The Indians down by the brook were now raising all the din possible. But the shot from James Morris's rifle made them chary about showing themselves, and although Black Ear urged them forward not one would go.
"Let Rain Cloud open the gates," they said. "We have drawn the white men to this corner, that is enough."
The din went on for fully quarter of an hour, and the Indies hoisted their dummy figures into view several times. But James Morris and the others were too wise to fire.
"Save your ammunition until you are certain it is a redskin," he said.
Presently Henry gave a low whistle, to signify that the Indians were making toward the gates. At once his uncle came running up, leaving two frontiersmen to watch the movements of the warriors under Black Ear.
"Have you seen them, Henry?"
"Yes, just spotted four of 'em," was the low answer.
"I see three," put in Tony Jadwin. "Let us wait till they come out into plain view."
"Right you are," came from the trader. "I rather thought they'd try for the gates."
After this there was utter silence for several minutes. Then, just as the din down by the brook started up again, a dozen Indians came out of the forest with a rush, straight for the gates.