He withdrew with his warriors, knowing that the promise would be kept.

“Why was I not allowed to go with them?” mourned young Brant.

Colonel Johnson laughed and patted his shiny black head.

“Never mind, young fire-eater,” he said.  “We’ll all of us soon have our fill of war—­and more.”

Robert was present at the distribution of rifles and blankets the next morning, and he knew that Colonel Johnson had bound the Mohawks to him and the English and American cause with another tie.  Daganoweda and his warriors, gratified beyond expression, took the war path again.

“They’ll remain a barrier between us and the French and their allies,” said Colonel Johnson, “and faith we’ll need ’em.  The other nations of the Hodenosaunee wish to keep out of the war, but the Mohawks will be with us to the last.  Their great chief, King Hendrick, is our devoted friend, and so is his brother, Abraham.  This, too, in spite of the bad treatment of the Ganeagaono by the Dutch at Albany.  O, I have nothing to say against the Dutch, a brave and tenacious people, but they have their faults, like other races, and sometimes they let avarice overcome them!  I wish they could understand the nations of the Hodenosaunee better.  Do what you can at Albany, Mr. Lennox, with that facile tongue of yours, to persuade the Dutch—­and the others too—­that the danger from the French and Indians is great, and that we must keep the friendship of the Six Nations.”

“I will do my best, sir,” promised Robert modestly.  “I at least ought to know the power and loyalty of the Hodenosaunee, since I have been adopted into the great League and Tayoga, an Onondaga, is my brother, in all but blood.”

“And I stand in the same position,” said Willet firmly.  “We understand, sir, your great attachment for the Six Nations, and the vast service you have done for the English among them.  If we can supplement it even in some small degree we shall spare no effort to do so.”

“I know it, Mr. Willet, and yet my heart is heavy to see the land I love devastated by fire and sword.”

Colonel Johnson loaned them horses, and an escort of two of his own soldiers who would bring back the horses, and they started for Albany amid many hospitable farewells.

“You and I shall meet again,” said young Brant to Robert.

“I hope so,” said Robert.

“It will be as allies and comrades on the battle field.”

“But you are too young, Joseph, yet to take part in war.”

“I shall not be next year, and the war will not be over then, so my brother, Colonel William Johnson says, and he knows.”

Robert looked at the sturdy young figure and the eager eyes, and he knew that the Indian lad would not be denied.

Then the little party rode into the woods, and proceeded without event to Albany.

CHAPTER IX