All had implicit confidence in their leader, the most experienced bush fighter on the frontier, and knew that, if anyone could lead them safe from the perils that surrounded them, it was Rogers.
James wondered what his plan could be.

It seemed certain to him that the Indians must, sooner or later, overtake them.

They would be aware of the strength of the band, and, confiding in their superior numbers, would be able to push forward in pursuit without pausing for many precautions.

Once overtaken, the band must stand at bay, and, even could they hold the Indians in check, the sound of the firing would soon bring the French soldiers to the spot.
They had been gone some twenty minutes only, when a distant war whoop rose in the forest behind them.
"They have come down on the camp," Nat said, glancing round over his shoulder, "and find we have left it.

I expect they hung about a little before they ventured in, knowing as we should be expecting them, when we found the canoes was useless.