A FOREST CONCERT The deep creek with its high banks and interwoven forest and thickets on the other side formed an excellent second line of defense, and Willet, with the instinct of a true commander, made the most of it, again posting his men at wide intervals until they covered a distance of several hundred yards, at the same time instructing them to conceal themselves carefully, and let the enemy make the first move.

He allowed Robert and Tayoga to remain together, knowing they were at their best when partners.
The two lay behind the huge trunk of a tree torn down by some old hurricane and now almost hidden by vegetation and trailing vines.

They were very comfortable there, and, uplifted by their success of the night they were sanguine of an equal success by day.
To the right Robert caught occasional glimpses of Willet, moving about in the bushes, but save for these stray glances he watched the other side of the stream.

Luckily it was rather open there, and no savage, however cunning, could come within fifty yards of it without being seen by the wary eyes in the thickets.
"How long do you think it will be before they come ?" Robert asked of Tayoga, for whose forest lore he had an immense respect.
"Three hours, maybe four," replied the Onondaga.

"Tandakora and De Courcelles may or may not know of this creek, but when they see it they are sure to advance with caution, fearing a trap." "What a pity our own people don't show the same wisdom!" "You are thinking of the great slaughter at Duquesne.