When a rifle was once discharged, it took some time to reload; but the Indians could throw a dozen arrows in a minute, with sinewy arms, with sure aim and with deadly power.
The battle was mainly in the forest, neither party being willing to encounter the exposure of the open plain.

The Indians, behind the trees, watched their opportunity.

As there were several Indians to one white man, and the trappers were necessarily dispersed, seeking the protection of the trees, the Indians, as soon as a rifle was discharged, would dodge from tree to tree, ever drawing nearer to their assailants.

For three hours this battle continued.

The ammunition of the trappers was nearly exhausted, and they remitted the energy of their fire, awaiting the arrival of their companions.