“I’m not anxious to show myself a mighty warrior just now,” retorted young Lennox.  “I’d be willing to sacrifice my pride in that respect if I could have carried off some of their bear steaks and venison.”

“Come on,” said Willet, “and I’ll see that you’re satisfied.  I’m beginning to feel as you do, Robert.”

Nevertheless he marshaled them forward pretty sternly and they pursued a westward course for many miles before he allowed a halt.  Even then they hunted about among the rocks until they found a secluded place, no fire being permitted, at which it pleased Robert to grumble, although he did not mean it.

“We were better off last night when we had our little fire in the hollow,” he said.

“So we were, as far as the body is concerned,” rejoined Willet, “but we didn’t know then where the Indian camp lay.  We’ve at least increased our knowledge.  Now, I’m thinking that you two lads, who have been awake nearly all night and also the half of the morning that has passed, ought to sleep.  Time we have to spare, but you know we should practice all the economy we can with our strength.  This place is pretty well hidden, and I’ll do the watching.  Spread your blankets on the leaves, Robert.  It’s not well even for foresters to sleep on the bare ground.  Now draw the other half of it over you.  Tayoga has done so already.  I’m wondering which of you will get to sleep first.  Whoever does will be the better man, a question I’ve long wanted to decide.”

But the problem was still left for the future.  They fell asleep so nearly at the same time that Willet could tell no difference.  He noticed with pleasure their long, regular breathing, and he said to himself, as he had said so often before, that they were two good and brave lads.

Then he made a very comfortable cushion of fallen leaves to sit upon, and remained there a long time, his rifle across his knees.

His eyes were wide open, but no part of his body stirred.  He had acquired the gift of infinite patience, and with it the difficult physical art of remaining absolutely motionless for a long time.  So thorough was his mastery over himself that the small wild game began to believe by and by that he was not alive.  Birds sang freely over his head and the hare hopped through the undergrowth.  Yet the hunter saw everything and his very stillness enabled him to listen with all the more acuteness.

The sun which had arisen great and brilliant, remained so, flooding the world with golden lights and making it wonderfully alluring to Willet, whose eyes never grew weary of the forest’s varying shades and aspects.  They were all peaceful now, but he had no illusions.  He knew that the hostile force would send out many hunters.  So many men must have much game and presently they would be prowling through the woods, seeking deer and bear.  The chief danger came from them.