Indeed, I know scores of old women, on the frontier, who would have been a deal better here than him." But if Monro was obstinate and prejudiced, he was brave, cool, and determined, and, now that the danger had come, he felt secure of his ground, and took the proper measures for defence, moving calmly about, and abating the disposition to panic by the calm manner in which he gave his orders.

Nat had scarcely finished his grumbling, when the colonel approached.
"Captain Walsham," he said, "you will take your company at once, and cover the parties driving in the cattle.

You will fall back with them, and, when you see all in safety, retire into the intrenched camp." The company were already under arms, waiting for orders and, at the double, James led them up the sloping ground towards the forest, whence the war whoops of the Indians, and the sharp cracks of the rifles, were now ringing out on all sides.

James made for the spot where a score of soldiers were driving a number of cattle before them, some hurrying the beasts on across the rough ground, others firing at the Indians, who, as their numbers increased, were boldly showing themselves behind the trees, and advancing in pursuit.
As soon as they neared the spot, James scattered his men in skirmishing order.

Each placed himself behind one of the blackened stumps of the roughly-cleared forest, and opened fire upon the Indians.