Robert's next stroke was fine and sweeping, and he heard Jumonville say in French which many of the Indians understood: "Go more toward the center of the lake and take a place in the line." Tayoga and Robert obeyed dumbly, passing Jumonville's boat at a range of five or six yards, going a little beyond the line, and, turning about as if to make a curve that would keep them from striking any other canoe.

Again Robert made a false stroke with the paddle, causing the canoe to rock dangerously, and now, Tayoga, fully justified by the fierce code of the forest in striking him again, snatched his own paddle out of the water and gave him a smart rap with the flat of it across the back, at the same time upbraiding him fiercely in Huron.
"Dolt! Fool!" he exclaimed.

"Will you never learn how to hold your paddle?
Will you never know the stroke?
Will you tip us both into the water at such a time, when the messengers of the enemy are seeking to steal through?
Do better with the paddle or you shall stay at home with the old women, and work for the warriors!" Robert snarled in reply, but he did not repay the blow.

He made another awkward sweep that sent them farther on the outward curve, and he heard Jumonville's harsh laugh.

He was still the superb actor.