Just beyond were skin tepees.

They must now act quickly, and each went upon his chosen way.
Robert approached the hut on the left from the rear, and applied the torch to the wall which was made of dry and seasoned bark.

Despite the snow, it ignited at once and burned with extraordinary speed.

The roar of flames from the right showed that the hunter had done as well, and a light flash among the skin tepees was proof that Tayoga was not behind them.
The besieging force was taken completely by surprise.

The three had imitated to perfection the classic example of Scipio's soldiers in the Carthaginian camp.