"In truth, I know of none other to whom I'd have mentioned it." When they took up the march the force numbered about fifty men, and Robert walked between Langlade and a stalwart Indian.

St.Luc was further on.

They did not seem to fear any ambush and Langlade chattered after his fashion.

He made the most of the French resources.
He spoke as if the Marquis de Montcalm had ten or fifteen thousand veteran French regulars, and half as many Indian warriors.
"Don't consider me contentious, Monsieur Langlade," said Robert, at last, "but I know full well that your general has not half that many troops, no, not a third, and that nearly all his Indians are about to leave him." "And how do you know that ?" exclaimed the Owl.

"Well, one Frenchman equals two of the English or the Bostonnais, and that doubles our numbers.