And if we beat St.Luc without the aid of a strong fort, why shouldn't we beat you with it, Colonel de Courcelles ?" Colonel de Courcelles frowned once more, and Captain de Jumonville frowned with him.
"You don't know the wilderness, Captain Colden," he said, "and you don't give our demand the serious consideration to which it is entitled.

Later on, the truth of what I tell you may bear heavily upon you." "I may not know the forest as you do, Colonel de Courcelles, but I have with me masters of woodcraft, Mr.Lennox and Mr.Willet, with whom you're already acquainted." "We've had passages of various kinds with Colonel de Courcelles, both in the forest and at Quebec," said Robert, quietly.
Both De Courcelles and Jumonville flushed, and it became apparent that they were anxious to end the interview.
"This, I take it, is your final answer," the French Colonel said to the young Philadelphia captain.
"It is, sir." "Then what may occur rests upon the knees of the gods." "It does, sir, and I'm as willing as you to abide by the result." "And I have the honor of bidding you good day." "An equally great honor is mine." The two French officers were ceremonious.

They lifted their fine, three-cornered hats, and bowed politely, and Colden, Willet and Robert were not inferior in courtesy.

Then the Frenchmen walked away into the forest, while the three Americans went inside the palisade, where the heavy gate was quickly shut behind them and fastened securely.

But before he turned back Robert thought he saw the huge figure of Tandakora in the forest.
When the French officers disappeared several shots were fired and the savages uttered a long and menacing war whoop, but the young soldiers had grown used to such manifestations, and, instead of being frightened, they felt a certain defiant pleasure.
"Yells don't hurt us," said Wilton to Robert.