"And since you're alone," continued the merchant, "we ask you to join us, and will be happy if you accept. This is Mr. Robert Lennox, of very good blood too, and this is Tayoga, of the Clan of the Bear, of the nation Onondaga, of the great League of the Hodenosaunee, who, among his own people has a rank corresponding to a prince of the blood among yours, and who, if you value such things, is entitled therefore to precedence over all of us, including yourself. Mr. David Willet, Mr. Jonathan Pillsbury and Mr. Benjamin Hardy, who is myself, complete the catalogue." He spoke in a tone half whimsical, half earnest, but the young Englishman, who evidently had a friendly and inquiring mind, received it in the best spirit and gladly joined them. He was soon deep in the conversation, but his greatest interest was for Tayoga, from whom he could seldom take his eyes. It was evident to Robert that he had expected to find only a savage in an Indian, and the delicate manners and perfect English of the Onondaga filled him with surprise. "I would fain confess," he said at length, "that America is not what I expected to find. I did not know that it contained princes who could put some of our own to shame." He bowed to Tayoga, who smiled and replied: "What small merit I may possess is due to the training of my people." "Do you expect early service, Lieutenant Grosvenor?" Mr. Hardy asked. "Not immediate--I think I may say so much," replied the Englishman, "but I understand that our regiment will be with the first force that takes the field, that of General Braddock. 'Tis well known that we intend to march against Fort Duquesne, an expedition that should be easy. A powerful army like General Braddock's can brush aside any number of forest rovers." Robert and Willet exchanged glances, but the face of Tayoga remained a mask. "It's not well to take the French and Indians too lightly," said Mr. Hardy with gravity. "But wandering bands can't face cannon and the bayonet." "They don't have to face 'em. They lie hid on your flank and cut you down, while your fire and steel waste themselves on the uncomplaining forest." They were words which were destined to come back to Robert some day with extraordinary force, but for the present they were a mere generalization that did not stay long in his mind. "Our leaders will take all the needful precautions," said young Grosvenor with confidence.