It had been a long march, and the wilderness is hard for those not used to it, even in the best of times.

Victory was now almost in sight.

The next day, perhaps, they would march into Fort Duquesne and take possession, and doubtless a strong detachment would be sent in pursuit of the flying French and Indians.
Full warrant had they for their expectations, as nothing seemed more peaceful than the wilderness.

The flames from the cooking fires threw their ruddy light over bough and bush, and disclosed no enemy, and, as the glow of the coals died down, the peaceful tails of the night birds showed that the forest was undisturbed.
Far in the night, Robert, Tayoga and Willet crept through the woods to Fort Duquesne.

They found many small trails of both white men and red men, but none indicating a large force.