Tayoga went ahead in the forest, but came back soon and reported a low ridge not more than half a mile farther on, a likely place for an attack, which he judged would come there.  It would be made by the united force of the French and Indians and would be severe.

“So be it,” said Elihu Strong, whose iron calm nothing disturbed.  “We are ready for the foe, though St. Luc himself should come.  It is true that instead of two cannon we might have had four or even six, or twice as many men, if the Governor and Legislature of Massachusetts had done their full duty, but we’ll let that pass.  Will you, Lennox, and you, Tayoga, advance with the scouts and be my eyes?”

Robert appreciated the compliment to the full, and promptly replied in the affirmative for them both.  Then he and Tayoga at once plunged into the forest with the borderers who were there to provide against ambush, all of them approaching the menacing ridge with great care.  It was a long projection, rising about a hundred feet, and grown densely with trees and bushes.  It looked very quiet and peaceful and birds even were singing there among the boughs.  The leader of the scouts, a bronzed man of middle age named Adams, turned to Tayoga.

“I see nothing there,” he said, “but I’ve heard of you and your power to find things where others can’t.  Do you think they’re on that ridge waiting for us?”

“It is certain,” replied the Onondaga.  “It is the place best fitted for them, and they will not neglect it.  Let me go forward a little, with my friend, Dagaeoga, and we will unveil them.”

“We’ll wait here, and if they’re on it I believe you’ll soon know it,” said Adams confidently.

Tayoga slid forward among the bushes and Robert followed.  Neither made the slightest noise, and they drew much nearer to the ridge, which still basked in the sun, peaceful and innocent in looks.  Not a warrior or a Frenchman appeared there, the bushes gave back no glint of weapons, nothing was disclosed.

“They may be hidden in that jungle, but they won’t stir until we’re under the muzzles of their rifles.  What do you propose to do?” asked Robert.

“I will tempt them, Dagaeoga.”

“Tempt them?  I don’t understand you.”

“Tododaho on his great star which we cannot see in the day, but which, nevertheless, is there, whispers to me that Tandakora himself is among the bushes on the ridge.  It is just such an ambush as he loves.  As you know, Dagaeoga, he hates us all, but he hates me most.  If he sees a good opportunity for a shot at me he will not be able to forego it.”

“For Heaven’s sake, Tayoga, don’t make a martyr of yourself merely to draw the enemy’s fire!”

“No such thought was in my mind.  I am not yet ready to leave the world, which I find bright and full of interest.  Moreover, I wish to see the end of this war and what will happen afterward.  Risks are a part of our life, Dagaeoga, but I will take none that is undue.”