"You keep close to us, and don't you try to push on ahead.

When we are once fairly in the woods, then we will do the scouting for the rest, but there ain't no hurry for us to begin that, till we are on shore." "Look at us," Nat grumbled in James's ear, as the boats started down the lake.

"There we are, rowing along the middle, instead of sneaking along close to the shore.

Does Parker think that the redskins are as blind as he is, and that, 'cause it's night, a lot of big boats like these can't be seen out in the middle of the lake?
I tell you, captain, if we ain't ambushed as soon as we land, I will grant I know nothing of redskin ways." James had, in fact, before starting, suggested to Colonel Parker that it would be well to keep under the shelter of the bushes; but the officer had replied stiffly: "When I want your advice, Captain Walsham, I will ask for it." After which rebuff, James was more willing than he had hitherto been to act in accordance with the advice of the scout.

Accordingly, as they rowed down the lake, the boats with the Royal Scouts, although keeping up with the others, maintained their position in the rear of the column.
Towards daybreak, the boats' heads were turned to shore, and, when they neared it, Colonel Parker gave the order for the men to lay in their oars, while the three boats, which happened to be in advance, were told to advance at once and land.