d, and, after a while, Wilton called
Robert's attention to the fact that it was only two hours until
noon. Robert did not reply, but he knew that the conditions could not
be more unfavorable. Rain or hail, sleet or snow might cover the
passage of a warrior, but the dazzling sunlight that enlarged twigs
two hundred yards away into boughs, seemed to make all such efforts
vain. Yet he knew Tayoga, and he still believed.

Soon a stir came in the forest, and they heard a long, droning
chant. A dozen warriors appeared coming out of the north, and they
were welcomed with shouts by the others.

"Hurons, I think," said Willet. "Yes, I'm sure of it. They've
undoubtedly sent away for help, and it's probable that other bands
will come about this time." He reckoned right, as in half an hour a
detachment of Abenakis came, and they too were received with approving
shouts, after which food was given to them and they sat luxuriously
before the fires. Then three runners arrived, one from the north, one
from the west, and one from the east, and a great shout of welcome was
uttered for each.

"What does it mean?" Wilton asked Robert.

"The runners were sent out by De Courcelles and Tandakora to rally
more strength for our siege. They've returned with the news that
fresh forces are coming, as the exultant shout from the warriors
proves."

The young Philadelphian's heart sank. He knew that it was only a half
hour until noon, and noon was the appointed time. Nor did the heavens
give any favoring sign. The whole mighty vault was a blaze of gold and
blue. Nothing could stir in such a light and remain hidden from the
warriors. Wilton looked at his comrade and he caught a sudden glitter
in his eyes. It was not the look of one who despaired. Instead it was
a flash of triumph, and the young Philadelphian wondered. Had Robert
seen a sign, a sign that had escaped all others? He searched the
forest everywhere with his own eyes, but he could detect nothing
unusual. There were the French, and there were the Indians. There were
the new warriors, and there were the three runners resting by the
fires.

The runners rose presently, and the one who had come out of the north
talked with Tandakora, the one who had come out of the west stood near
the edge of the forest with an Abenaki chief and looked at the
fort. The one who had come out of the east joined De Courcelles
himself and they came nearer to the fort than any of the others,
although they rem