"Maybe they come from Philadelphia itself, and city bred men can scarcely be expected to learn all about the wilderness in a few days." "They'll learn, when it's too late, at the muzzles of the French and Indian rifles," rejoined Black Rifle, abating a little his tone of savage derision.
"At least they're likely to be brave men," said Willet, "and now what do you think will be our best manner of approaching 'em ?" "We'll walk directly toward their fire, the four of us abreast.

They'll blaze away all fifty of 'em together, as soon as they see us, but the darkness will spoil their aim, and at least one of us will be left alive, able to walk, and able to tell 'em of their danger.

We don't know who'll be the lucky man, but we'll see." "Come, come, Captain Jack! Give 'em a chance! They may be a more likely lot than you think.

You three wait here and I'll go forward and announce our coming.

I dare say we'll be welcome." Willet advanced boldly toward the fire, which he soon saw consisted of a great bed of coals, surrounded by sleepers.