Then under cover of the friendly darkness they would resume their journey on the river.
They chose the heavily wooded crest of a low hill for the place in which to wait, because they could see some distance from it and remain unseen.
They put the canoe down there and Robert and Tayoga sat beside it, while Willet went into the woods to see if any further signs of a passing band could be discovered, returning in an hour with the information that he had discovered more footprints.
"All led to the north," he said, "and they're well ahead of us.

There's no reason why we can't follow.

We're three, used to the wilderness, armed well and able to take care of ourselves.

And I take it the night will be dark, which ought to help us." The Onondaga looked up at the skies, which were of a salmon color, and shook his head a little.
"What's the matter ?" asked Robert.
"The night will bring much darkness," he replied, "but it will bring something else with it--wind, rain." "You may be right, Tayoga, but we must be moving, just the same," said Willet.
At dusk they were again afloat on the river and, all three using the paddles, they sent the canoe forward with great speed.

But it soon became apparent that Tayoga's prediction would be justified.