long the banks above here; for as the other varmints took
off to the east, it am't improbable they've just steered a little round
about, to come down on 'em, while these went right straight ahead."

At once proceeding upon this suggestion, Boone and his companions
commenced a close examination along the shore; which finally resulted
in their finding, as had been premised, not the canoes themselves, but
traces of where they had recently been, together with the trail of the
other party, who had also arrived at this point and crossed over.
This caused no little sensation among our pursuers; who, scanning the
footprints eagerly, and perceiving thereby that the prisoners were
still along with their captors, scarcely knew whether most to grieve or
rejoice. One thing at least was cheering--they were still alive; and
could their friends, the present party, succeed in crossing the river
during the night, might be rescued. But where was Isaac and his band,
was the next important query. If, as they ardently hoped, he and his
comrades had not lost the trail, they might be expected to join them
soon--a reinforcement which would render them comparatively safe.

Meantime the storm had wholly subsided--the wind blew strong and cold
from the northwest--a few broken, dripping clouds sailed slowly
onward--while the sun, a little above the horizon, again shone out clear
and bright, and painted a beautiful bow on the cloudy ground of the
eastern heavens.

"Well, lads, the storm's over, thank God!" said Boone, glancing upward,
with an expression of satisfaction; "and now, as day-light'll be scarce
presently, we'll improve what there is, in constructing a raft to cross
over on; and maybe Isaac and the rest on 'em will join us in time to get
a ride."

As the old hunter concluded, he at once applied himself to laying out
such drift logs as were thought suitable for the purpose, in which he
was assisted by three of the others, the remaining two proceeding into
the bushes to cut withes for binding them together; and so energetic and
diligent was each in his labors, that, ere twilight had deepened into
night, the rude vessel was made, launched, and ready to transport its
builders over the waters. They now resolved to take some refreshment,
and wait until night had fully set in, in the faint hope that Isaac
might possibly make his appearance. With this intent, our party retired
up the bank, into the edge of the wood that lined the shore, for the