The Alachuas were as anxious as he to come into contact with their Seminole enemies, and so rapidly did they travel that they finally entered the River of May in time to hear the thunder of guns from the fort when the first attack of the savages was repulsed.
Landing some distance below the fort, and leaving only a few warriors in charge of the canoes, the rest of the little band proceeded with the utmost caution up the river bank until they came in sight of the tall shell mound.

Here they remained concealed, while scouts were sent out to discover the exact condition of affairs.

Gliding with wonderful ease and silence amid the dense underbrush, these went, and, at the end of two hours returned.

They had discovered Cat-sha's plan of an ambush, and reported that the white men were even then leaving the fort to attack the shell mound.
Then Yah-chi-la-ne ordered an advance, and dashed forward, with Rene and Has-se close beside him, and followed by his eager warriors.

They reached the scene of the conflict just as the white soldiers were about to be overwhelmed by the swarming savages, and in time to pounce upon the rear of the astonished Seminoles; and scatter them like the forest leaves before a whirlwind.
It was while charging by Has-se's side in this, his first battle, that Rene de Veaux gave utterance to the cry of "France to the Rescue!" that had so amazed Simon, the armorer, and those with him who heard it.
[1]Has-se doubtless referred to Mexico, which was known by the Indians as "The Land of Gold."-- K.