Yet he would be useful in the fierce war that was upon them and he was useful now.
Black Rifle crept forward two or three yards more, and, after he had lain quite still for a few moments, he suddenly thrust out his rifle and fired.

A cry came from the opposing thicket and Robert heard the sharpshooter utter a deep sigh of satisfaction.

He knew that St.Luc was one warrior less, which was good for the defense, but he shuddered a little.

He could never bring himself to steal through the bushes and shoot an unseeing enemy.

Still Black Rifle was Black Rifle, and being what he was he was not to be judged as other men were.
After a half hour's silence, the besiegers suddenly opened fire from five or six points, sending perhaps two score bullets into the wood, clipping off many twigs and leaves which fell upon the heads of the defenders.