Deft in word and action, acknowledging at all times that Colden was the commander, thus saving the young Philadelphian's pride in the presence of his men, he contrived in an unobtrusive way to direct everything.

The guards were placed at suitable intervals about the palisade, and were instructed to fire at anything suspicious, the others were compelled to stay in the blockhouse and take their ease, in order that their nerves might be steady and true, when the time for battle came.

The cooks were also instructed to prepare an unusually bountiful supper for them.
Robert was Willet's right hand.

Next to the hunter he knew most about the wilderness, and the ways of its red people.

There was no possibility that the Indians had gone.