"We shall be over nice in our scruples," said Ralph, "if we hesitate any longer to treat them as enemies. They have certainly committed an overt act of war; and duty to ourselves will no longer allow us to remain inactive."
Since the first demonstration on the part of the Senecas, no other had been made; and the silence without was as perfect and uninterrupted as though no enemy surrounded them.
It was obvious that the two most serious dangers to be encountered, were past—an attempt on the part of the enemy to get under cover of the walls of the cottage, where they would be in a great measure protected from the rifles inside, and where they might find means to force the doors; and, secondly, an attempt to set fire to the buildings.
Any object of the size of a man could readily, notwithstanding the darkness, be seen at the distance of four or five rods; and the garrison were certain, thus far, that no enemy had approached within that distance. Ichabod and the Tuscarora, as has been observed, were stationed upon the north side of the apartment. The position which had been chosen by the former, was near to the north-eastern angle, whence, with a little trouble, he might also keep a look-out on the east. This position had been chosen by him, owing to the distrust he entertained of the fidelity of Guthrie; for there was nothing in the conduct of the latter since his return to the cottage, that had been calculated to dispel any suspicions which Ichabod had entertained of his real character. He had taken little or no part in the plans of defence, and had maintained a moody silence that had rarely been broken, except by brief answers to such questions as were put to him.
"I say, friend," said Ichabod, addressing Guthrie, "you keep a sharp look-out over there, don't you?"
"I've been a woodsman all my life, I reckon," answered the latter, "and I don't need any instructions on that point."
"I don't suppose you do, friend," said Ichabod, "and least of all from me. I can't say as I have been a regular woodsman, although I've had a little experience in the way of savages. A man who has spent a few years fighting for his life, learns, after a while, to know when it's in danger; but can you guess what that black lump may be, out yonder—right ahead of your eyes?"
"Well, if I can see straight, it's a stump, and nothing more."
"I ain't much acquainted in these parts, friend, and it may be you've got stumps here that wander round the lots at pleasure, but I calculate that object ain't nothing but a venomous reptile," said Ichabod, taking sight over his rifle upon the object which attracted his attention. "Now, you see, if that's a stump, this bullet won't hurt it much; but if it's an Injin, he'll signify it some way."
The rifle of Ichabod was discharged; and the Seneca—for an Indian it was—who, creeping to reach a cover under the walls—rose to his feet with a leap, and then staggered and fell.