"Has all sound ceased now ?" "They are not stirring.

They have become quite sure that we are enemies and they wait for us to act first." "Then I'll give 'em a lead," said Willet, who lay on Tayoga's right.
He thrust out a foot, bringing it down on a dead stick so hard that it broke with a sharp snap, but instantly drew away to the shelter of another bush.

A rifle cracked in front of them and a bullet cut the air over the broken stick.

Before the warrior who fired the bullet could sink back Black Rifle pulled the trigger at a certain target, and the man fell without a sound.
"A fine shot, Captain Jack," said Willet, and a few minutes later the hunter himself made another just as good.

For a half hour the combat was waged in the deep thickets, mere glimpses serving for aim, but the combatants were as fierce and tenacious as if the issue were joined by great armies.