If we are pressed too hard, we may resort to the rifles." Tayoga's words were so earnest and sententious, his manner so much that of a prophet, that Robert, in spite of himself, believed in the great impending danger that would come in the dark, and the hair on the back of his neck lifted a little.

Yet the day was still great and shining, the forest tinted gold with the flowing sunlight, and the pure fresh air blowing into the cave.

There the two youths, the white and the red, took their seats at either side of the entrance.

Tayoga held his rifle across his knees, but Robert put his and the quiver at his feet, while he held the bow and one arrow in his hands.
They talked a little from time to time and then relapsed into a long silence.

Robert noticed that nothing living stirred in the defile.