Robert did not know at first what the words meant, and he waited in indecision, but he saw that the care of the guards, owing to the confusion, the fact that the battle was over, and the rejoicing for victory, was relaxed.  It would seem, too, that escape at such a time and place was impossible, and that circumstance increased their inattention.

The youth watched the dancing warrior, who was now moving toward the water, over which the darkness of night had spread.  But the lake was groaning with a wind from the north, and several canoes near the beach were bobbing up and down.  The dancer paused a moment at the very edge of the water, and looked back at Robert.  Then he advanced into the waves themselves.

All the young prisoner’s indecision departed in a flash.  The signal was complete and he understood.  He sprang violently against the French soldier who stood nearest him and knocked him to the ground.  Then with three or four bounds he was at the water’s edge, leaping into the canoe, just as Tayoga settled himself into place there, and, seizing a paddle, pushed away with powerful shoves.

Robert nearly upset the canoe, but the Onondaga quickly made it regain its balance, and then they were out on the lake under the kindly veil of the night.  The fugitive said nothing, he knew it was no time to speak, because Tayoga’s powerful back was bending with his mighty efforts and the bullets were pattering in the water behind them.  It was luck that the canoe was a large one, partaking more of the nature of a boat, as Robert could remain concealed on the bottom without tipping it over, while the Onondaga continued to put all his nervous power and skill into his strokes.  It was equally fortunate, also, that the night had come and that the dusk was thick, as it distracted yet further the hasty aim of the French and Indians on shore.  One bullet from a French rifle grazed Robert’s shoulder, another was deflected from Tayoga’s paddle without striking it from his hand, but in a few minutes they were beyond the range of those who stood on the bank, although lead continued to fall in the water behind them.

“Now you can rise, Dagaeoga,” said the Onondaga, “and use the extra paddle that I took the precaution to stow in the boat.  Do not think because you are an escaped prisoner that you are to rest in idleness and luxury, doing no work while I do it all.”

“God bless you, Tayoga!” exclaimed Robert, in the fullness of his emotion.  “I’ll work a week without stopping if you say so.  I’m so glad to see you that I’ll do anything you say, and ask no questions.  But I want to tell you you’re the most wonderful dancer and jumper in America!”

“I danced and jumped so well, Dagaeoga, because your need made me do so.  Necessity gives a wonderful spring to the muscles.  Behold how long and strong you sweep with the paddle because the bullets of the enemy impel you.”

“Which way are we going, Tayoga?  What is your plan?”