“A miracle mostly of Tayoga’s working,” said the hunter.

“I thought the end of everything for me had come,” said Grosvenor, “and I was only praying that it might not be harder for me than I could stand, when the alarm was heard in the forest, and nearly all the Indians ran off in pursuit of something or other.  Only two were left with me.  There was a shot from the woods, one of them fell, this wonderful friend of yours appeared from the forest, wounded the other, who took to his heels, then we started running in the other direction, and here we are.  It’s a marvel and I don’t yet see how it was done.”

“Tayoga’s marvelous knowledge of the woods, his skill and his quickness made the greater part of the miracle,” said the hunter, “and you see too, Lieutenant Grosvenor, that he even had the forethought to bring away with him the rifle and ammunition of the fallen warrior, that you might have arms now that you are strong enough to bear them again.”

Tayoga without a word handed him the rifle and ammunition, and Grosvenor felt strength flowing back into his body when he took them.

“Could you eat a bite?” asked Willet.

“I think I could now,” replied the Englishman, “although I’ll confess I’ve had no appetite up to the present.  My situation didn’t permit hunger.”

Willet handed him a piece of venison and he ate.  Meanwhile Tayoga, who seemed to feel no weariness, and the others were watching.  In a short time the hunter announced that it was time to go.

“We can’t afford to delay here any longer and have ’em overtake us!” he said.  “We’re out of the ring now, and it’s our affair to keep out.  Lieutenant Grosvenor, you can tell us as we go along how you happened to be the prisoner of Tandakora.”

“It needs only a few words,” said the Englishman as they took their way southward through the woods.  “I was at Albany with a body of troops, a vanguard for the force that we mean to march against the French at Ticonderoga.  I was sent northward with ten men to scour the country, and in the woods we were set upon suddenly by savage warriors.  My troopers were either killed or scattered, and I was taken.  That was yesterday morning.  Since then I have been hurried through the forest, I know not where, and I have had a most appalling experience.  As I have said before, I’d long since given up hope for a miracle like the one that has saved me.  What a horrible creature that giant Indian was!”

“Tandakora is all that you think him and more.  He’s been hunting us too, and when he comes back to his camp he’ll be after us all four again.  So, that’s why we hurry.”

“You’re in no bigger hurry than I am,” said Grosvenor with attempt at a smile.  “If I could find the seven-league boots I’d put them on.”

Tayoga once more led the way, and he examined the forest on all sides with eyes that saw everything.

Robert and Willet were greatly refreshed by their rest at the creek, and the promise of life that had been made again so wonderfully put new strength in Grosvenor’s frame.  So they were able to travel at a good pace, though the three listened continually for any sound that might indicate pursuit.