Then the shouts of the warriors increased greatly in number, and seemed to come from all points about the camp.

It was obvious to Robert that the enemy was trying to make Strong's men believe that a great force was confronting them, and some of them, unused to the woods, showed apprehension lest such an unseen and elusive danger overwhelm them.

But Elihu Strong never flinched.
The forest was almost as much of a mystery to him as it was to his troops, but he was there to dare its perils and he dared them.
"I shall keep my men in camp and await attack, if they make it," he said to Robert, to whom he seemed to have taken a great fancy, "and whatever happens I shall move forward in the morning to the relief of Colden." He shut his thin lips tightly together and his pale blue eyes flashed.
The merchant, turned soldier, had the stoutest of hearts, and a stout heart was what was needed in his camp that night.

The warriors gave his men no rest.

They circled about continually, firing and whooping, and trying to create panic, or at least a fear that would hold Strong where he was.
Robert went to sleep early, and, when he awakened far in the night, the turmoil was still going on.