that we could discern the bottom of the
valley more clearly than at first, and hoping soon to discover a
sufficiently gentle slope which we might be able to descend. But we
were deceived, and though Uncle Mark and I made our way down in several
places, we saw that the waggon would certainly be upset should we
attempt to get it down. We were almost in despair of success, for the
ravine appeared to run on to the southward with equally rugged sides as
at first. The panting oxen, too, could scarcely drag on the waggon, and
we began to fear that they would fall unless water should be found. We
urged them on, however, for stopping to rest would not avail them, and
might prove our destruction.

Morning at length broke, when we saw a hill before us which seemed to be
the termination of the ravine; and as the light increased, to our joy we
caught sight of a silvery line of water making its way along the course
of the valley. Our eagerness to reach the bottom was now greater than
ever; and we could with difficulty restrain the oxen from rushing down
the bank. We had to keep at their heads, indeed, to prevent them
attempting so mad a performance.

On we went, till we saw before us what we had so long been looking
for,--a gentle slope which it would be easy to descend, while on the
opposite side the ground was equally favourable for again ascending to
the same elevation as before. Putting the drag on the wheel, we
commenced the undertaking; and though I more than once feared that the
waggon would be upset, we reached the bottom in safety. Then,
immediately unyoking the tired oxen, we hurried to the fountain-head to
obtain water, while they rushed to a pool close below it, where they
could more easily drink. Near at hand was an abundance of fresh grass,
with which they quickly recruited their strength.

Aunt Hannah and Lily offered to watch while we lay down and took the
sleep we so much required.

"I will keep a look-out all round, and if I see any suspicious Indians
approaching I'll scream loud enough to wake you all," said Lily, half in
joke, as if she were not at all anxious on the subject.

"One thing is very certain,--if they do come, we cannot run away from
them," observed Uncle Mark. "We must hope that they will prove
friendly, for if not we shall have to beat them or be cut to pieces.
However, we will trust to your watchfulness, and pick up a little
strength to continue our journey."

We accordingly lay dow