The shadow had not menaced him, and his vulpine intelligence told him that he was not concerned in the drama now about to unfold itself.

He was merely a spectator, and, as he looked, he saw the shadow glide back and crouch beside the sleeping man.

Then a second shadow came and crouched on the other side.
What the fox saw was the approach of Robert and Tayoga, whom some whimsical humor had seized.

They intended to make the surprise complete and Robert, with a memory of the treacherous shot in Albany, was willing also to fill the soul of the spy with terror.

Tayoga adroitly removed the pistol and knife from the belt of Garay, and Robert touched him lightly on the shoulder.