“Is Dagaeoga hurt?” asked Tayoga.

“Untouched,” replied Robert.

“I saw that you and the Frenchman, De Courcelles, were engaged in a battle of your own.  I might have helped you, but if I know you, you did not wish my aid.”

“No, Tayoga.  It was man to man.  I confess that while our duel was on I was filled with rage against him, and tried my best to kill, but now I’m glad I gave him only a wound.”

“Your hate flows away as De Courcelles’ blood flows out.”

“If you want to put it that way.  But do you hear anything of the enemy, Tayoga?  Fog seems to be a conductor of sound now and then.”

“Nothing except the light noises of withdrawal.  The retreating footsteps become fainter and fainter, and I think we shall have peace for to-day.  They might fire bullets at random against the camp, but St. Luc will not let them waste lead in such a manner.  No, Dagaeoga, we will lie quiet now and dress our wounds.”

He was right, as the firing was not renewed, though the pickets, stationed at short intervals, kept as sharp a watch as they could in the fog, while the others lay by the fires which were now built higher than usual.  Colden was hopeful that St. Luc would draw off, but Tayoga and Black Rifle, who went out again into the fog, reported no sign of it.  Beyond a doubt, he was prepared to maintain a long siege.

“We must get help,” said Willet.  “We’re supposed to control Lake George and we know that forces of ours are at the south end, where they’ve advanced since the taking of Fort William Henry.  We’ll have to send messengers.”

“Who are they to be?” asked Colden.

“Robert and Tayoga are most fit.  You have plenty of boats.  They can take a light one and leave at once, while the fog holds.”

Colden agreed.  Young Lennox and the Onondaga were more than willing, and, in a half hour, everything was ready for the start.  A strong canoe with paddles for two was chosen and they put in it their rifles, plenty of ammunition and some food.

“A year from now, if the war is still going on, I’ll be going with you on such errands,” said Grosvenor confidently.

“Red Coat speaks the truth.  He learns fast,” said Tayoga.

“I won’t tell you lads to be careful, because you don’t need any advice,” said Willet.

Many were at the water’s edge, when they pushed off, and Robert knew that they were followed by the best of wishes, not only for their success but for themselves also.  A few strokes of the paddles and the whole camp, save a luminous glow through the fog, was gone.  A few more strokes and the luminous glow too departed.  The two were alone once more in the wilderness, and they had little but instinct to guide them in their perilous journey upon the waters.  But they were not afraid.  Robert, instead, felt a curious exaltation of the spirit.  He was supremely confident that he and Tayoga would carry out their mission, in spite of everything.