Daganoweda and the Mohawks reverted at once to the primitive, from which they had never departed much.  The young Mohawk chieftain was in advance with Willet.  He had a blanket but it was folded and carried in a small pack on his back.  He was bare to the waist and his mighty chest was painted in warlike fashion.  All his warriors were in similar attire or lack of it.

Daganoweda was happy.  Robert saw his black eyes sparkling, and he continually raised his nose to scent the wind like some hunting animal.  Robert knew that in his fierce heart he was eager for the sight of a hostile band.  The enemy could not come too soon for Daganoweda and the Mohawks.  Tayoga’s face showed the same stern resolve, but the Onondaga, more spiritual than the Mohawk, lacked the fierceness of Daganoweda.

When they were well into the wilderness they stopped and held a consultation, in which Rogers, Willet, Black Rifle, Daganoweda, Robert and Tayoga shared.  They were to decide a question of vital importance—­their line of march.  They believed that Dieskau and the main French army had not yet reached Crown Point, the great French fortress on Lake Champlain, but there was terrible evidence that the swarms of his savage allies were not only along Champlain but all around Lake George, and even farther south.  Unquestionably the French partisan leaders were with them, and where and when would it be best for the American-Iroquois force to strike?

“I think,” said Willet, “that St. Luc himself will be here.  The Marquis de Vaudreuil, the new Governor General of Canada, knows his merit and will be sure to send him ahead of Dieskau.”

Robert felt the thrill that always stirred him at the mention of St. Luc’s name.  Would they meet once more in the forest?  He knew that if the Chevalier came all their own skill and courage would be needed to meet him on equal terms.  However kindly St. Luc might feel toward him he would be none the less resolute and far-seeing in battle against the English and Americans.

“I think we should push for the western shore of Andiatarocte,” said Willet.  “What is your opinion, Daganoweda?”

“The Great Bear is right.  He is nearly always right,” replied the Mohawk.  “If we go along the eastern shore and bear in toward Champlain we might be trapped by the French and their warriors.  West of Andiatarocte the danger to us would not be so great, while we would have an equal chance to strike.”

“Well spoken, Daganoweda,” said Rogers.  “I agree with you that for the present it would be wise for us to keep away from Oneadatote (the Indian name for Lake Champlain) and keep to Andiatarocte.  The Indians are armed at Crown Point on Oneadatote, which was once our own Fort Saint Frederick, founded by us, but plenty of them spread to the westward and we’ll be sure to have an encounter.”