"There is a masked redoubt in front, as far as I can discover, a little to the east of the brook. It is concealed by low bushes, and the gaps in the underwood are filled up with boughs of pine. Edith is within, a prisoner. Beware! We are marching round rapidly to take it in reverse--I mean the Oneidas. Walter Prevost."
Several of the superior officers had gathered round, and amongst the rest a man deservedly famous in those and after times, then simply known as Major Putnam.
"We have been seen by friends, if not by enemies, Putnam," said Lord H----, handing him the paper. "What do you advise to be done? You are more skilled in wood warfare than I am?"
"Send back the Indian," answered Major Putnam. "Let him tell his brethren to advance as speedily as possible and help to clear the woods. Then give me a hundred rangers and a handful of Indians, and I will push on myself and make a way for you."
"Good!" said Lord H----. "Call up your men, Putnam, while I send away the Indian."
Beckoning up an interpreter, the young nobleman gave their savage allies directions, telling them particularly to report the exact spot which the column had reached; and by the time this was done and the man gone, Major Putnam had placed himself at the head of his little party, ready to dash on.
"Stay, Putnam!" said Lord H----. "You command, but I go with you!"
Putnam paused and dropped the point of his sword, looking almost aghast. "My lord," he said, "I beg you would forbear. If I am killed, the loss of my life will be of little consequence to anyone, but the preservation of your life is of importance to this army!"
Lord H---- laid his hand upon his arm, saying: "Putnam, your life is as dear to you as mine is to me. I am determined to go. Lead on!"
The next moment they dashed on at quick time along a trail which opened before them. The few Indians who accompanied the party scattered, as usual, to the right and left, and for some little way they made good progress through the tangled wood. At length, however, all, even to the natives, became puzzled by the number of trails crossing each other, and the thick and intricate nature of the wood; but still they forced their way forward, judging the direction they ought to take by the way the shadows of the trees were thrown by the sunshine. Thus for four or five hundred yards they pushed on, without seeing an enemy, when Putnam, suddenly pointing with his sword, exclaimed: "There goes a Frenchman's cap--more of them! more of them! Now, gallant rangers, down with your pieces and make your barrels ring!"