They came out upon its farthest fringe; and below them lay, white and bare, and sparkling in the moonlight, the frozen, snow-laden plateau of the lake.
It was a weirdly beautiful scene which lay spread like a panorama before them in the winter moonlight; but they had no time to think of that now.

All eyes were fixed upon the stirring scene enacted in the middle of the lake, or at least well out upon its frozen surface, where a band of resolute men, sheltering themselves behind a few sledges, which made them a sort of rampart, were firing steadily, volley after volley, at a band of leaping, yelling Indians who had partially surrounded them, and who were slowly but steadily advancing, despite their heavy loss, returning the fire of the defendants, though by no means so steadily and regularly, and whooping and yelling with a fearful ferocity.
It was easy to see, even by the moonlight alone, that the men behind the sledges were white men.

A sudden enthusiasm and excitement possessed our little band of Rangers as this sight burst upon them, and Stark gave the instant word: "Steady, men, but lose not a moment.

Form two lines, and rush them from behind.

Reserve your fire till I give the word.