to the uttermost of his great height, his lofty
gaze meeting that of Wilton, half in challenge and half in
greeting. Robert had been an impressive figure, but Tayoga, owing to
the difference in race, was even more so. The hands of several of the
soldiers moved towards their weapons.

"Did I not tell you that he was a friend, a most excellent friend of
ours?" said Robert sharply. "Who raises a hand against him raises a
hand against me also, and above all raises a hand against our
cause. Lieutenant Wilton, this is Tayoga, of the Clan of the Bear, of
the nation Onondaga, of the great League of the Hodenosaunee. He is a
prince, as much a prince as any in Europe. His mind and his valor have
both been expended freely in our service, and they will be expended
with equal freedom again."

Robert's tone was so sharp and commanding that Wilton, impressed by
it, saluted the Onondaga with the greatest courtesy, and Tayoga bowed
gravely in reply.

"You're correct in assuming that my name is Wilton," said the young
lieutenant. "I'm William Wilton, of Philadelphia, and I beg to present
my second in command, Hugh Carson, of the same city."

He looked questioningly at Robert, who promptly responded:

"My name is Lennox, Robert Lennox, and I can claim either Albany or
New York as a home."

"I think I've heard of you," said Wilton. "A rumor came to
Philadelphia about a man of that name going to Quebec on an errand for
the governor of New York."

"I was the messenger," said Robert, "but since the mission was a
failure it may as well be forgotten."

"But it will not be forgotten. I've heard that you bore yourself with
great judgment and address. Nevertheless, if your modesty forbids the
subject we'll come back to another more pressing. What did you mean
when you said Captain Colden's delay was due to the solution of a
vexing problem?"

"It had to do with Indians, who you say are not to be found in these
forests. I could not help overhearing you, as I approached your camp."

Wilton reddened and then his generous impulse and sense of truth came
to his aid.

"I'll admit that I'm careless and that my knowledge may be small!" he
exclaimed. "But tell me the facts, Mr. Lennox. I judge by your face
that events of grave importance have occurred."

"Captain Colden, far east of this point, was attacked by a strong
force of French and Indians under the renowned partisan leader,
St. Luc. Tayoga, David Willet, the hunter, the famous range