Birds began to sing on the overhanging boughs, and a rabbit or two appeared in the valley.

These unconscious sentinels made him feel quite sure that no savages were near.
Curiosity about the battle between the forces of St.Luc and those of the rangers and Mohawks, smothered hitherto by his anxiety and care for Tayoga, was now strong in his breast.

It was barely possible that St.
Luc had spread a successful ambush and that all of his friends had fallen.

He shuddered at the thought, and then dismissed it as too unlikely.

Tayoga fell asleep again, and when he awoke he was not only able to sit up, but to walk across the cave.
"Tomorrow," he said, "I shall be able to sit near the entrance and load and fire a rifle as well as ever.