Up, lads, and ready!"
In the twinkling of an eye the trappers sprang to
their feet, and cocking their rifles stood perfectly motionless,
scowling at the savages, who were completely taken
by surprise at the unusual suddenness and informality
of such a declaration of war. Not a man moved, for,
unlike white men, they seldom risk their lives in open
fight; and as they looked at the formidable row of
muzzles that waited but a word to send instant death
into their midst, they felt that discretion was at that