t pace with them at the long easy gait used by the Indian
runner. Robert himself was not used to the saddle, but he was glad
enough to accept it, after their great march through the wilderness.

The weather continued fine for winter, crisp, clear, sparkling with
life and the spirits of all were high. Colonel Johnson beckoned to
Robert to ride by the side of him and the two led the way. Kegneghtada,
despite his extreme youth, had refused a horse also, and was swinging
along by the side of Tayoga, stride for stride. A perfect understanding
and friendship had already been established between the Onondaga and
the Mohawk, and as they walked they talked together earnestly, young
Brant bearing himself as if he were on an equal footing with his
brother warrior, Tayoga. Colonel Johnson looked at them, smiled
approval and said to Robert:

"I have called my young brother-in-law an eagle, and an eagle he truly
is. We're apt to think, Mr. Lennox, that we white people alone gather
our forces and prepare for some aim distant but great. But the Indian
intellect is often keen and powerful, as I have had good cause to
know. Many of their chiefs have an acuteness and penetration not
surpassed in the councils of white men. The great Mohawk whom we call
King Hendrick probably has more intellect than most of the sovereigns
on their thrones in Europe. And as for Joseph, the lad there who so
gallantly keeps step with the Onondaga, where will you find a white
boy who can excel him? He absorbs the learning of our schools as fast
as any boy of our race whom I have ever known, and, at the same time,
he retains and improves all the lore and craft of the red people."

"You have found the Mohawks a brave and loyal race," said Robert,
knowing the colonel was upon a favorite theme of his.

"That I have, Mr. Lennox. I came among them a boy. I was a trader
then, and I settled first only a few miles from their largest town,
Dyiondarogon. I tried to keep faith with them and as a result I found
them always keeping faith with me. Then, when I went to Oghkwaga, I
had the same experience. The Indians were defrauded in the fur trade
by white swindlers, but dishonesty, besides being bad in itself, does
not pay, Mr. Lennox. Bear that in mind. You may cheat for a while with
success, but in time nobody will do business with you. Though you, I
take it, will never be a merchant."

"It is not because I frown upon the merchant's calling, sir. I esteem
it a high an