“If Dagaeoga works well, and always does as he is bidden,” said Tayoga, “perhaps I’ll let him look on at the ceremonies when I take my place as one of the fifteen sachems of the Onondaga nation.”

While they ate their venison and some bread they had also brought with them, they discussed the next stage of their journey, and Tayoga made a suggestion.  Traveling would remain difficult for several days, and instead of going directly to Albany, their original purpose, they might take a canoe, and visit Mount Johnson, the seat of Colonel William Johnson, who was such a power with the Hodenosaunee, and who was in his person a center of important affairs in North America.  For a while, Mount Johnson might, in truth, suit their purpose better than Albany.

The idea appealed at once to both Robert and Willet.  Colonel Johnson, more than any one else could tell them what to do, and owing to his strong alliance, marital and otherwise, with the Mohawks, they were likely to find chiefs of the Ganeagaono at his house or in the neighborhood.

“It is agreed,” said Willet, after a brief discussion.  “If my calculations be correct we can reach Mount Johnson in four days, and I don’t think we’re likely to cross the trail of an enemy, unless St. Luc is making some daring expedition.”

“In any event, he’s a nobler foe than De Courcelles or Jumonville,” said Robert.

“I grant you that, readily,” said the hunter.  “Still, I don’t think we’re likely to encounter him on our way to Mount Johnson.”

But on the second day they did cross a trail which they attributed to a hostile force.  It contained, however, no white footsteps, and not pausing to investigate, they continued their course toward their destination.  As all the snow was now gone, and the earth was drying fast, they were able almost to double their speed and they pressed forward, eager to see the celebrated Colonel William Johnson, who was now filling and who was destined to fill for so long a time so large a place in the affairs of North America.

CHAPTER VIII

WARAIYAGEH

Now, a few pleasant days of winter came.  The ground dried under comparatively warm winds, and the forest awoke.  They heard everywhere the ripple of running water, and wild animals came out of their dens.  Tayoga shot a young bear which made a welcome addition to their supplies.

“I hold that there’s nothing better in the woods than young bear,” said Willet, as he ate a juicy steak Robert had broiled over the coals.  “Venison is mighty good, especially so when you’re hungry, but you can get tired of it.  What say you, Tayoga?”

“It is true,” replied the Onondaga.  “Fat young bear is very fine.  None of us wants one thing all the time, and we want something besides meat, too.  The nations of the Hodenosaunee are great and civilized, much ahead of the other red people, because they plant gardens and orchards and fields, and have grain and vegetables, corn, beans, squash and many other things good for the table.”