"Fifty men would be useless, for purposes of fighting, if the enemy are numerous, while with such a number it would be hopeless to attempt to escape detection by the Indians.

The fewer the better for such an enterprise." On leaving the commandant, James at once summoned the two hunters to his hut, and told them the mission he had received.
"I am ready, captain, that is if you, and I, and Jonathan makes up the party.

As to going trapezing about round Crown Point with fifty soldiers, the thing ain't to be thought of.

We should be there no more than half an hour before the Indians would know of it, and we should have no show either for fighting or running away.

No, captain, the lads are good enough for scouting about round camp here; but, as for an expedition of that sort, we might as well start with a drove of swine." "That is just what I thought, Nat.