In a few minutes they heard the sound of a rifle shot, and
then of another as if replying.
"The Iroquois have been fooled," exclaimed Heemskerk. "Our four
good riflemen have made them think that a great force is there,
and they have not dared to cross the creek themselves and make an
attack."
In a few minutes more, as they ran noiselessly through the
forest, they saw a little drifting smoke, and now and then the
faint flash of rifles. They were coming somewhere near to the
Iroquois band, and they practiced exceeding caution. Presently
they caught sight of Indian faces, and now and then one of
Johnson's Greens or Butler's Rangers. They stopped and held a
council that lasted scarcely more than half a minute. They all
agreed there was but one thing to do, and that was to attack in
the Indian's own way-that is, by ambush and sharpshooting.
Henry fired the first shot, and an Iroquois, aiming at a foe on
the other side of the creek, fell. Heemskerk quickly followed
with a shot as good, and the surprised Iroquois turned to face
this new foe. But they and the Tories were a strong band, and
they retreated only a little. Then they stood firm, and the
forest battle began.
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