He was sure now that the warriors, defeated, had gone away.
This Frenchman, St.Luc, of whom they talked, might be a great partisan leader, but he would know when the price he was paying became too high, and would draw off.
The men believed their captain, and, despite the earnest protest of the foresters, began to stir in the bushes shortly before dawn.

A rifle shot came from the opposing thickets and one of them would stir no more.

Captain Colden, appalled, was all remorse.

He took the death of the man directly to himself, and told Willet with emotion that all advice of his would now be taken at once.
"Let the men lie as close as they can," said the hunter.

"The day will soon be here." Robert found shelter behind the trunk of a huge oak, and crouched there, his nerves relaxing.