Their position was very critical, for the Indians numbered about a hundred men, while their own party consisted only of six. But they had the one great advantage over their enemies--the possession of fire-arms, and felt much confidence in consequence. "Get out all your weapons, big and little," said Rance, as he loaded his rifle, "and fire 'em off to begin with. It will show them that we are well prepared." Accordingly they commenced letting off their pieces, and what with rifles, double shot-guns, double and single barrelled pistols, and revolvers, they made up the formidable number of fifty-three discharges, which had a very warlike effect when fired in quick and regular succession. Carrying these in their hands, and disposed round their persons, intermixed with short swords and long bowie-knives, the whole party mounted guard, bristling like human hedge-hogs, and, placed at equal intervals on each side of the camp, marched about for an hour or two, without seeing or hearing anything more of their enemies. At last their mule became a little restive, putting them on the alert, and shortly afterwards an arrow whizzed past Joe's ear. He instantly presented his carbine in the direction whence it came, and fired. The shot was answered by a perfect shower of arrows, which pierced the clothes of some of the white men, and slightly wounded Douglas in the left arm, but fortunately did no further damage. The discharge was followed by a quick movement in the bushes, rendered audible by the crushing of dried leaves and breaking of branches. This guided the whites in their aim, and a volley was poured into the bush, followed by several random shots from revolvers. Soon after all noise was hushed, and a brief examination of the surrounding bushes was made, but it could not be ascertained that any damage had been done to the Indians, who always make it a point, when possible, to carry off their dead to prevent their being scalped--a dishonour they fear almost as much as death. "Now, one half of us may sleep," said Rance, when the party was again collected round the fire. "Sleep!" exclaimed Frank. "Ay, there's nothing more to fear from the rascals to-night, if we keep a good look-out--and that may be done as effectively by three of us as by six. If we each get a wink of an hour or two, we shall be quite fit to travel or to fight in the morning. So let me advise you to lose no time about it.--Not badly hurt, sir, I hope?" he added, addressing Douglas. "Nothing to speak of," answered the Scot, "only a graze of the skin." "Well, get away to rest. You can take the second watch, and it is not likely they will disturb you before morning. If they do, you won't require to be called, so keep your weapons handy."