He was heart and soul averse to bloodshed, but in the heat of action, and in self-defense, he forgot his repugnance.

He was as eager now for a shot as Tayoga, Willet, or any other of the thirty.

Tayoga, who had reloaded, pulled trigger again and then a burst of firing came from the savage host.

But the thirty, inured to the forest and forest warfare, were sheltered well, and they took no hurt.

The Indians who were usually poor marksmen, fired many bullets after their fashion and wasted much lead.
"They make a great noise, inflict no wounds, and do not advance," whispered Tayoga to Robert.
"Doubtless they are surprised much at meeting our line in the forest, and think us many times more numerous than we are." "And we may fill their minds with illusions," said Robert hopefully.
"They may infer from our strong resistance that reenforcements have come, that the Mohawks are here, or that Colonel Johnson himself has arrived with Colonial troops." "It may be that Waraiyageh will come in time," said Tayoga.