“Ganeagaono?” exclaimed Grosvenor.

“Mohawks,” explained Robert.  “The Keepers of the Eastern Gate.  The leading warriors of the Six Nations and friends of ours.  We are, in truth, in luck.”

Ten dusky figures came forward to meet them, and with great joy Robert recognized in the leader the fierce young Mohawk chief, Daganoweda, who once before had come to their help in a crisis.  But it was Tayoga who welcomed him first.

“Daganoweda, of the clan of the Turtle, of the nation, Ganeagaono, of the great League of the Hodenosaunee, the sight of you is very pleasant to our eyes,” he said.

“Tayoga, of the clan of the Bear, of the Nation, Onondaga, of the great League of the Hodenosaunee, you are my brother and we are well met,” the chief rejoined.

They saluted each other and then Daganoweda greeted the others, all of whom were known to him of old save Grosvenor, but who was presented duly in the ceremonious style loved by the Iroquois.

“We are pursued by men of Tandakora,” said Willet.  “They are not far away now.  We do not wish to fight them because we would hasten below with a warning.”

The black eyes of the fierce Mohawk flashed.

“Will the Great Bear give us his battle?” he said.

He asked for it as if for a favor.

“We usually fight our own quarrels through,” replied Willet, “but as
I said, duty calls us from here in haste.  Then, since you wish it,
Daganoweda, we pass the fight to you.  But have you enough men?”

“Ten Mohawks are enough to meet any wandering band of our enemies that may be in the woods,” replied the young chief, proudly.  “Let Great Bear and his friends go in peace.  This fight is ours.”

Despite the dusk, Robert saw Daganoweda’s eyes glisten.  He thoroughly understood the fierce soul of the young Mohawk chief, who would not let such a brilliant opportunity for battle pass him.

“Then farewell, Daganoweda,” said Willet.  “You have been a friend at the right moment.”

He led again in the flight toward the south and the five saw the chief and his warriors passing the other way sink into the dusk.  Soon they heard shots behind them and they knew that the Mohawks were engaged in battle with the Hurons and their friends.  They sped on for a long time, and when they stopped they were close to the shores of the lake, the water showing dimly through the trees.

“I think we may rest easy for a while now,” said Willet.  “I’m certain not one of those warriors was able to get by the Mohawks, and it’s not likely that an enemy is within several miles of us.  Can you hear anything, Tayoga?”

“Nothing,” replied the Onondaga.  “Tododaho, on his star, tells me that we have this part of the forest to ourselves.”

“That being so, we’ll stay here a long time.  Lads, you might unroll your blankets and make the best of things.”

Grosvenor’s blanket had not been taken from him when he was a prisoner, and it was still strapped on his back.  He and Robert found the rest most welcome and they were not slow in wrapping the blankets around their bodies and making themselves comfortable.  Without willing it, they fell asleep, but were awakened shortly after dawn.