“We did not escape other traps to remain here in this,” replied the Onondaga.  “We must take the chance and go.”

“In half an hour, perhaps.  When the clouds floating up there get well before the moon.”

Robert heard them distinctly and he glanced at the moon which was steadily growing paler, while the shadows were deepening over the forest.  Yet it was obvious that it would not become very dark, and the half hour of which Willet had spoken would probably measure the limit of the increase.

“Can you hear them moving in the bush, Tayoga?” asked Willet.

The Onondaga put his ear to the ground.

“Only a light sound toward the north reaches me,” he replied.  “Warriors there seem to be moving about.  It may be that they have received more help.  I think, Great Bear, that the time for us to go, if we go at all, is coming fast.”

Willet decided in a few minutes that it would not be any darker than it was then; and, choosing a southern direction, he crept from the rocks, the others following him in line, Tayoga as usual bringing up the rear.  They made a hundred yards in silence, and, then, at a low signal from the hunter, they sank down, almost flat, every one listening for a sound from the besiegers.  Only Tayoga was able to hear faint noises to right and left.

“They do not know yet that we have left the rocks,” he whispered, “and they are still watching that point.  Manitou may carry us in safety between them.”

They were about to resume their painful creeping, when a half dozen rifles on their right flashed, and they dropped down again.  But the bullets did not come their way, instead they rang among the rocks which they had just left.  Tayoga laughed softly.

“They think we are still there,” he whispered, “and they send much lead against the inoffensive stone.  The more the better for us.”

“I’m devoutly glad the rocks catch what is intended for us,” said Grosvenor, feeling intense relief.  “How long do you think it will be, Tayoga, before I can stand up and walk like a man again?”

“No one can answer that question,” replied the Onondaga.  “But remember, Red Coat, that you are getting splendid practice in the art of going silently along a trail on a dark night.  It is what every forest runner must learn.”

Grosvenor in the dusk could not see the twinkle in Tayoga’s eye, but, drawing upon fresh founts of courage and resolution, he settled himself anew to his task.  His elbows and knees ached and it was difficult to carry his rifle as he crawled along, but his ambition was as high as ever, and he would not complain.  The lone hoot of an owl came from the point on the right, where one of the Indian groups lay, and it was promptly answered by a like sound from the left where another group was hidden.

“I think they’re beginning to suspect that we may have slipped away,” said Willet, “and they’re talking to one another about it.  Now they’ll stalk the rocks to see, but that will take time, which we can use handily.  Come on, lads, we’ll go as fast as possible.”