The bank at that point was not steep and the presence of the deer at the water's edge farther up indicated a slope yet easier there.
"Appears to be a likely place for game," said Willet.

"While the stag has scented us and gone, there must be more deer in the woods.

Maybe they're full of 'em, since this is doubtful ground and warriors and white men too are scarce." "But red scouts from the north may be abroad," said Robert, "and it would be unwise to use our rifles.

We don't want a brush with Hurons or Tionontati." "The Tionontati went into the west some years ago," said Tayoga, "and but few of their warriors are left with their kinsmen, the Hurons." "But those few would be too many, should they chance to be near.

We must not use our rifles.