What was the mystery of his origin?
The events of the last year indicated to him very clearly that there was such a mystery.
Adrian Van Zoon and Master Benjamin Hardy surely knew something about it, and Willet too.

Was it possible that a thread lay in the hand of St.Luc also?
He turned his eyes from the coals and gazed at the impassive face of the hunter.

Once the question trembled on his lips, but he was sure the Great Bear would evade the answer, and the lad thought too much of the man who had long stood to him in the place of father to cause him annoyance.

Beyond a doubt Willet had his interests at heart, and, when the time came for him to speak, speak he would, but not before.
His mind passed from the subject to dwell upon the task they had set for themselves, a thought which did not exclude St.Luc, though the chevalier now appeared in the guise of a bold and skillful foe, with whom they must match their wisdom and courage.

Doubtless he had formed a new band, and, at the head of it, was already roaming the country south of the St.Lawrence.Well, if that were the case perhaps they would meet once more, and he would have given much to penetrate the future.
"Why don't you go to sleep, Robert ?" asked the hunter.
"For the best of reasons.