THE SINISTER SIEGE Dawn came, very clear and beautiful, with the air crisp and cool.

Robert divided the last of the venison between Tayoga and himself, and when he had eaten his portion he was still hungry.

He was quite certain that the Onondaga also craved more, but a stoic like Tayoga would never admit it.
His belief the day before that this was the time for him to go forth and hunt was confirmed.

The game would be out, and so might be the savages, but he must take the chance.
Tayoga had kept his bow and quiver of arrows strapped to his back during their retreat, and now they lay on a shelf in the cave.

Robert looked at them doubtfully and the eyes of the Onondaga followed him.
"Perhaps it would be best," he said.
"I can't bend the bow of Ulysses," said Robert, "but I may be able to send in a useful arrow or two nevertheless." "You can try." "But I don't want any shot to go amiss." "Strap your rifle on your back, and take the bow and arrows also.