I've an idea that Dayohogo and his warriors won't go far toward Ticonderoga, but will soon turn south to meet those savages and acquire a few scalps if they can, and if they do meet 'em I hope they'll remove that Ojibway, Tandakora, who I think is likely to make us a lot of trouble." Willet never spoke of the Iroquois as "savages," but he often applied the term to the Canadian and Western Indians.

Like Robert, he regarded those who had built up the great political and military power of the Hodenosaunee as advanced, and, in a sense, civilized nations.
"I think my friend, the Great Bear, is right," said Tayoga.

"Unless Tandakora and his band have gone toward the west it is likely that Dayohogo will meet them, and they cannot stand before the Mohawks." "I think it more probable," said Robert, "that after the failure to destroy us Tandakora went back to St.Luc, giving a false explanation of his absence or none at all, just as he pleased." "It may be so," said Tayoga, "but I have another opinion." While they talked they were taking the canoe from its shelter, and then they bore it down to the river again, putting it back into the stream and listening with pleasure to the gurgle of the water by its sides.
"Paddling isn't the easiest work in the world," said Willet with satisfaction, "but when you're used to it your muscles can stand it a long time, and it's far ahead of walking.

Now, ho for Canada!" "Ho for Canada!" said Robert, and the three paddles flashed again in the clear water.

The canoe once more became a live thing and shot down the stream.