their light far over the water, and they think that we won't be able
to hide then."

"Which proves that they are in great force on both shores," said
Tayoga.

"How does it prove it?" asked Robert.

The Onondaga laughed softly.

"O Dagaeoga," he said, "you speak before you think. You are always
thinking before you speak, but perhaps it is not your fault. Manitou
gave you a tongue of gold, and it becomes a man to use that which he
can use best. It is very simple. To drag up the fallen wood for such
big fires takes many men. Nor would all of them be employed for such
work. While some of them feed the flames others are seeking us. We can
look for their canoes soon."

"Their plan isn't a bad one for what they want to do," said the
hunter. "A master mind must be directing them. I am confirmed in my
opinion that St. Luc is there."

"I've been sure of it all the time," said Robert; "it seems that fate
intends us to be continually matching our wits against his."

"It's a fact, and it's strange how it's come about," said the hunter
thoughtfully.

Robert looked at him, hoping he would say more, but he did not
continue the subject. Instead he said: