But Robert had enough power of will to watch in front, sure that Willet and Black Rifle were sufficient to guide the central defense.

He observed intently the segment of the circle in front of them, and he wondered if St.Luc would appear there again, but he concluded that he would not, since the failure of the attempted surprise at that point would be likely to send him back to the main force.
"Do you think they'll go away and concentrate in front ?" he asked Tayoga.
"No," replied the Onondaga.

"They still think perhaps that they have only the soldiers from the city to meet, and they may attempt a rush." Robert crept from soldier to soldier, cautioning every one to take shelter, and to have his rifle ready, and they, being good men, though without experience, obeyed the one who so obviously knew what he was doing.

Meantime the combat behind them proceeded with vigor, the shots crashing in volleys, accompanied by shouts, and once by the cry of a stricken soldier.

It was evident that St.Luc was now pushing the battle, and Robert was quite sure the attack on the flank would soon come again.
They did not wait much longer.