They dropped down to a walk, and took another deep curve toward the south, and now also to the east.  Their present course, if persisted in, would bring them back to the lake.  The night was still dark, but their trained eyes had grown so used to it that they could see very well in the dusk.  Both were looking back and at the same time they saw a shadowy figure appear in the forest behind them.  Robert knew that it was the vanguard of the pursuit which was drawing uncomfortably close, at least for him.  A shout from the warriors was followed by a shot, and a bullet cut its way through the leaves near them.

“I think we ought to give ’em a hint that they come too close, at their peril,” said Willet, and raising his own rifle he sent back an answering shot which did not go astray.  The first warrior fell, and others who had come forward in the undergrowth gave back for the time.

“They’ll take the hint,” said the hunter, “and now we’ll increase our speed.”

He reloaded, as they ran, and a little later Robert sent a bullet that struck the mark.  Once more the warriors shrank back for the time, and the hunter and lad, using their utmost speed, fled toward the southwest at such a great rate that the pursuit, at length, was left behind and finally was lost.  Day found their foes out of sight, and two or three hours later they came to the mouth of the creek, where they were to meet Tayoga, in case he succeeded.

“And now the rest is in other hands than ours,” said Willet.

Forcing themselves to assume a patience they could scarcely feel, they sat down to wait.

CHAPTER V

TAYOGA’S SKILL

They still had food left in their knapsacks, and they ate a portion, drinking afterward from the creek.  Then they resumed their places in the dense undergrowth, where they could watch well and yet remain hidden.  They could also see from where they lay the shimmering waters of Andiatarocte, and the lake seemed to be once more at peace.  They felt satisfaction that they had completed their part of the great enterprise, but their anxiety nevertheless was intense.  As Willet had truly said, Tayoga’s share was the more dangerous and delicate by far.

“Do you think he will come?” Robert asked after a long silence.

“If any human being could come under such circumstances and bring Grosvenor with him, it is Tayoga,” replied the hunter.  “I think sometimes that the Onondaga is superhuman in the forest.”

“Then he will come,” said Robert hopefully.

“Best not place our hopes too high.  The hours alone will tell.  It’s hard work waiting, but that’s our task.”

The morning drew on.  Another beautiful day had dawned, but Robert scarcely noticed its character.  He was thinking with all his soul of Tayoga and Grosvenor.  Would they come?  Willet was able to read his mind.  He was intensely anxious himself, but he knew that the strain of waiting upon Robert, with his youthful and imaginative mind, was greater.  He was bound to be suffering cruelly.