On Lake Ontario he was sure the eyes of the Dove could not reach him, but the work was arduous and often perilous.

The great lake was not to be treated lightly.

Often it took toll of the Indians who lived around its shores.
Winter storms came up suddenly, the waves rolled like those of the sea, freezing spray dashed over them, and it required a supreme exertion of both skill and strength to keep the light canoes from being swamped.
Yet Robert was always happier on water than on land.

On shore, confined closely and guarded zealously, his imaginative temperament suffered and he became moody and depressed, but on the lakes, although still a captive, he felt the winds of freedom.

When the storms came and the icy blasts swept down upon them he responded, body and soul.