After the first surprisesurpriseof the intelligence had a little abated , a rumor was spreadspreadthrough the entrenched camp , which stretched along the margin of the Hudson , forming a chain of outworks to the body of the fort itself , that a chosen detachment of fifteen hundred men was to depart , with the dawn , for William Henry , the post at the northern extremity of the portage .
One day he was at this game , and did not know that the master was in the next field ; but he was there , watchingwatchwhat was going on ; over the hedge he jumpedjumpin a snap , and catchingcatchDick by the arm , he gave him such a boxboxon the ear as made him roarroarwith the painpainand surprisesurprise.
Singlehanded , I could not have pursued better tactics , for the red men , convincedconvinceby sudden surprisesurprisethat not less than a regiment of regulars was upon them , turnedturnand fledfleein every direction for their bows , arrows , and rifles .