Colden was not one to be gloomy long, and there was too much work ahead for one to be morbid.  Willet had spoken of the precious six hours and they were, in, truth, more precious than diamonds.  The flight was pushed to the utmost, the old people or the little children who grew weary were put in the wagons, and the speed they made was amazing for the wilderness.  Robert remained well in the rear with Tayoga, Willet and Black Rifle, and they continually watched the forest for the first appearance of the Indian pursuit.  That, in time, it would appear they never doubted, and it was their plan to give the vanguard of the warriors such a hot reception that they would hesitate.  Besides the hundred fighting men, including the soldiers and boys large enough to handle arms, there were about a hundred women and children.  Colden marched with the main column, and Wilton and Carson were at the rear.  Black Rifle presently went ahead to watch lest they walk into an ambush, while Tayoga, Robert and Willet remained behind, the point from which the greatest danger was apprehended.

“Isn’t it likely,” asked Robert, “that the Indians will see the light of the burning fort, and that it will cause them to hasten?”

“More probably it will set them to wondering,” replied the hunter, “and they may hesitate.  They may think a strong force has come to rescue the garrison and people.”

“But whatever Tandakora and the officer of Onontio may surmise,” said Tayoga, “our own course is plain, and that is to march as fast as we can.”

“And hope that a body of Colonial troops and perhaps the Mohawks will come to help us,” said Willet.  “Colonel William Johnson, as we all know, is alert and vigorous, and it would be like him to push westward for the protection of settlers and refugees.  ’Twould be great luck, Tayoga, if that bold young friend of yours, Daganoweda, the Mohawk chief, should be in this region.”

“It is not probable,” said the Onondaga.  “The Keepers of the Eastern Gate are likely to remain in their own territory.  They would not, without a strong motive, cross the lands of the other nations of the Hodenosaunee, but it is not impossible.  They may have such a motive.”

“Then let us hope that it exists!” exclaimed Robert fervently.  “The sight of Daganoweda and a hundred of his brave Mohawks would lift a mighty load from my mind.”

Tayoga smiled.  A compliment to the Mohawks was a compliment to the entire Hodenosaunee, and therefore to the Onondagas as well.  Moreover the fame and good name of the Mohawks meant almost as much to him as the fame and good name of the Onondagas.

“The coming of Daganoweda would be like the coming of light itself,” he said.

They were joined by Wilton, who, as Robert saw, had become a fine forest soldier, alert, understanding and not conceited because of his knowledge.  Robert noted the keen, wary look of this young man of Quaker blood, and he felt sure that in the event of an attack he would be among the very best of the defenders.