7
“We’re to return?” Kennedy stared at Parnell, with sweat trickling into his eyes. “Why?”
“We’re abandoning the invasion, sir. The general doesn’t think the route is practical for artillery.”
MacKim nodded. “He’s right there. We won’t get heavy guns across these gulleys.”
“I don’t like retreating from the French,” Dickert said. “It encourages them.”
The enemy agreed, for as soon as the British began to withdraw, they pressed hard on the Rangers with sniping and an occasional minor attack.
“They’re not the best of shots,” MacRae said as a ragged volley of French musketry passed over their heads.
“They’re militia,” Kennedy said. “They’re not trained soldiers. Only shoot when you have a clear target.”
MacKim kept his men under control, preventing Oxford and Danskin from revealing the
