Will you call your comrades, Mr.Willet?
All of you are welcome." The hunter whistled again, and Robert, Tayoga and Black Rifle, advancing from the forest, came within the area of half light cast by the glow from the coals, young Captain Colden watching them with the most intense curiosity as they approached.

And well he might feel surprise.

All, even Robert, wore the dress of the wilderness, and their appearance at such a time was uncommon and striking.

Most of the soldiers had been awakened by the voices, and were sitting up, rubbing sleepy eyes.

Robert saw at once that they were city men, singularly out of place in the vast forest and the darkness.
"We welcome you to our camp," said young Captain Colden, with dignity.
"If you are hungry we have food, and if you are without blankets we can furnish them to you." Willet and Tayoga looked at Robert and he knew they expected him to fill his usual role of spokesman.