They lifted their fine,
three-cornered hats, and bowed politely, and Colden, Willet and Robert
were not inferior in courtesy. Then the Frenchmen walked away into the
forest, while the three Americans went inside the palisade, where the
heavy gate was quickly shut behind them and fastened securely. But
before he turned back Robert thought he saw the huge figure of
Tandakora in the forest.
When the French officers disappeared several shots were fired and the
savages uttered a long and menacing war whoop, but the young soldiers
had grown used to such manifestations, and, instead of being
frightened, they felt a certain defiant pleasure.
"Yells don't hurt us," said Wilton to Robert. "Instead I feel my
Quaker blood rising in anger, and I'd rejoice if they were to attack
now. A very heavy responsibility rests upon me, Robert, since I've to
fight not only for myself but for my ancestors who wouldn't fight at
all. It rests upon me, one humble youth, to bring up the warlike
average of the family."
"You're one, Will, but you're not humble," laughed Robert. "I believe
that jest of yours about the still, blood of generations bursting
forth in you at last is not a jest wholly.
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