wagas, and others, has
entered the territory of the Ganeagaono on the west," replied the
warrior. "They are led by an Ojibway chief, a giant, called
Tandakora."

Robert uttered an exclamation.

"The name of the Ojibway attracts your attention," said Colonel
Johnson.

"We've had many encounters with him," replied the youth. "Besides
hating the Hodenosaunee and all the white people, I think he also has
a personal grievance against Mr. Willet, Tayoga and myself. He is the
most bitter and persistent of all our enemies."

"Then this man must be dealt with. I can't go against him
myself. Other affairs press too much, but I can raise a force with
speed."

"Let me go, sir, against Tandakora!" exclaimed young Brant eagerly and
in English.

Colonel Johnson looked at him a moment, his eyes glistening, and then
he laughed, not with irony but gently and with approval.

"Truly 'tis a young eagle," he said, "but, Joseph, you must remember
that your years are yet short of twelve, and you still have much time
to spend over the books in which you have done so well. If I let you
be cut off at such an early age you can never become the great chief
you are destined to be. Bide a while, Joseph, and your cousin,
Daganoweda, will attend to this Ojibway who has wandered so far from
his own country."

Young Brant made no protest. Trained in the wonderful discipline of
the Hodenosaunee he knew that he must obey before he could command. He
resumed his seat quietly, but his eager eyes watched his tall cousin,
the young Mohawk chieftain, as Colonel Johnson gave him orders.

"Take with you the warriors that you have now, Daganoweda," he
said. "Gather the fifty who are now encamped at Teugega. Take thirty
more from Talaquega, and I think that will be enough. I don't know
you, Daganoweda, and I don't know your valiant Mohawk warriors, if you
are not able to account thoroughly for the Ojibway and his men. Don't
come back until you've destroyed them or driven them out of your
country."

Colonel Johnson's tone was at once urgent and complimentary. It
intimated that the work was important and that Daganoweda would be
sure to do it. The Mohawk's eyes glittered in his dark face. He lifted
his hand in a salute, glided from the bower, and a moment later he and
his warriors passed from sight in the forest.

"That cousin of yours, Molly, deserves his rank of chief," said
Colonel Johnson. "The task that he is to do I consider as good as done
alre