Robert was compelled to notice anew the great influence the French had acquired over the Indians, and he recognized it with dread, knowing what it might portend.
The footsteps which the savage had heard first were now audible to him, and he stood up, knowing that Tayoga and Willet were returning, and he was glad of it.
"My friends are here," he said.
The Chevalier de St.Luc, with his customary politeness, rose to his feet and Dubois rose with him.

The Ojibway remained sitting, a huge piece of deer meat in his hand.

Tayoga and Willet appeared through the bushes, and whatever surprise they may have felt they concealed it well.
The faces of both were a blank.
"Guests have come since your departure," said Robert, with the formal politeness of the time.

"These gentlemen are the Chevalier Raymond Louis de St.Luc, from Quebec, Monsieur Armand Dubois, from the same place, I presume, and Tandakora, a mighty Ojibway chief, who, it seems, has wandered far from his own country, on what errand I know not.

Chevalier my friends of whom I spoke, Mr.David Willet, the great hunter, and Tayoga of the clan of the Bear, of the nation Onondaga, of the League of the Hodenosaunee, my brother of the forest and a great chief." He spoke purposely with sonority, and also with a tinge of satire, particularly when he alluded to the presence of Tandakora at such a great distance from his tribe.