Presently he stopped and Robert saw the black muzzle of his rifle shoot forward.  A stream of flame leaped forth, and then the man quickly slid into a new position.

A fierce shout came from the opposing thicket, and a half dozen shots were fired.  Bullets again cut twigs and leaves over Robert’s head, but all of them went too high.

“Do you think Black Rifle hit his mark?” whispered Robert to Tayoga.

“It is likely,” replied the Onondaga, “but we may never know.  I think it would be well, Dagaeoga, for you and me to go toward the left.  They may try to creep around our flank, and we must meet them there.”

Willet and Colden approved of the plan, and a half dozen of the best soldiers went with them, the movement proving to be wise, as within five minutes a scattering fire was opened upon that point.  The soldiers fired two rash shots, merely aiming at the reports and the general blackness, but Robert and Tayoga quickly reduced them to control, insisting that they wait until they saw a foe, before pulling trigger again.  Then they sank back among the bushes and remained quite still.