Henry did not yet take much part in the combat. He believed that the attack upon the palisade was largely in the nature of a feint, intended to keep the defenders busy while the cannon did the real work. Not even Wyandots would storm in broad daylight walls held by good riflemen. He soon knew that he was right, as the rifle fire remained at long range with little damage to either side, while the flatboat was steadily drawing nearer, and the cannon were beginning to do damage. One man was killed and another wounded. Several houses were struck, and here and there stakes in the palisade were knocked away.
Major Braithwaite, despite his courage, showed alarm.
"How can we fight those cannons?" he said.
"Who is the best marksman you have?" asked Henry.
"Seth Cole?" replied the Major promptly.
"Will you call Seth Cole?"
Seth Cole came promptly. He was a tall, thin man, cool of eye and slow of speech.
"Are you ready to go with me anywhere, Mr. Cole?" asked Henry.
"I'm thinkin' that what another feller kin stand I kin, too," replied Seth.
"Then you're ready," said Henry, and he quickly told his plan.