Yet the fleet pressed the attack.

Despite their losses, the Indians did not give back, the canoes came closer and closer, many of the warriors dropped into the water behind their vessels and fired from hiding, bullets rained around the little band on the cliff, and presently struck among them.

Two of the rangers were slain and two more were wounded.

Robert saw the Frenchmen in the fleet encouraging the Indians, and he knew that their enemies were firing at the smoke made by the rifles of the defenders.

Although he and his comrades were invisible to the French and Indians in the fleet, the bullets sought them out nevertheless.