Possibly it's a band of French." "I do not think so, Great Bear.

The French do not roam the forest alone.
The warriors are always with them, and this party is composed wholly of white men." "Then they must be ours, perhaps a body of hunters or scouts, and we need 'em.

How long would you say it has been since they passed ?" "Not more than two hours." "Then we must overtake 'em.

Do you lead at speed, Tayoga, but on the bare possibility that they're French, look out for an ambush." "The new people, whoever they are," said Robert, "are trailing the train, we're trailing them, and the French and Indians are trailing us.
It's like a chain drawing its links through the forest." "But the links are of different metals, Robert," said Willet.
They talked but little more, because they needed all their breath now for the pursuit, as Tayoga was leading at great speed, the broad trail in the moonlight being almost as plain as day.

It was a pleasure to Robert to watch the Onondaga following like a hound on the scent.