No trace of him could be found in the forest, and to many it appeared that the road to Fort Duquesne lay open.
"They've concluded our force is too great and have abandoned the fort," said Robert.

"I can't make anything else of it, Dave." "It does look like it," said the hunter doubtfully.

"I certainly thought they would meet us here.

The ford is the place of places for a defensive battle." Gage made his report to Braddock, confirming the general in his belief that the French and Indians would not dare to meet him, and that the dangers of the wilderness had been overrated.

The order to resume the march was given and the trumpets in the advance sang merrily, the silent woods giving back their echoes in faint musical notes.