Instead of driving the French and Indians out of the whole northern wilderness we've left it entirely to them." They turned from the trail with reluctance, because, strong and enduring as they were, incessant hardships, long traveling and battle were beginning to tell upon all three, and they were unwilling to be climbing again among the high mountains.

But there was no choice and night found them on a lofty ridge in a dense thicket.

The hunter and the Onondaga were disturbed visibly over the advent of Langlade, and their uneasiness was soon communicated to the sympathetic mind of Robert.
The night being very clear, sown with shining stars, they saw rings of smoke rising toward the east, and outlined sharply against the dusky blue.
"That's Langlade sending up signals," said the hunter, anxiously, "and he wouldn't do it unless he had something to talk about." "When one man speaks another man answers," said Tayoga.

"Now from what point will come the reply ?" Robert felt excitement.

These rings of smoke in the blue were full of significance for them, and the reply to the first signal would be vital.