compelled. By that time all the soldiers were awake and Captain Colden
talked with the other leaders, red and white. His instructions took
him farther west, where he was to build a fort for the defense of the
border, and, staunch and true, he did not mean to turn back because he
had been in desperate battle with the French and their Indian allies.

"I was sent to protect a section of the frontier," he said to Willet,
"and while I've found it hard to protect my men and myself, yet I must
go on. I could never return to Philadelphia and face our people
there."

"It's a just view you take, Captain Colden," said Willet.

"I feel, though, that my men and I are but children in the
woods. Yesterday and last night proved it. If you and your friends
continue with us our march may not be in vain."

Willet glanced at Robert, and then at Tayoga.

"Ours for the present, at least, is a roving commission," said young
Lennox. "It seems to me that the best we can do is to go with Captain
Colden."

"I am not called back to the vale of Onondaga," said Tayoga, "I would
see the building of this fort that Captain Colden has planned."

"Then we three are agreed," said the hunter. "It's best not to speak
to Black Rifle, because he'll follow his own notions anyway, and as
for Daganoweda and his Mohawks I think they're likely to resume their
march northward against the French border."