more irregular.

"Some stragglers kept behind for something, seeking to catch up the
main body," spoke Rogers in a whisper. "Be ready, men; mark each
his foe, and then out upon them, and take prisoners if you can."

The taking of prisoners was most important. It was from them that
each side learned what was being done by the various commanders. A
prisoner was valuable booty to return with to the fort. Rogers
seldom went forth upon any important expedition without returning
with one or more.

The men swung by carelessly, laughing and talking. They had such
faith in their Indian scouts that they never thought of an ambushed
foe.

The ping of the rifles in their rear caused a strange panic amongst
them. They faced round to see the redoubtable Rogers spring out at
the head of a compact body of men.

But the strangest thing in that strange attack was a wild,
unearthly yell which suddenly broke from one of the Rangers.

It was like nothing human; it was like the fierce roar of some
terrible wild beast. Even Rogers himself was startled for the
moment, and looked back to see from whence it had come.

At that moment Charles Angell dashed forward in a frantic manner.
He had flung his gun from him; his eyeballs were fixed and staring;
there was foam upon his lips; his hair was streaming in the wind.