They beheld two smokes on the right bank, and one on the left, trailing black lines against the blue of the sky, but they were all far away, and they did not care to stop and determine their origin.
Shortly before sunset they saw a camp fire, very close on the eastern shore, and as they drew near the figures of men in uniform were visible against the red glow.
"I think we'd better draw in here," said Robert.

"This is undoubtedly an outpost, and, likely, an officer of some importance is in charge.

Ours is a mission of peace, and we want to placate as many people as we can, as we go." "It is so," said Tayoga, making a sweep or two of the paddle, and sending the canoe in a diagonal line toward the designated shore.
Two men in blue uniforms with white facings walked to the edge of the water and looked at them with curiosity.

Robert gave them a gaze as inquiring as their own, and after the habit of the forest, noted them carefully.

He took them to be French of France.