They were passing now under the French works, for they could hear shouting on the high ground to the right, and knew that the troops left in the fort had taken the alarm; but they were still invisible, for it was only at the point of the promontory that the clearing had been carried down to the water’s edge.  A low cry of relief burst from the men, as they saw the forest open before them, and a minute later they were running along in the open, near the shore of the lake, at the extremity of the promontory, where, hauled up upon the shore, lay a number of canoes and flat-bottomed boats, used for the conveyance of troops.  A number of boatmen were standing near, evidently alarmed by the war cries in the woods.  When they saw the party approaching they at once made for the fort, a quarter of a mile away on the high ground, and, almost at the same moment, a dropping fire of musketry opened from the entrenchments.

“Smash the canoes,” Rogers said, setting the example by administering a vigorous kick to one of them.

The others followed his example, and, in a few seconds, every one of the frail barks was stove in.

“Two of the boats will hold us well,” Rogers said; “quick, into the water with them, and out with the oars.  Ten row in each boat.  Let the other five handle their rifles, and keep back the Indians as they come up.  Never mind the soldiers.”

For the white-coated troops, perceiving the scouts’ intention, were now pouring out from the intrenchments.

A couple of minutes sufficed for the men to launch the boats and take their seats, and the oars dipped in the water just as three or four Indians dashed out from the edge of the forest.

“We have won the race by three minutes,” Rogers said, exultantly.  “Stretch to your oars, lads, and get out of range as soon as you can.”

The Indians began to fire as soon as they perceived the boats.  They were scarcely two hundred yards away, but they, like the white men, were panting with fatigue, and their bullets flew harmlessly by.

“Don’t answer yet,” Rogers ordered, as some of the scouts were preparing to fire.  “Wait till your hands get steady, and then fire at the French.  There won’t be many of the redskins up, yet.”

The boats were not two hundred yards from shore when the French soldiers reached the edge of the water and opened fire, but at this distance their weapons were of little avail, and, though the bullets splashed thickly around the boats, no one was injured, while several of the French were seen to drop from the fire of the scouts.  Another hundred yards, and the boats were beyond any danger, save from a chance shot.  The Indians still continued firing, and several of their shots struck the boats, one of the rowers being hit on the shoulder.

“Lay in your rifles, and man the other two oars in each boat,” Rogers said.  “The French are launching some of their bateaux, but we have got a fair start, and they won’t overtake us before we reach the opposite point.  They are fresher than we are, but soldiers are no good rowing; besides, they are sure to crowd the boats so that they won’t have a chance.”