Robert fulfilled a great mission.  He was not the orator, the golden mouthed, for nothing.  If the winter came down a little too fiercely, his vivid eyes and gay voice were sufficient to lift the depression.  Even the somber face of Black Rifle would light up when he came near.  Nor was the young Quaker, Wilton, far behind him.  He was a spontaneously happy youth, always bubbling with good nature, and he formed an able second for Lennox.

“Will,” said Robert, “I believe it actually gives you joy to be here in this log fortress in the snow and wilderness.  You do not miss the great capital, Philadelphia, to which you have been used all your life.”

“No, I don’t, Robert.  I like Fort Refuge, because I’m free from restraints.  It’s the first time my true nature has had a chance to come out, and I’m making the most of the opportunity.  Oh, I’m developing!  In the spring you’ll see me the gayest and most reckless blade that ever came into the forest.”

The deep snow lasted a long time.  More snowshoes were made, but only six or eight of the soldiers learned to use them well.  There were sufficient, however, as Willet, Robert, Tayoga and Black Rifle were already adepts, and they ranged the forest far in all directions.  They saw no further sign of French or Indians, but they steadily increased their supply of game.

Christmas came, January passed and then the big snow began to melt.  New stirrings entered Robert’s mind.  He felt that their work at Fort Refuge was done.  They had gathered into it all the outlying settlers who could be reached, and Colden, Wilton and Carson were now entirely competent to guard it and hold it.  Robert felt that he and Willet should return to Albany, and get into the main current of the great war.  Tayoga, of course, would go with them.

He talked it over with Willet and Tayoga, and they agreed with him at once.  Black Rifle also decided to depart about the same time, and Colden, although grieved to see them go, could say nothing against it.  When the four left they received an ovation that would have warmed the heart of any man.  As they stood at the edge of the forest with their packs on their backs, Captain Colden gave a sharp command.  Sixty rifles turned their muzzles upward, and sixty fingers pulled sixty triggers.  Sixty weapons roared as one, and the four with dew in their eyes, lifted their caps to the splendid salute.  Then a long, shrill cheer followed.  Every child in the fort had been lifted above the palisade, and they sent the best wishes of their hearts with those who were going.

“That cheer of the little ones was mostly for you, Robert,” said Willet, when the forest hid them.

“It was for all of us equally,” said Robert modestly.

“No, I’m right and it must help us to have the good wishes of little children go with us.  If they and Tododaho watch over us we can’t come to much harm.”

“It is a good omen,” said Tayoga soberly.  “When I lie down to sleep tonight I shall hear their voices in my ear.”