Robert blushed again at praise and modestly protested.

“Lennox has found that for which he is best fitted,” said Tayoga, slyly.

“If I’m to talk without end I’ll do my best,” said Robert, laughing, “and I suggest that we resume our journey now.  There doesn’t appear to be any further danger from the Indians who besieged us.”

“You’re right about it, Robert,” said the hunter.  “The coming of the Mohawks has put a barrier between us and them.  I’ve an idea that Dayohogo and his warriors won’t go far toward Ticonderoga, but will soon turn south to meet those savages and acquire a few scalps if they can, and if they do meet ’em I hope they’ll remove that Ojibway, Tandakora, who I think is likely to make us a lot of trouble.”

Willet never spoke of the Iroquois as “savages,” but he often applied the term to the Canadian and Western Indians.  Like Robert, he regarded those who had built up the great political and military power of the Hodenosaunee as advanced, and, in a sense, civilized nations.

“I think my friend, the Great Bear, is right,” said Tayoga.  “Unless Tandakora and his band have gone toward the west it is likely that Dayohogo will meet them, and they cannot stand before the Mohawks.”

“I think it more probable,” said Robert, “that after the failure to destroy us Tandakora went back to St. Luc, giving a false explanation of his absence or none at all, just as he pleased.”

“It may be so,” said Tayoga, “but I have another opinion.”

While they talked they were taking the canoe from its shelter, and then they bore it down to the river again, putting it back into the stream and listening with pleasure to the gurgle of the water by its sides.

“Paddling isn’t the easiest work in the world,” said Willet with satisfaction, “but when you’re used to it your muscles can stand it a long time, and it’s far ahead of walking.  Now, ho for Canada!”

“Ho for Canada!” said Robert, and the three paddles flashed again in the clear water.  The canoe once more became a live thing and shot down the stream.  They were still in the wilderness, racing between solid banks of green forest, and they frequently saw deer and bear drinking at the edge of the river, while the foliage was vivid with color, and musical with the voices of singing birds.

Robert had a great elation and he had reason to be satisfied with himself.  They had triumphed over the dangers of the gorge and savage siege, and he had sowed fruitful seed in the mind of Dayohogo, the powerful Mohawk chief.  He had also come to a realization of himself, knowing for the first time that he had a great gift which might carry him far, and which might be of vast service to his people.

Therefore, the world was magnificent and beautiful.  The air of forest and mountain was keen with life.  His lungs expanded, all his faculties increased in power, and his figure seemed to grow.  Swelling confidence bore him on.  He was anxious to reach Quebec and fulfill his mission.  Then he would go back to the vale of Onondaga and match himself against the clever St. Luc or any other spokesman whom the Marquis Duquesne might choose to send.