The captive ate a little--he had no appetite for more--and then tried to smooth out his hair and his clothing and to make himself more presentable.

He also straightened his worn figure, and sat more erect.
Tayoga gave silent approval.

Here was a man! He might be a prisoner, and be in a most desperate plight, but he would present the best possible face to his foes.

It was exactly what an Onondaga or a Mohawk warrior would do, and the young Englishman, though he knew little of the forest, was living up to its traditions.
"If he has to die," reflected Tayoga, "he will die well.

If his people hear that he has gone they will have no cause to be ashamed of the way in which he went.