Two Indians left the camp and glided silently into the woods.  Then Tandakora stopped his restless pacing, and lay down on the ground.  His face was in the shadow, but he seemed to be asleep.

The four on the hill crept away as cautiously as they had come, and they agreed that they would make a curve around St. Luc’s camp, traveling all night toward the south.  Willet was anxious about the two warriors whom Tandakora had sent out, and he felt that they might possibly encounter them on the way.  He led his little group first toward the lake and then bore south, being quite sure that before noon the next day they would reach a British or American detachment of some kind.  Everything indicated such proximity and they were agreed that they would find their friends on the shores of the lake.  It was not likely that either colonials or regulars would leave the open water and go far into woods which furnished so many perils.

They were refreshed by sleep and plenty of food and they made good time.  They walked in single file, Willet leading with Tayoga last and Grosvenor in front of him.  The young Englishman’s ambition, encouraged by success, was rising higher than ever, and he was resolved that this night trail which he was treading should be a good one, so far as he was concerned.  Robert walked in front of him and he was careful to step exactly where young Lennox did, knowing that if he did so he would break no sticks and make no undue noise.  The test was severe, but he succeeded.  By and by his breath grew short once more.  Nevertheless he was glad when Willet halted, and asked Tayoga if he heard any unusual sound in the forest.  Before replying the Onondaga lay down and put his ear to the ground.

“I do hear a sound which is not that of the trees nor of an animal,” he replied.  “It is made by men walking, and I think they are the two warriors whom Tandakora sent out from the camp.”

“And if you can hear them walking they must be very near.  That is sure.”

“It is true, Great Bear.  These two warriors are sent south to spy upon whatever force of ours St. Luc means to attack, and it may be that they will strike our trail, although they are not looking for it.  There is light enough now to show our traces to good trailers.”

“Aye, Tayoga, you speak truly.  Lie down, lads, we must not show ourselves.  It’s possible that they’ll pass on and not dream of our presence here.”

“It is in the hands of Manitou,” said the Onondaga gravely.  “They are still walking toward the south at an even pace, which shows that they have seen nothing.  I can hear their footfalls, only a whisper against the earth, but unmistakable.  Now, they are just behind us, and their course is the same as ours.  Ah, the footfalls cease!  They have stopped.  They have seen our trail, Great Bear.  Manitou has given his decree against us, and who are we to complain?  He has done so much for us that now he would put us to the test, and see whether we are worthy of his favor.  We shall have to fight the messengers.”