Everything was left to the decision of his own good judgment.
With silent, moccasined tread the adventurers threaded their way over the broken country, and through a dense forest, when suddenly they came upon a band of Indians, manifestly on the war-path; painted, plumed and armed in the highest style of their barbaric art.

The savages, on catching sight of the trappers, turned and fled with the utmost speed, without scattering.
The trappers pursued with equal swiftness of foot.

They had no doubt that there was a stronger band at some little distance, which the Indians were retreating to join.
The supposition proved correct.

A large number of warriors had assembled, in a very good military position, and it was at once evident that they intended to give battle.

Though the majority of them had only arrows and lances, many were armed with rifles.