The one who had come out of the east joined De Courcelles himself and they came nearer to the fort than any of the others, although they remained just beyond rifle shot.

Evidently De Courcelles was explaining something to the Indian as once he pointed toward the blockhouse.
Wilton heard Robert beside him draw a deep breath, and he turned in surprise.

The face of young Lennox was tense and his eyes fairly blazed as he gazed at De Courcelles and the warrior.

Then looking back at the forest Robert uttered a sudden sharp, Ah! the release of uncontrollable emotion, snapping like a pistol shot.
"Did you see it, Will?
Did you see it ?" he exclaimed.

"It was quicker than lightning!" The Indian runner stooped, snatched the pistol from the belt of De Courcelles, struck him such a heavy blow on the head with the butt of it that he fell without a sound, and then his brown body shot forward like an arrow for the fort.
"Open the gate! Open the gate!" thundered Willet, and strong arms unbarred it and flung it back in an instant.