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After a few minutes of listening , so intense as to be painful , they likewise , however , distinctly heard the regular , rhythmic dip of paddles coming down the river . `` There are six war canoes full of them , '' announced , Sikaso , with almost a groan , after he had given close attention to the sounds . `` Alas , my white brothers , there is little use of our giving battle . '' `` Well , I for one am not going to give up without dropping a few of the cowardly wretches , '' cried Billy . `` Nor I , '' echoed Lathrop , enthused by Billy 's brave example . The old warrior 's eyes kindled as he gazed at the two brave young Americans , each clutching his rifle and waiting for the moment to arrive when they could use them . `` If we only had had time to throw up a stockade , my brothers , we might have driven them off yet , '' he cried .