The Indians, however, carried thirty-six scalps across the ford.
If Repentigny had advanced when first called upon, and had been followed by Levis with his whole command, the English might have suffered a very severe check, for the Canadians were as much superior to the regulars, in the forest, as the regulars to the Canadians in the open.
Vaudreuil called a council of war, but he and Montcalm agreed not to attack the English, who were, on their part, powerless to injure them.
Wolfe's position on the heights was indeed a dangerous one.

A third of his force was six miles away, on the other side of the Saint Lawrence, and the detachment on the island was separated from each by a wide arm of the river.

Any of the three were liable to be attacked and overpowered, before the others could come to its assistance.
Wolfe, indeed, was soon well intrenched, but, although safe against attack, he was powerless to take the offensive.

The fact, however, that he had taken up his position so near their camp, had discomfited the Canadians, and his battery played, with considerable effect, on the left of their camp.
The time passed slowly.

The deep and impassable gulf of the Montmorenci separated the two enemies, but the crests of the opposite cliffs were within easy gunshot of each other, and men who showed themselves near the edge ran a strong chance of being hit.