A horse was ready saddled for him, and they rode nearly all the remainder of the night, and at dawn were at Curies where was found a considerable number of riflemen.

As they came upon the group, Robert saw a young man with dark eyes and hair, a face that was ruddy, yet denoting nervous temperament.

He was tall and graceful, and his bold, vehement spirit seemed at once to take fire, and his enthusiasm kindled a conflagration in the breasts of his hearers.

He spoke of their wrongs, of their governor's avarice, who would for the sake of his traffic with the Indians sacrifice their lives.

They were not assembled for vengeance, but for defence against a ruthless foe.