I'll be sure to wake you when the battle begins, and then you'll be so much the better for a nap that you'll be a very Hercules in the combat." Robert, trained in wilderness ways, knew that it was best, and he closed his eyes without further ado.

When he opened them again it was because the hunter was shaking his shoulder, and he knew by the position of the sun that several hours had passed.
"Have they come ?" he asked calmly.
"We've seen their skirmishers in the woods about two hundred yards away," replied the hunter.

"I believe they suspect danger here merely because this is a place where danger is likely to be, but 'twill not keep them from attacking.

You can hold your rifle ready, lad, but you'll have no use for it for a good quarter of an hour.

They'll do a lot of scouting before they try to pass the ravine, but our fellows are happy in the knowledge that they'll try to pass it." Robert suppressed as much as he could the excitement one was bound to feel at such a time, and ate a little venison to stay him for the combat, imitating the coolness and providence of Tayoga, who was also strengthening his body for the ordeal.
"About noon, isn't it ?" he asked of the Onondaga.
"A little after it," Tayoga replied.
"When did they come up ?" "Just now.