"I was the messenger," said Robert, "but since the mission was a failure it may as well be forgotten."
"But it will not be forgotten. I've heard that you bore yourself with great judgment and address. Nevertheless, if your modesty forbids the subject we'll come back to another more pressing. What did you mean when you said Captain Colden's delay was due to the solution of a vexing problem?"
"It had to do with Indians, who you say are not to be found in these forests. I could not help overhearing you, as I approached your camp."
Wilton reddened and then his generous impulse and sense of truth came to his aid.
"I'll admit that I'm careless and that my knowledge may be small!" he exclaimed. "But tell me the facts, Mr. Lennox. I judge by your face that events of grave importance have occurred."
"Captain Colden, far east of this point, was attacked by a strong force of French and Indians under the renowned partisan leader, St. Luc. Tayoga, David Willet, the hunter, the famous ranger Black Rifle and I were able to warn him and give him some help, but even then we should have been overborne and destroyed had not a Mohawk chief, Daganoweda, and a formidable band come to our aid. United, we defeated St. Luc and drove him northward. Captain Colden lost several of his men, but with the rest he is now marching to the junction with you."
Wilton's face turned gray, but in a moment or two his eyes brightened.
"Then a special Providence has been watching over us," he said. "We haven't seen or heard of an Indian."
His tone was one of mingled relief and humor, and Robert could not keep from laughing.
"At all events," he said, "you are safe for the present. I'll remain with you while Tayoga goes back for Captain Colden."