To the south and west was Lake George, the Iroquois Andiatarocte, that gem of the east, and, on all sides, save Champlain, circled the forest, just beginning to wither under the fierce summer sun.
The energy of the French did not diminish.

Stronger and stronger grew abattis and breastwork, the whole becoming a formidable field over which men might charge to death.

But Robert only smiled to himself.
Abercrombie's mighty array of cannon would smash everything and then the brave infantry, charging through the gaps, would destroy the French army.

The French, he knew, were brave and skillful, but their doom was sure.

Once St.Luc spoke to him.