Then the three, not waiting to reload, snatched out their pistols and held themselves ready for a further attack, if it should come.  But it did not come.  Even the rage of Tandakora had had enough.  His second repulse had been bloodier than the first, and it had been proved with the lives of his warriors that they could not storm that terrible steep, in the face of three such redoubtable marksmen.

Robert heard a number of pebbles rolling now, but they were made by men descending, and the three, certain of abundant leisure, reloaded their rifles.  Their eyes told them nothing, but they were as sure as if they had seen them that the warriors had disappeared in the sea of darkness with which the gulf was filled.  The lad breathed a long sigh of relief.

“You’re justified in your satisfaction,” said Willet.  “I think it’s the last direct attack they’ll make upon us.  Now they’ll try the slow methods of siege and our exhaustion by thirst, and how it would make their venom rise if they knew anything about that glorious fountain of ours!  Since it’s to be a test of patience, we’d better make things easy for ourselves.  I’ll sit here and watch the slope, and, as the night is turning cold, you and Tayoga, Robert, can build a fire.”

There was a dip in the center of the crest, and in this they heaped the fallen wood, which here as elsewhere in the wilderness was abundant.  Wood and water, two great requisites of primitive man, they had in plenty, and had it not been for their eagerness to go forward with their work they would have been content to stay indefinitely on the peak.

The fire was soon blazing cheerfully.  Warriors on the opposing peaks or crest might see it, but they did not care.  No bullets from rival heights could reach them and the light would appear to their enemies as a beacon of defiance, a sort of challenge that was very pleasing to Robert’s soul.  He basked in the glow and heat of the coals, ate bear meat and wild pigeon for a late supper, and discoursed on the strength of their natural fortress.

“The peak was reared here by Areskoui for our especial benefit,” he said.  “It is in every sense a tower of strength, water even being placed in its side that we might not die of thirst.”

“And yet we cannot stay here always,” said the Onondaga.  “Tomorrow we must think of a way of escape.”

“Let tomorrow take care of itself.  Tayoga, you’re too serious!  You’re missing the pleasure of the night.”

“Dagaeoga loves to talk and he talks well.  His voice is pleasant in my ear like to the murmur of a silver brook.  Perhaps he is right.  Lo! the clouds have gone, and I can see Tododaho on his star.  Areskoui watches over us by day and Tododaho by night.  We are once more the favorites of the Sun God and of the great Onondaga who went away to his everlasting star more than four centuries ago.  Again I say Dagaeoga is right; I will enjoy the night, and let the morrow care for itself.”