Robert heard behind him the deep hum and murmur that an advancing army makes, the sound of men talking that no commands could suppress, the heavy tread of the regiments and the clank of metal.  That wild region had seen many a battle, but never before had it been invaded by armies so great as those of Dieskau and Johnson, which were about to meet in deadly combat.

His apprehensions grew.  The absence of sounds save those made by themselves, the lack of hostile presence, not even a single warrior or Frenchman being visible, filled him with foreboding.  It was just this way, when he marched with Braddock, only the empty forest, and no sign of deadly danger.

“Tayoga!  Tayoga!” he whispered anxiously.  “I don’t like it.”

“Nor do I, Dagaeoga.”

“Think you we are likely to march into an ambush again?”

“Tododaho on his star is silent.  He whispers nothing to me, yet I believe the trap is set, just ahead, and we march straight into it.”

“And it’s to be another Duquesne?”

“I did not say so, Dagaeoga.  The trap will shut upon us, but we may burst it.  Behold the Mohawks, the valiant Ganeagaono!  Behold all the brave white men who are used to the forest and its ways!  It is a strong trap that can hold them, one stronger, I think, than any the sons of Onontio and their savage allies can build.”

Robert’s heart leaped up at the brave words of Tayoga.

“I think so, too,” he said.  “It may be an ambush, but if so we will break from it.  Old Hendrik tried to stop ’em, to keep all our force together, but since he couldn’t do it, he’s riding at the very head of this column, a shining target for hidden rifles.”

“Hendrik is a great sachem, and as he is now old and grown feeble of the body, though not of the mind, this may well be his last and most glorious day.”

“I hope he won’t fall.”

“Perhaps he may wish it thus.  There could be no more fitting death for a great sachem.”

They ceased talking, but both continued to watch the forest on either side with trained eyes.  There was no wind, though now and then Robert thought he saw a bough or a bush move, indicating the presence of a hidden foe.  But he invariably knew the next instant that it was merely the product of an uncommonly vivid imagination, always kindling into a burning fire in moments of extreme danger.  No, there was nothing in the woods, at least, nothing that he could see.

Ahead of him the band of Mohawks, old Hendrik on horseback at their head, marched steadily on, warily watching the woods and thickets for their enemies.  They, at least, were in thorough keeping with the wildness of the scene, with their painted bodies, their fierce eyes and their glittering tomahawks.  But around Robert and Tayoga were the young Philadelphians, trained, alert men now, and following them was the stream of New York and New England troops, strong, vigorous and alive with enthusiasm.