CHAPTER X.
THE NAVAL COMBAT Robert and Tayoga went into a long boat with Willet, a boat that held eight men, all carrying paddles, while their rifles were laid on the bottom, ready to be substituted for the paddles when the time came.
Daganoweda was in another of the large boats, and Rogers commanded a third, the whole fleet advancing slowly and in almost a straight line toward St.Luc's stronghold.
Doubtless many a combat between Indians had taken place on Andiatarocte in the forgotten ages, but Robert believed the coming encounter would be the first in which white men had a part, and, for the moment, he forgot his danger in the thrilling spectacle that opened before him.
St.Luc, when he saw the enemy approaching, quickly launched his own fleet, and filled it with men, although he kept it well in the lee of the land, and behind it posted a formidable row of marksmen, French, Canadians and Indians.

Rogers, who had the general command, paddled his boat a little in front of the others and examined the defense cautiously through his glasses.

Tayoga could see well enough with the naked eye.
"St.Luc is leaning on the stump of a wind-blown tree near the water," he said, "and he holds in his hand his small sword with which he will direct the battle.

But there is a canoe almost at his feet, and if need be he will go into it.

De Courcelles is in a large boat on the right, and Tandakora is in another on the left.