When they reached the line of rocks, an apparently insurmountable obstacle presented itself; this was to make the horses, which they would not part from, cross the line of surf separating them from the rocks. The Canadian dismounted and carefully examined the passage. Then he returned, and taking his horse by the bridle, led it with extreme care across this difficult passage. The animal laid back its ears, resisted, and snorted wildly; but its master, while speaking to it and patting it, managed to lead it to the centre of a small esplanade, where it was protected on all sides against the Indian bullets and arrows. The Spaniards imitated the hunter's movements; so soon as the first horse had passed, the others, after some hesitation, followed it, and soon found themselves by the side of the Canadian's. "Good," said the adventurer, rubbing his hands; "let the redskins come now and we will give them the reception they deserve." Still he did not consider himself sufficiently safe yet behind these natural defences, and, helped by his comrades, he actively began raising a barricade with trees and lumps of rock, so as to form a sort of parapeted wall behind which it was possible to fire without showing themselves. "Now," he said to the Spaniards, as he calculated the height of the sun, "it is five o'clock. The Indians, who although invisible, have not lost one of our movements, will not attack us before nightfall; that is to say, we have two hours before us to rest and eat our supper. Do not be afraid about lighting a fire; our enemies are perfectly acquainted with our position. Hence, we have no need to hide ourselves. Still, two of you will carefully watch the bank, while two others collect dry wood and cut grass for the horses." The order was immediately executed. The Canadian then sat down, quietly lit his pipe, and made the count a sign to follow his example. "Now, señor," he said to him, "you see that every precaution has been made for a vigorous defence." "Yes," the count kindly replied, "and with a skill and promptness which I cannot sufficiently admire." "Nonsense, it is only habit. I suppose your soldiers are brave?" "As lions." "Very good. Are they good shots?" "They are far from equalling you, still they possess considerable skill." "In a word they will do their best, and we can expect no more from a man. But I have another and more serious question to ask you. Have you ammunition?" "Hang it. That is the thing which annoys me. My men have only sixty rounds apiece." "Come, come, we are richer than I believed; I have about one hundred charges." "And I the same," the count interrupted. "In that case, if we have provisions enough to hold out for two days, we are saved." "As for food, the two mules are loaded with it." "Bravo, señor," the Canadian shouted joyously; "we have nothing more to fear now, so banish all anxiety."