Great Britain and the Colonies had not yet begun to move.  The Provincial legislatures still wrangled, and the government at London was provokingly slow.  There was still no plan of campaign, the great resources of the Anglo-Saxons had not yet been brought together for use against the quick and daring French, and while their slow, patient courage might win in the end, Willet foresaw a long and terrible war with many disasters at the beginning.

He was depressed for the moment.  He knew what an impression the early French successes would make on the Indian tribes, and he knew, too, as he heard the wind rustling through the dry leaves, that there would be no English campaign that year.  One might lead an army in winter on the good roads and through the open fields of Europe, but then only borderers could make way through the vast North American wilderness in the deep snows and bitter cold, where Indian trails alone existed.  The hunter foresaw a long delay before the British and Colonial forces moved, and meanwhile the French and Indians would be more strongly planted in the territory claimed by the rival nations, and, while in law possession was often nine points, it seemed in war to be ten points and all.

As he walked back and forth Black Rifle touched him on the arm.

“I’m going, Dave,” he said.  “They don’t need me here any longer.  Daganoweda and his Mohawks, likely enough, will follow the French and Indians, and have another brush with ’em.  At any rate, it’s sure that St. Luc and Tandakora won’t come back, and these young men can go on without being attacked again and build their fort.  But they’ll be threatened there later on, and I’ll come again with a warning.”

“I know you will,” said Willet.  “Wherever danger appears on the border, Black Rifle, there you are.  I see great and terrible days ahead for us all.”

“And so do I,” said Black Rifle.  “This continent is on fire.”

The two shook hands, and the somber figure of Black Rifle disappeared in the forest.  Willet looked after him thoughtfully, and then resumed his pacing to and fro.

They made an early start at dawn of a bright hot day, crossed the ford, and resumed their long march through the forest which under the light wind now rustled continually with the increasing dryness.

But the company was joyous.  The wounded were put upon the pack horses, and the others, young, strong and refreshed by abundant rest, went forward with springing steps.  Robert and Tayoga walked with the three Philadelphians.  Colden already knew the quality of the Onondaga, and respected and admired him, and Wilton and Carson, surprised at first at his excellent English education, soon saw that he was no ordinary youth.  The five, each a type of his own, were fast friends before the day’s march was over.  Wilton, the Quaker, was the greatest talker of them all, which he declared was due to suppression in childhood.