"We'll support you to the end of it," said Willet quietly.
"The English have always been the friends of the Hodenosaunee," said
Daganoweda, as he led the way through the undergrowth toward the point
from which the smoke come. Neither Robert nor Willet felt any scruple
about attacking the warriors there, as they were clearly invaders with
hostile purpose of Mohawk territory, and it was also more than likely
that their immediate object was the destruction of the three. Yet the
two Americans held back a little, letting the Indians take the lead, not
wishing it to be said that they began the battle.
Daganoweda, whose name meant "Inexhaustible," was a most competent young
chief. He spread out his little force in a half circle, and the seven
rapidly approached the fire. But Robert was glad when a stick broke
under the foot of an incautious and eager warrior, and the Hurons and
Caughnawagas, turning in alarm, fired several bullets into the bushes.
He was glad, because it was the other side that began the combat, and if
there was a Frenchman with them he could not go to Montreal or Quebec,
saying the British and their Indians had fired the first shot.
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