to feel tired. That
is the way Indians do, and Father says it is why they can travel day
after day and not be exhausted."

Rebby looked at her little sister admiringly. In woodland lore she
realized that Danna was much wiser than herself, and she was quite ready
to be guided by her.

When Mrs. Weston called the girls the next morning and received no
response she was not greatly surprised, as they often slept a little
later than their parents. "The extra sleep will do them no harm," she
said smilingly, as she and Mr. Weston sat down to the breakfast table;
therefore Rebby and Danna were well on their way before their father
took his hat from its accustomed place and discovered the strip of
birch-bark with its surprising message.

Mr. Weston read the note, and stood for a moment silent, thinking what
could be done. His first impulse was to hasten after his girls and
bring them safely home. Then came the thought of the peril of the
settlement. At any moment he might be called upon to help in its
defense. Every man would be needed. He recalled Danna's strength and
fearlessness, and her knowledge of the forest, and Rebby's quiet good
judgment. If there were dangers he believed his girls could meet them
fearlessly. Then, too, what a blessing it would be to have them bring
home a store of powder and shot. It would mean the salvation of the
settlement. Mr. Weston began to feel very proud of his little daughters
and to feel sure they would return safely.

"What is the trouble with your hat, Father?" questioned his wife. "You
stand looking at it as if it had some message for you."

"Indeed it has," Mr. Weston replied smilingly. "It tells me that we have
two of the bravest girls in America. Listen," and he read Rebby's note
aloud.

"'Tis a deed to make us proud," he said, "and 'twill give new courage to
every man in the settlement to know that a supply of powder will be here
to-morrow."

But it was a long and anxious day for Mrs. Weston. She knew the perils
of the forest, and her thoughts centered about lurking bears that might
spring out upon Rebby and Danna as they went through the wilderness. She
endeavored to find comfort by remembering that their errand was for the
cause of justice and freedom, and that a love stronger than her own was
about them.

CHAPTER XVII

A PERILOUS JOURNEY

Not until the girls reached the beginning of the forest trail, where