He was a Huron, a capable warrior with his five senses developed well, and in normal times he was ambitious and eager for distinction in his wilderness world, but just now he did not dream that any one from the fort could be near.

So the three passed him, unsuspected, and drew close to the fire, which now showed as a white glow through the dusk, sufficient proof that it was still burning.

Further progress proved that the warriors had abandoned it for shelter, and they left the next task to Tayoga.
The Onondaga lay down in the snow and crept forward until he reached the fire, where he paused and waited two or three minutes to see that his presence was not detected.

Then he took three burning sticks and passed them back swiftly to his comrades.

Willet had already discerned the outline of a bark hut on his right and Robert had made out another on his left.