Now the battle begins." The forest gave forth a great shout, penetrating and full of menace, coming in full volume, and indicating to the shrewd ears of Tayoga the presence of two or three hundred warriors.

Robert knew, too, that a large force was now before them.

How long could the thirty hold back the Indian hosts?
Yet he had the word of Tayoga that Tododaho looked down upon them with benignity and that all the omens and presages were favorable.

There was a flash at his elbow and a rifle sang its deadly song in his ear.

Then Tayoga uttered a sigh of satisfaction.
"My bullet was not wasted," he said.
Robert waited his opportunity, and fired at a dusky figure which he saw fall.