Thirty men, including Willet, Robert, Tayoga and Wilton, were chosen as a fighting rear guard, and the hunter himself took command of it.

Spreading out in a rather long line to prevent being flanked, they dropped back and let the train pass out of sight on its eastern flight.
They were now about ten miles from the burned fort, and, evidences of pursuit not yet being visible, Robert became hopeful that the caution of Tandakora and De Courcelles would hold them back a long time.

He and Tayoga kept together, but the thirty were stretched over a distance of several hundred yards, and now they retreated very slowly, watching continually for the appearance of hostile warriors.
"They have, of course, a plain trail to follow," Robert said.

"One could not have a better trace than that made by wagon wheels.

It's just a matter of choice with them whether they come fast or not." "I think we are not likely to see them before the night," said Tayoga.
"Knowing that the column has much strength, they will prefer the darkness and ambush." "But they're not likely to suspect the screen that we have thrown out to cover the retreat." "No, that is the surprise we have prepared for them.