He was asleep very soon, his great figure lying motionless on his blanket, and the two wary lads watched, although they sat together, and, at times, talked.  Both knew there was full need for vigilance.  They had triumphed for the moment over Tandakora and De Courcelles, but they expected many other lions in the path that led to Fort Refuge.  It was important also, not only that they should arrive there, but that they should arrive in time.  It was true, too, that they considered the danger greater by night than by day.  In the day it was much easier to see the approach of an enemy, but by night one must be very vigilant indeed to detect the approach of a foe so silent as the Indian.

The two did not yet mention a division of the watch.  Neither was sleepy and they were content to remain awake much longer.  Moreover, they had many things of interest to talk about and also they indulged in speculation.

“Do you think it possible, Tayoga,” asked Robert, “that the garrison, hearing of the great cloud now overhanging the border, may have abandoned the fort and gone east with the refugees?”

“No, Dagaeoga, it is not likely.  It is almost certain that the young men from Philadelphia have not heard of General Braddock’s great defeat.  French and savage runners could have reached them with the news, could have taunted them from the forest, but they would not wish to do so; they seek instead to gather their forces first, to have all the effect of surprise, to take the fort, its garrison and the people as one takes a ripe apple from a tree, just when it is ready to fall.”

“That rout back there by Duquesne was a terrible affair for us, Tayoga, not alone because it uncovers the border, but because it heartens all our enemies.  What joy the news must have caused in Quebec, and what joy it will cause in Paris, too, when it reaches the great French capital!  The French will think themselves invincible and so will their red allies.”

“They would be invincible, Dagaeoga, if they could take with them the Hodenosaunee.”

“And may not this victory of the French and their tribes at Duquesne shake the faith of the Hodenosaunee?”

“No, Dagaeoga.  The fifty sachems will never let the great League join Onontio.  Champlain and Frontenac have been gone long, but their shadows still stand between the French and the Hodenosaunee, and there is Quebec, the lost Stadacona of the Ganegaono, whom you call the Mohawks.  As long as the sun and stars stand in the heavens the Keepers of the Eastern Gate are the enemies of the French.  Even now, as you know, they fight by the side of the Americans and the English.”

“It is true.  I was wrong to question the faith of the great nations of the Hodenosaunee.  If none save the Mohawks fight for us it is at least certain that they will not fight against us, and even undecided, while we’re at present suffering from disaster, they’ll form a neutral barrier, in part, between the French and us.  Ah, that defeat by Duquesne!  I scarcely see yet how it happened!”