I repeat, though, Robert, that I like the French.

A great nation, sound at the core, splendid soldiers as we're seeing, and as we're likely to see for a long time to come." They pushed on with all speed toward Mount Johnson, the weather still favoring them, making their last camp in a fine oak grove, and reckoning that they would achieve their journey's end before noon the next day.

They did not build any fire that night, but when they rose at dawn they saw the smoke of somebody else's fire on the eastern horizon.
"It couldn't be the enemy," said Willet.

"He wouldn't let his smoke go up here for all the world to see, so near to the home of Colonel William Johnson and within the range of the Mohawks." "That is so," said Tayoga.

"It is likely to be some force of Colonel Johnson himself, and we can advance with certainty." Looking well to their arms in the possible contingency of a foe, they pushed forward through the woodland, the smoke growing meanwhile as if those who had built the fire either felt sure of friendly territory, or were ready to challenge the world.