"You're right, Tayoga. I can see, too, that the bird's senses are on the alert against something foreign in the forest. All the other birds, imitating the one who seems to be their leader, have ceased singing also."
"And the leader is unfolding his wings."
"So I see. He is about to fly away. There he goes like a flash of red flame!"
"And there go all the rest, too. It is enough. Tandakora, De Courcelles and the savages have come."
Robert and Tayoga crouched a little lower and stared over the fallen log. Presently the Onondaga touched the white youth on the arm. Robert, following his gaze, made out the figure of a warrior creeping slowly through a dense thicket toward the creek.
"It is likely that Great Bear sees him, too," said Tayoga, "but we will not fire. He will not come nearer than fifty yards, because good cover is lacking."
"I understand that the contest is to be one of patience. So they can loose their bullets first. I see the bushes moving in several places now, Tayoga."
"It is probable that their entire force has come up. They may wait at least an hour before they will try a ford."
"Like as not. Suppose we eat a little venison, Tayoga, and strengthen ourselves for the ordeal."
"You have spoken well, Dagaeoga."