They have had no chance to see us yet.

We will withdraw among the reeds until night comes, and then under its cover cross Ganoatohale." Keeping almost against the bank, they moved gently until they came to a vast clump of reeds into which they pushed the canoe, while retaining their seats in it.

In the center they paused and waited.

From that point they could see upon the lake, while remaining invisible themselves, and they waited.
The six canoes or large boats, they could not tell at the distance which they were, went far out into the lake, circled around for a while, and then bore back toward the western shore, along which they passed, inspecting it carefully, and drawing steadily nearer to Robert and Tayoga.
"Now, let us give thanks to Tododaho, Areskoui and to Manitou himself," said the Onondaga, "that they have been pleased to make the reeds grow in this particular place so thick and so tall." "Yes," said Robert, "they're fine reeds, beautiful reeds, a greater bulwark to us just now than big oaks could be.

Think you, Tayoga, that you recognize the large man in the first boat ?" "Aye, Dagaeoga, I know him, as you do also.