lay back luxuriously and their satisfaction was so intense that they
thought little of danger. Tandakora might be somewhere near, but it
did not disturb men who were as happy as they. The night came down,
heavy and dark, as had been predicted, and they smothered their fire,
but they remained before the coals, sunk in content.

They talked for a while in low tones, but, at length, they became
silent. The big hunter considered. He knew that, despite the revulsion
in feeling, they were not yet strong enough to undertake a great
campaign against their enemies, and it would be better to remain a
while in the valley until they were restored fully.

Beside their fire was a good enough place for the time, and Robert
kept the first watch. The night, in reality, had turned much warmer
and the sky was luminous with stars. The immense sense of comfort
remained with him, and he was not disturbed by the howling of the
wolves, which he knew had been drawn by the odor of game, but which he
knew also would be afraid to invade the camp and attack three men.

His spirits, high as they were already, rose steadily as he watched.
Surely after the Supreme Power had cast them down into the depths, a
miracle had been worked in their behalf to take them out again. It was
no skill of his that had led him to the bear, but strength far greater
than that of man was now acting in their behalf. As they had triumphed
over starvation they would triumph over everything. His sanguine mind
predicted it.

The next morning was crisp and cold, but not wet, and Robert ate the
most savory breakfast he could recall. That bear must have been fed on
the choicest of wild nuts, topped off with wild honey, to have been so
juicy and tender, and the thought of nuts caused him to look under the
big hickory trees, where he found many of them, large and ripe. They
made a most welcome addition to their bill of fare, taking the place
of bread. Then, they were so well pleased with themselves that they
concluded to spend another day and night in the valley.

Tayoga about noon climbed the enclosing ridge to the north, and, when
he returned, Willet noticed a sparkle in his eyes. But the hunter said
nothing, knowing that the Onondaga would speak in his own good time.

"There is another valley beyond the ridge," said Tayoga, "and a war
party is encamped in it. They sit by their fire and eat prodigiously
of deer they have killed."

Robert was startled, but he kept silent,