But if he had expected to catch Sir William Johnson napping he was sadly mistaken. The commander of the English forces was thoroughly wide-awake, and had his scouts out in all directions, and these included a dozen old backwoodsmen and fully a score of Indians who could be depended upon to do their best, no matter what the risk. It may be as well to mention that among these scouts was White Buffalo, who had followed from Oswego to Fort Niagara, not alone to aid Sir William Johnson but also to assist the Morrises to find little Nell.
The attack on the fort had begun on the seventh of July. On the twenty-fourth word came in through the spies that a force of French and Indians were coming down the river from Lake Erie. This body of soldiers, traders and Indians was twelve hundred strong, and was commanded by several French officers of note. The traders were of the most savage and lawless kind and many of them were in the habit of dressing like the Indians and smearing their faces with the same war-paint.
The word concerning this body came in late in the day and that night General Johnson ordered forward a large part of his force, including some grenadiers, some rangers and his Indians. The troops were cautioned to move forward without making unnecessary noise, and to be certain of what was taking place before opening fire.
"Now for some real fighting!" cried Dave. "This won't be any such play as besieging the fort."
"Well, that hasn't been play to my notion," answered Henry. "At least it wasn't play when that cannon ball came and blinded poor Campbell."
"Well, I'm with ye, lads!" came a voice from behind them, and turning swiftly they beheld Sam Barringford standing there, rifle in hand, and with his throat done up in a bandage.
"Where in the world did you come from?" ejaculated Henry. "Why, you ought to be in the hospital!"
"Not by a jugful, Henry! I'm well enough ag'in, I can tell ye--though I allow as how my neck's a bit stiff."
"Came up on a boat that brought some ammunition. Reckon I'm jest in time, too, eh?"
"You ought to take it easy, Sam," said Dave. "You've done enough--"
"Cut it short, lad; I can't sit still when thar's a scrimmage on--no two ways about it. Besides, I promised your folks to stay with ye, remember thet,--an' I'm bound to keep my promise. Come along, an' tell me what ye've been up to sence we parted company."