The famous leader of rangers had a bold and adventurous mind.

No risk was too great for him, and dangers, instead of repelling, invited him.
Robert, as became him, listened to them in silence.

Prudence told him that they ought to stay on the lake, but his was the soul of youth, and the fiery eloquence of Daganoweda found an answer in his heart.

It was decided at last to leave a small guard with the fleet, while rangers and Mohawks to the number of fifty should pursue toward Oneadatote.

All three of the leaders, with Black Rifle, Tayoga and Robert, were to share in the pursuit, while a trusty man named White was left in command of the guard over the boats.
The fifty--the force had been so much reduced by the fighting that no more could be mustered--climbed the lofty shore, making their way up a ravine, thick with brush, until they came out on a crest more than a thousand feet above the lake.