"You don't know the wilderness, Captain Colden," he said, "and you don't give our demand the serious consideration to which it is entitled. Later on, the truth of what I tell you may bear heavily upon you."
"I may not know the forest as you do, Colonel de Courcelles, but I have with me masters of woodcraft, Mr. Lennox and Mr. Willet, with whom you're already acquainted."
"We've had passages of various kinds with Colonel de Courcelles, both in the forest and at Quebec," said Robert, quietly.
Both De Courcelles and Jumonville flushed, and it became apparent that they were anxious to end the interview.
"This, I take it, is your final answer," the French Colonel said to the young Philadelphia captain.
"It is, sir."
"Then what may occur rests upon the knees of the gods."
"It does, sir, and I'm as willing as you to abide by the result."
"And I have the honor of bidding you good day."
"An equally great honor is mine."