“The warrior at whom he fired was bound to have been in the thicket beyond the open space,” he said, “and it was there that he fell.  He fell because at such a critical time the Great Bear would not have fired unless he was sure of his aim.  We will look into the thicket”

They found several spots of blood among the bushes and at another point about twenty feet away they saw more.

“Here is where the warrior fell before Black Rifle’s bullet,” said Tayoga.  “He and the Great Bear must have fired almost at the same time.  Undoubtedly the warriors retreated at once, carrying their dead with them.  Let us see if they did not unite, and leave the thicket at the farthest point from our two friends.”

The trail was very clear at the place the Onondaga had indicated, and also many more red spots were there leading away toward the east.

“We will not follow them.” said Tayoga, “because they do not interest us any more.  They have retreated and they do not longer enter into your campaign and mine, Dagaeoga.  We will go back and see where the left wing of our army, that was the Great Bear, reunited with the right wing, that was Black Rifle.”

They found the point of junction not far away, and then the deliberate trail led once more toward Champlain, the two pursuing it several hours in silence and both noticing that it was rapidly growing fresher.  At length Tayoga stopped on the crest of a ridge and said: 

“We no longer need to seek their trail, Dagaeoga, because I will now talk with the Great Bear and Black Rifle.”

“Very good, Tayoga.  I am anxious to hear what you will say and how you will say it.”

A bird sang at Robert’s side.  It was Tayoga trilling forth a melody, wonderfully clear and penetrating, a melody that carried far up the still valley beyond.

“You will remember, Dagaeoga,” he said, “that we have often used this call with the Great Bear.  The reply will soon come.”

The two listened and Robert’s heart beat hard.  He owed much to Willet.  Their relationship was almost that of son and father, and the two were about to meet after a long parting.  He never doubted for a moment that the Onondaga had always read the trail aright, and that Willet was with Black Rifle in the valley below them.

Full and clear rose the song of a bird out of the dense bushes that filled the valley.  When it was finished Tayoga sang again, and the reply came as before.  The two went rapidly down the slope and the stalwart figures of the hunter and Black Rifle rose to meet them.  The four did not say much, but in every case the grasp of the hand was strong and long.

“I went west in search of you, Robert,” said the hunter, “but I was compelled to come back, because of the great events that are forward here.  I felt, however, that Tayoga was there looking for you and would do all any number of human beings could do.”

“He found me and rescued me,” said Robert, “and what of yourself, Dave?”