Rain or hail, sleet or snow might cover the
passage of a warrior, but the dazzling sunlight that enlarged twigs
two hundred yards away into boughs, seemed to make all such efforts
vain. Yet he knew Tayoga, and he still believed.
Soon a stir came in the forest, and they heard a long, droning
chant. A dozen warriors appeared coming out of the north, and they
were welcomed with shouts by the others.
"Hurons, I think," said Willet. "Yes, I'm sure of it. They've
undoubtedly sent away for help, and it's probable that other bands
will come about this time." He reckoned right, as in half an hour a
detachment of Abenakis came, and they too were received with approving
shouts, after which food was given to them and they sat luxuriously
before the fires. Then three runners arrived, one from the north, one
from the west, and one from the east, and a great shout of welcome was
uttered for each.
"What does it mean?" Wilton asked Robert.
"The runners were sent out by De Courcelles and Tandakora to rally
more strength for our siege. They've returned with the news that
fresh forces are coming, as the exultant shout from the warriors
proves."
The young Philadelphian's heart sank.
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