There was an air of vigor, and Colonel Johnson, although he did not neglect his guests, plunged at once and deeply into business.

A little village, dependent upon him and his affairs had grown up about him, and there were white men more or less in his service, some of whom he sent at once on missions for the war.

Through it all his Indian wife glided quietly, but Robert saw that she was a wonderful help, managing with ease, and smoothing away many a difficulty.
Despite the restraint of manner, the people at Mount Johnson were full of excitement.

The news from Canada and also from the west became steadily more ominous.

The French power was growing fast and the warriors of the wild tribes were crowding in thousands to the Bourbon banner.