For what are they unless to observe ?" "And what has my brother observed ?" "That no two people are perfectly similar," he said blandly.
"Very well," I said, vexed, but quite aware that no questions of mine could force the Sagamore to speak unless he was entirely ready.

"I suppose that there exist no real grounds on which to suspect this Wyandotte.

But you know as well as do I that he crossed not the river with the others when they did to death that wretched St.Regis hunter.
Also, that there are Wyandottes in our service at Fortress Pitt, I did not know before." I waited a moment, but the Mohican said nothing, and I saw his eyes, veiled like a dreaming bird of prey, so immersed did he seem to be in his own and secret reflections.
Presently I rose, went down to the fire, felt with my fingers among the ashes to be certain no living spark remained, chatted a moment with the Oneida youth, praising him till under all his modesty I saw he was like to burst with pride; then gave the signal for departure.
"Nevertheless," I added, addressing them all, "this is not a scalping party; it is the six eyes of an army spying out a way through this wilderness, so that our wagons, artillery, horses, and cattle may pass in safety to Tioga Point.
"Let the Sagamore strike each tree to be marked, as he leads forward.
Let the Mole repeat the blow unless otherwise checked.

Then shall the Oneida, Grey-Feather, mark clearly the tree so doubly designated.

The Oneida, Tahoontowhee, covers our right flank, marching abreast of the Mohican; the Wyandotte, Black-Snake, covers our left flank, keeping the river bank in view.