“How is it with you, Tayoga?” he asked.

“Tododaho and Areskoui have protected me once more,” replied the Onondaga.  “The exertion has made my shoulder stiff and sore a little, but I have taken no fresh hurt.”

“And you, Grosvenor?”

“My head is thumping at a terrible rate, but I feel that it will soon become quieter.”

“Its ability to thump shows that you’re full of life.  How about your men, Captain Colden?”

“Four of my brave lads are sped.  God rest their souls!  They died in a good cause.  Some of the others are wounded, but we won’t count wounds now.”

Robert was still able to see the indistinct figures of the French and Indians, through the clouds of smoke that hung between the two armies, but he saw also that they were not pursuing.  At the distance he heard no sounds from them, and he presumed they were gathering up their dead and wounded, preparing for the new attack that would surely come.

“I was not in the first battle, but I will be in the second,” a youthful voice said beside him, and he saw the Mohawk boy, Joseph Brant, his face glowing.

“We heard the firing,” continued the boy, “and Colonel Johnson hurried forward a force, as you know.  We are almost back at the camp now.”

Robert had taken no notice of distance, but facing about, he saw the main camp not far away.  Lucky it was for them that Waraiyageh and his officers were men of experience.  They had sent enough men to help the vanguard break from the trap, but they had retained the majority, and had made them fortify with prodigious energy.  A barricade of wagons, inverted boats, and trees hastily cut down had been built across the front.  Three cannon were planted in the center, where it was expected the main Indian and French force would appear, and another was dragged to the crest of a hill to rake their flank.

The retreating force uttered a tremendous shout as they saw how their comrades had prepared for them, and then, in good order, sought the shelter of the barricade, where they were welcomed by those who had not yet been in battle.

“Get fresh breath while you may!” exclaimed Tayoga, as he threw himself down on the ground.  “The delay will not be long.  Sharp Sword will drive the warriors forward, and the regulars and Canadians will charge.  It will be a great battle, and a desperate one, nor does Tododaho yet whisper to me which side will win.”

Robert and his comrades breathed heavily for a while, until they felt new strength pouring back into their veins.  Then they rose, looked to their arms and took their place in the line of battle.  The trumpets of Dieskau were sounding again in the forest in front of them, and the new attack was at hand.

“Keep close, Grosvenor,” said Robert.  “They’ll fire the first volley and we’ll let it pass over our heads.”

“I know the wisdom of what you say,” replied the Englishman, “but it’s hard to refrain from looking when you know a French army and a mass of howling savages are about to rush down upon you.”