Black Rifle now left them, going on one of his solitary expeditions into the wilderness and the others traveled diligently all the day, but owing to the condition of the earth did not make their usual progress.  Most of the snow had melted and everything was dripping with water.  It fell from every bough and twig, and in every ravine and gully a rivulet was running, while ponds stood in every depression.  Many swollen brooks and creeks had to be forded, and when night came they were wet and soaked to the waist.

But Tayoga then achieved a great triumph.  In the face of difficulties that seemed insuperable, he coaxed a fire in the lee of a hill, and the three fed it, until it threw out a great circle of heat in which they warmed and dried themselves.  When they had eaten and rested a long time they put out the fire, waited for the coals and ashes to cool, and then spread over them their blankets, thus securing a dry base upon which to sleep.  They were so thoroughly exhausted, and they were so sure that the forest contained no hostile presence that all three went to sleep at the same time and remained buried in slumber throughout the night.

Tayoga was the first to awake, and he saw the dawn of a new winter day, the earth reeking with cold damp and the thawing snow.  He unrolled himself from his blankets and arose a little stiffly, but with a few movements of the limbs all his flexibility returned.  The air was chill and the scene in the black forest of winter was desolate, but Tayoga was happy.  Tododaho on his great shining star had watched over him and showered him with favors, and he had no doubt that he would remain under the protection of the mighty chief who had gone away so long ago.

Tayoga looked down at his comrades, who still slept soundly, and smiled.  The three were bound together by powerful ties, and the events of recent months had made them stronger than ever.  In the school at Albany he had absorbed much of the white man’s education, and, while his Indian nature remained unchanged, he understood also the white point of view.  He could meet both Robert and Willet on common ground, and theirs was a friendship that could not be severed.

Now he made a circle about their camp, and, being assured that no enemy was near, came back to the point where Robert and Willet yet slept.  Then he took his flint and steel, and, withdrawing a little, kindled a fire, doing so as quietly as he could, in order that the two awaking might have a pleasant surprise.  When the little flames were licking the wood, and the sparks began to fly upwards, he shook Robert by the shoulder.

“Arise, sluggard,” he said.  “Did not our teacher in Albany tell us it was proof of a lazy nature to sleep while the sun was rising?  The fire even has grown impatient and has lighted itself while you abode with Tarenyawagon (the sender of dreams).  Get up and cook our breakfast, Oh, Heavy Head!”

Robert sat up and so did Willet.  Then Robert drew his blankets about his body and lay down again.