Now, I see another gleam, and I hear the ring of axes.

They are not boat builders, because no boats, either finished or unfinished, show at the water's edge.

They are probably cutting wood for their fires.

I hear, too, the crack of a whip, which means that they have wagons, and the presence of wagons indicates a large force.

They may be coming ahead with supplies for our great army when it advances.