stand in defense, but if we lead them to a surprise, they'll give good
account of themselves. That is my plan La Forest--that we creep up
through the woods behind the Iroquois lines. They will expect no
attack from the rear, and will have no guard. If we move quickly while
it remains dark, we ought to get within a few yards of the red demons
without discovery. They will fight desperately, no doubt, for their
only hope of escape would be to either plunge down the rocky banks on
either side, or cut a way through. You have been at the fort?"

"Twice before."

"Then you know the nature of the ground. 'Tis all woodland until
within a few hundred yards of the gates. You recall the great rock
beside the trail?"

"Ay, and the view from the top."

"My plan would be to creep up that far, with flanking parties on the
slopes below. In front, as you may remember, there is an open space,
then a fringe of forest hiding the clearing before the stockade. The
Iroquois will be gathered behind that fringe of trees waiting
daylight. Is my thought right?"

"'Tis the most likely spot."

"Then listen; I have thought this all out. You and I, with Sequitah,
will take a hundred of your Indians, cross the small river, and
advance up the trail. That leaves fifty warriors to creep through the
woods on either slope, twenty-five to a side, led by your two
_couriers de bois_. We will wait at the great rock, and give the
signal."

La Forest stood silent a moment, thinking; then rested his hand on De
Artigny's shoulder.

"It looks feasible enough, but the flanking parties may not reach
their positions in time."

"The one from the west will not have as far to travel as we do. The
other does not make so much difference, for if the Iroquois break they
will come in this direction--the other side of the trail is sheer
rock."

"True; and what about the lady?"

"I shall go with you, Messieurs," I said quietly. "There will be no
more danger there than here; besides you would not leave me alone
without a guard, and you will need every fighting man."

I felt the grip of Rene's hand but it was La Forest's voice that
spoke.

"The right ring to that, hey, De Artigny! Madame answers my last
argument. But first, let us have word with the chief."

He addressed a word into the crowd of indistinguishable figures, and
an Indian came forward. Dim as the light was I was impressed with the
dignity of his carriage, the firm character of his facial outline.