"We're to have St. Luc against us near the lakes once more. Could you ask for a better antagonist?"
Robert smiled at the man's eagerness, but his heart throbbed, as always, at the mention of the great French chevalier's name.
"He'll give us all we can do," he said.
"That's why I want to meet him," said Rogers. "The whole northern frontier is going to be ablaze."
Robert left that very day with Rogers and his men. Mr. Huysman purchased for him a splendid equipment which he forced him to accept, and he and Mr. McLean bade him good-by, while Caterina wept in her apron.
"Don't fear for me," said Robert, who was much moved. "Mr. Pitt will bring us all victory. His first efforts failed at Ticonderoga, as we know, but now he has all his forces moving on all fronts, and he's bound to succeed. You've said that yourselves."
"So we have, Robert," said Mr. Huysman, "and we shall watch for your return, confident that you'll come."
The next day the rangers, Robert with them, were far to the north of Albany, and then they plunged into the deep woods. Robert rejoiced at the breath of the forest now in its freshest green, not yet faded by summer heats. He had grown to love his island, but it was not like the mighty wilderness of North America, in which he had spent so much of his life. He kept at the head of the column, side by side with the Mountain Wolf, and his step was so strong and elastic that Rogers took approving notice.
"You like the woods, Robert," he said. "Well, so do I. It's the only place where a man can live a free life."
"I like the woods and the towns too," said Robert. "Each in its place. Where do we camp to-night?"