He heard him to the end, but gave an evasive reply, and sent out an engineer on his own account to survey the French position, and bring him word what was his opinion.
This worthy made his survey, and came back full of confidence.
"The rampart is but a hastily-constructed breastwork of felled trees; it should be easily carried by assault," he reported, full of careless confidence.

"A good bayonet charge, resolutely conducted, is all that is needed, and we shall be in the fort before night." The soldiers cheered aloud when they heard the news.

They were filled with valour and eagerness, in spite of the death of their beloved leader.

It seemed as though his spirit inspired them with ardent desire to show what they could do; although generalship, alas! had perished with the young Brigadier, who had fallen at such an untimely moment.
The Rangers looked at one another with grim faces.

They would not speak a word to dishearten the troops; but they knew, far better than the raw levies or the English regulars could do, the nature of the obstruction to be encountered.
"A bayonet charge by soldiers full of valour is no light thing," said Pringle to the Ranger, as they stood in the evening light talking together.