His smile broadened.
"My brother was pleased to think that he need not go down-river."
"'Tis true," I affirmed. "I have no wish to leave the forest. I find even this village overcrowded to suit me."
Whilst I pondered this we came to the fort gate and gave our names to the sentry who stopped all save the few the governor had summoned to attend upon him. A messenger he dispatched brought back word that we were to enter, and we were escorted across the parade and into the quarters of the commandant adjoining the Great Hall.
Master Colden met us in the doorway.
"Zooks, but I am right glad to see you," he cried. "And his Excellency is overjoyed. But I will leave it to him to express his satisfaction."
He opened an inner door and ushered us into the presence of the governor. Master Burnet rose from the chair in which he was sitting by a flat-topped table which served him for desk, and came forward with hand outstretched.
"Master Ormerod, this could not have been better! I wished above all things for speech with you. Corlaer, I am deeply in your debt. Ta-wan-ne-ars, you have again incurred the gratitude of the province. I shall not forget that you have imperiled your life in our cause."
"Did you receive my report from Oswego, sir?" I asked.
"Certes, 'twas that—and this"—he tapped a document which lay before him on the table—"which brought me here."