Well, he had descended from a long line of hardy Cornish ancestors, and there is more in good blood than we are apt to believe.
He came to the front now at all events, and Dick and Bill, to say nothing of Benee, Rodrigo, and the other canoe captains, were ready to obey his every command.
Roland called a council of war at once, and it did not take long to come to a decision.
Our chief hero was the principal speaker. But brave men do not lose much time in words.
"Boys," he said, "we've got to fight these rascally savages. That's so, I think?"
"That's so," was the chorus.
"Well, and we've got to beat them, too. We want to give them something that shall keep them both quiet and civil until we can afford to send out a few missionaries to improve their morals.
"Now, Rodrigo, I cannot force you to fight."
"Force, sir? I need no force. Command me."
"Well, I will. I wish to outflank these beggars. You and our Indians, with Benee as your guide, are just the men to do so.