Presently the noise made by the column of French troops was heard abreast of the fugitives.

Then it died away behind them, and they again directed their course to the left.

Ten minutes later, they heard a loud succession of Indian whoops, and knew that the redskins pursuing them had also heard the French column on its march, and would be warning them of the course which the band were taking.

The scouts were now but four miles from Ticonderoga, and each man knew that it was a mere question of speed.
"Throw away your meat," Rogers ordered, "you will not want it now, and every pound tells." The men had already got rid of their blankets, and were now burdened only with their rifles and ammunition.

The ground was rough and broken, for they were nearing the steep promontory on which the French fort had been erected.