Like enough, we shall have to tramp back by the woods." Half an hour later, the canoe put out.

Although they had little fear that any of the Indian canoes would be so far up Lake George, there was scarce a word spoken in the boat for some hours after starting.
Jonathan was always silent, and Nat, although talkative enough when in camp, was a man of few words when once embarked upon a serious expedition.

As for James, he had little inclination for conversation.
The enterprise was, he knew, one of extreme danger.

Had it been only a French force he was about to reconnoitre, or even one composed of French and Canadians together, he would have thought little of it; but he knew that the redskins would be roaming thickly in the forest, ahead of the army, and, much as he relied upon the skill and experience of the two scouts, he knew it would be difficult, indeed, to elude their watchful eyes.

He thought of the letters he had been writing, and wondered whether he should return to tear them up, or whether they would be read at home.
All the time he was thinking, he worked his paddle vigorously, and at a high rate of speed.