The words rushed to his lips, but they were held there by embarrassment.

The soldiers who had been awakened were already going back to sleep.

Captain Colden sat down on a log and waited for them to state their wants.

Then Robert spoke, knowing they could not afford to delay.
"We thank you, Captain Colden," he said, "for the offer of supper and bed, but I must say to you, sir, that it's no time for either." "I don't take your meaning, Mr.Lennox." "Tayoga, Mr.Willet and Black Rifle, are the best scouts in the wilderness, and before sunset they saw smoke on the horizon.

Then they saw smoke answering smoke, and Black Rifle has seen more.