vexing problem?"

"It had to do with Indians, who you say are not to be found in these
forests. I could not help overhearing you, as I approached your camp."

Wilton reddened and then his generous impulse and sense of truth came
to his aid.

"I'll admit that I'm careless and that my knowledge may be small!" he
exclaimed. "But tell me the facts, Mr. Lennox. I judge by your face
that events of grave importance have occurred."

"Captain Colden, far east of this point, was attacked by a strong
force of French and Indians under the renowned partisan leader,
St. Luc. Tayoga, David Willet, the hunter, the famous ranger Black
Rifle and I were able to warn him and give him some help, but even
then we should have been overborne and destroyed had not a Mohawk
chief, Daganoweda, and a formidable band come to our aid. United, we
defeated St. Luc and drove him northward. Captain Colden lost several
of his men, but with the rest he is now marching to the junction with
you."

Wilton's face turned gray, but in a moment or two his eyes brightened.

"Then a special Providence has been watching over us," he said. "We
haven't seen or heard of an Indian."

His tone was one of mingled relief and humor, and Robert could not
keep from laughing.