Then on the flanks
they began to hear the rattle of rifle fire. The wings of the
army were in action, but the main body still advanced without
firing a shot.
The scouts could now see through the trees the embankments and
rifle pits, and they could also see the last of the Iroquois and
Tory skirmishers leaping over the earthworks and taking refuge
with their army. Then they turned back and saw the long line of
their own army steadily advancing, while the sounds of heavy
firing still continued on both flanks. Henry looked proudly at
the unbroken array, the front of steel, and the cannon. He felt
prouder still when the general turned to him and said:
"You have done well, Mr. Ware; you have shown us exactly where
the enemy lies, and that will save us many men. Now bigger
voices than those of the rifles shall talk."
The army stopped. The Indian position could be plainly seen.
The crest of the earthwork was lined with fierce, dark faces, and
here and there among the brown Iroquois were the green uniforms
of the Royalists.
Henry saw both Thayendanegea and Timmendiquas, the plumes in
their hair waving aloft, and he felt sure that wherever they
stood the battle would be thickest.
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