By lying with our faces against these narrow openings, it was possible to hold converse with those on the inside almost as well as if we were within the walls.
"Who are you, and where did you come from?" a voice asked, and Sergeant Corney took it upon himself, much to my relief, to act as spokesman.
"Messengers sent by General Herkimer, who have come from Oriskany."
"When did you leave there?"
"Yesterday."
"We thought the woods were overrun with Indians and Tories."
"So they are; but by some lucky chance we have come through thus far in safety, and would have speech with the commandant."
"I am Colonel Gansevoort. My people saw your signal this afternoon, and I myself have been watching for your arrival, but supposed you to be fugitives, for I never dared hope there was a possibility of reinforcements so near at hand. Will you make an attempt to get in by the sally-port?"
"Is there any other entrance, sir?"
"Yes; but the enemy have been keeping sharp watch there since noon, as if thinking something of this same kind might be attempted."