large band.

The party of Henry and Heemskerk numbered fourteen, but every one was a
veteran, full of courage, tenacity, and all the skill of the woods.
They had supreme confidence in their ability to beat the best of the
Iroquois, man for man, and they carried the very finest arms known to
the time.

It was decided that four of the men should remain on the hill. The
others, including the five, Heemskerk, and Taylor, would make a circuit,
cross the creek a full mile above, and come down on the flank of the
ambushing party. Theirs would be the main attack, but it would be
preceded by sharpshooting from the four, intended to absorb the
attention of the Iroquois. The chosen ten slipped back down the hill,
and as soon as they were sheltered from any possible glimpse by the
warriors, they rose and ran rapidly westward. Before they had gone far
they heard the crack of a rifle shot, then another, then several from
another point, as if in reply.

"It's our sharpshooters," said Henry. "They've begun to disturb the
Iroquois, and they'll keep them busy."

"Until we break in on their sport and keep them still busier," exclaimed
Heemskerk, revolving swiftly through the bushes, his face blazing red.

It did not take long for such as they to go the mile or so that they
intended, and then they crossed the creek, wading in the water breast
high, but careful to keep their ammunition dry. Then they turned and
rapidly descended the stream on its northern bank. In a few minutes they
heard the sound of a rifle shot, and then of another as if replying.

"The Iroquois have been fooled," exclaimed Heemskerk. "Our four good
riflemen have made them think that a great force is there, and they have
not dared to cross the creek themselves and make an attack."

In a few minutes more, as they ran noiselessly through the forest, they
saw a little drifting smoke, and now and then the faint flash of rifles.
They were coming somewhere near to the Iroquois band, and they practiced
exceeding caution. Presently they caught sight of Indian faces, and now
and then one of Johnson's Greens or Butler's Rangers. They stopped and
held a council that lasted scarcely more than half a minute. They all
agreed there was but one thing to do, and that was to attack in the
Indian's own way-that is, by ambush and sharpshooting.

Henry fired the first shot, and an Iroquois, aiming at a foe on the
other side of the creek, fell. Heemskerk quickly followed with a shot