Robert knew that he was only a mote in all that vast wilderness, but the contiguity of the Indian village might cause warriors, either arriving or departing, to pass near him.

So he was not surprised when he heard footsteps in the bushes not far away, and then the sound of voices.
Instinctively he tried to press his body into the earth, and he also lifted carefully the loaded rifle, but second thought told him he was not likely to be seen.
Warriors presently came so near that they were visible, and to his surprise and alarm he saw the huge figure of Tandakora among them.

They were about a dozen in number, walking in the most leisurely manner and once stopped very close to him to talk.

Although he raised himself up a little and clutched the rifle more tightly he was still hopeful that they would not see him.
The Ojibway chieftain was in full war paint, with a fine new American rifle, and also a small sword swinging from his belt.

Both were undoubtedly trophies of Oswego, and it was certain that after carrying the sword for a while as a prize he would discard it.