There was, however, a sharp rattle of musketry fire from both sides. The Canadian militia were crouching behind stumps, and crawling through the long grass in front of the English position, and as the columns moved forward, Ned marching by Ferguson, recognized Archy directing the movements of his men. Though Ned did not know it, Edgar had also reached the camp the night before, and was now behind with the Indians. The demands of war had not allowed him to seek his son. Suddenly Ferguson looked up, shouting joyously--"Glory to God, I am saved." Percy, walking a little in advance, looked back, and smiled. "What's the matter now, Ferguson?" "Glory to God," repeated the lively Methodist, "my soul is so happy." "I suppose that means that you know you will be killed to-day and so reach Heaven?" "No, sir, I won't fall to-day, but I am assured I shall be wounded." "Oh, you have it all arranged, I see. I hope it wasn't against your conscience to ask that you might get a light one." Archy kneeling by a log, looked up as they passed. "Guess that's why you fellows don't think you need be afraid of anything," he shouted, "seeing you've got a real live Methodist preacher in your ranks." The three little columns were out in the open now, their close formation, and the bright scarlet of their uniforms, making it almost impossible for the enemy's marksmen to miss a shot. They had broken into a run, with their bayonets flashing, when the Americans, loading with buckshot and cartridges, swept their front ranks with a death blast of fire. Ned saw Percy stagger, and Ferguson spring to his side. For a moment Percy leaned heavily on the soldier, then steadied himself, changing his sword to his left hand, as he called to his men. None faltered; they halted at the word of command, to fire, then dashed on again, till only a hundred yards from the enemy, who were holding their fire--till then. Then again death flashed from the unseen rifles, and now the invader's cannon spoke also, belching forth death. When the smoke cleared the brave scarlet lines were gone, only scattered groups were on the field, but not till the bugles behind them called "retreat", did they turn to go back, and they carried most of their wounded with them.