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 thing