In peace and in triumph, boys, when we return again!
And the chorus, with everybody joining in:
Huzzah, my valiant countrymen! Again I say huzzah!
’Tis nobly done—the day’s our own—huzzah, huzzah!
“Wah!” said Scarouady. “They sing to the woods, and the woods have ears. Braddock does not send the Long Knives on the scout, though they are many. He sends us, who are few; and he sends his red-coat bears, who shoot us. He asks us to go closer to the French fort, and spy; and then we will have the French and Ottawa and Huron all around us and the red-coat fools behind us. Very well; early in the morning I will take Aroas and go to spy on the French fort. I will show him that my heart is good toward him, for he has taken me by the hand like a man. I will show him and Washington that Scarouady can be strong in sorrow. When I have washed off my mourning paint with scalps I shall feel better.”
So saying, Scarouady drew his blanket over his head, and lay down as if to sleep.
Pretty soon the others went to sleep, although Robert stayed awake a little time thinking of the Buck. He was going to miss the Buck, who had been like a brother to him. But if Scarouady could face the grief, he ought to, also. Scarouady certainly was a fine man.
The Hunter dozed off; he slept—and he was awakened by Gist’s hand upon his shoulder and Gist’s voice in his ear.
“Come.”
“Where?”