the finest periods of the
year, wondering at the magnificence of the forest, and the great
number of streams that came rushing down from the mountains.

"It's a noble country," said Grosvenor to Robert. "I'll admit all
that you claim for it."

"And there's so much of it, Grosvenor, even allowing for the portion,
the very big portion, the French claim."

"But from which we are going to drive them very soon, Robert, my lad."

"I think so, too, Grosvenor."

Often Robert, Willet and Tayoga went far ahead on swift foot,
searching the forest for ambush, and finding none, they would come
back and watch the axmen, three hundred in number, who were cutting
the road for the army. They were stalwart fellows, skilled in their
business, and their axes rang through the woods. Robert felt regret
when he saw the splendid trees fall and be dragged to one side, there
to rot, despite the fact that the unbroken forest covered millions of
square miles.

The camps at night were scenes of good humor. Scouts and flankers
were thrown out in the forest, and huge fires were built of the fallen
wood which was abundant everywhere. The flames, roaring and leaping,
threw a ruddy light over the soldiers, and gave them pleasant warmth,
as often in the hills the dusk came on heavy with chill.

Despite the favorable nature of the season some of the soldiers unused
to hardships fell ill, and, more than a week later, when they reached
a place known as the Little Meadows, Braddock left there the sick and
the heavy baggage with a rear guard under Colonel Dunbar. A scout had
brought word that a formidable force of French regulars was expected
to reinforce the garrison at Fort Duquesne, and the general was
anxious to forestall them. Young Washington, in whom he had great
confidence, also advised him to push on, and now the army of chosen
troops increased its speed.

Robert came into contact with Braddock only once or twice, and then he
was noticed with a nod, but on the whole he was glad to escape so
easily. The general brave and honest, but irritable, had a closed
mind. He thought all things should be done in the way to which he was
used, and he had little use for the Americans, save for young
Washington, and young Morris, who were on his staff, and young Shirley
who was his secretary. To them he was invariably kind and considerate.

The regular officers made no attempt to interfere with Robert, Tayoga
and Willet, who, having their commissions as s