'Twill not take long to decide the question that interests us so much." He led the way with confidence, and when they had gone about a mile he sank down in a thicket beside the trail, the others imitating him.

Then the hunter emitted a sharp whistle.
"I think I'll soon get an answer to that," he said, "and it'll not come from French or Indian." They waited a minute or two and then the whistling note, clear and distinct, rose from a point ahead of them.

Willet whistled a second time, and the second reply soon came in similar fashion.
"Now, lads," he said, rising from the bush, "we'll up and join 'em.

It's the one I expected, and right glad I am, too." He led the way boldly, making no further effort at concealment.

Robert saw outlined in the moonlight on a low hill in front of them a group of fifteen or sixteen white men, all in hunter's garb, all strong, resolute figures, armed heavily.