While they eased their muscles and prepared for the day's flight they resolved upon a desperate expedient.
It was vital now to carry the letter to Johnson and then to Albany, which they considered more important than their own escape, and they could not afford to be driven farther and farther into the recesses of the north, while St.Luc might be marching with a formidable force on Albany itself.
"With us it's unite to fight and divide for flight," said Robert, divining what was in the mind of the others.
"The decision is forced upon us," said Willet, regretfully.
Tayoga nodded.
"We'll read the letter again several times, until all of us know it by heart," said the hunter.
The precious document was produced, and they went over it until each could repeat it from memory.

Then Willet said: "I'm the oldest and I'll take the letter and go south past their bands.

One can slip through where three can't." He spoke with such decision that the others, although Tayoga wanted the task of risk and honor, said nothing.
"And do you, Robert and Tayoga," resumed the hunter, "continue your flight to the northward.

You can keep ahead of these bands, and, when you discover the chase has stopped, curve back for Lake George.

If by any chance I should fall by the way, though it's not likely, you can repeat the letter to Colonel Johnson, and let's hope you'll be in time.