Robert was confirmed in his belief that there was much of the wild man in the Owl, who in many respects had become more Indian than the Indians.  He was a splendid trailer, a great hunter, and the hardships of the forest were nothing to him.  He read every sign of the wilderness and yet he retained all that was French also, lightness of manner, gayety, quick wit and a politeness that never failed.  It is likely that the courage and tenacity of the French leaders were never shown to better advantage than in the long fight they made for dominion in North America.  Despite the fact that he was an enemy, and his belief that Langlade could be ruthless, on occasion, Robert was compelled to like him.

The journey, the destination yet unknown to him, was long, but it was not tedious to the young prisoner.  He watched the summer progress and the colors deepen and he was cheered continually by the hope of escape, a fact that Langlade recognized and upon which he commented in a detached manner, from time to time.  Now and then the leader himself went ahead with a scout or two and one morning he said to Robert: 

“I saw something in the forest last night.”

“The forest contains much,” said Robert.

“But this was of especial interest to you.  It was the trace of a footstep, and I am convinced it was made by your friend Tayoga, the Onondaga.  Doubtless he is seeking to effect your escape.”

Robert’s heart gave a leap, and there was a new light in his eyes, of which the shrewd Owl took notice.

“I have heard of the surpassing skill of the Onondaga,” he continued, “but I, Charles Langlade, have skill of my own.  It will be some time before we arrive at the place to which we are going, and I lay you a wager that Tayoga does not rescue you.”

“I have no money, Monsieur Langlade,” said Robert, “and if I had I could not accept a wager upon such a subject.”

“Then we’ll let it be mental, wholly.  My skill is matched against the combined knowledge of Tayoga and yourself.  He’ll never be able, no matter how dark the night, to get near our camp and communicate with you.”

Although Robert hoped and listened often in the dusk for the sound of a signal from Tayoga, Langlade made good his boast.  The two were able to establish no communication.  It was soon proved that he was in the forest near them, one of the warriors even catching a sufficient glimpse of his form for a shot, which, however, went wild.  The Onondaga did not reply, and, despite the impossibility of reaching him, Robert was cheered by the knowledge that he was near.  He had a faithful and powerful friend who would help him some day, be it soon or late.

The summer was well advanced when Langlade announced that their journey was done.

“Before night,” he said triumphantly, “we will be in the camp of the Marquis de Montcalm, and we will meet the great soldier himself.  I, Charles Langlade, told you that it would be so, and it is so.”