Each man knew that if he fell, he must die, for his comrades could do nothing for him, and no pause was possible until the boats were gained.
They were passing now under the French works, for they could hear shouting on the high ground to the right, and knew that the troops left in the fort had taken the alarm; but they were still invisible, for it was only at the point of the promontory that the clearing had been carried down to the water's edge.

A low cry of relief burst from the men, as they saw the forest open before them, and a minute later they were running along in the open, near the shore of the lake, at the extremity of the promontory, where, hauled up upon the shore, lay a number of canoes and flat-bottomed boats, used for the conveyance of troops.

A number of boatmen were standing near, evidently alarmed by the war cries in the woods.

When they saw the party approaching they at once made for the fort, a quarter of a mile away on the high ground, and, almost at the same moment, a dropping fire of musketry opened from the entrenchments.
"Smash the canoes," Rogers said, setting the example by administering a vigorous kick to one of them.
The others followed his example, and, in a few seconds, every one of the frail barks was stove in.
"Two of the boats will hold us well," Rogers said; "quick, into the water with them, and out with the oars.

Ten row in each boat.