attention of the Indians that none had given him a
thought. They doubtless never questioned but what that death grapple
in the water had resulted fatally to both contestants. So much the
better for him. No search would be made, and he might escape, after
all. And dear Edith! At length he was free to go in search of her.
With this thought the lad took a new hold on life, grasped his friendly
oar more firmly, and tried to plan some course of action.

Making no motion that might attract hostile attention, he drifted
passively, until the sun had set in a flood of glory, and the stars
peeped timidly down at him from their limitless heights. By this time
he was some miles below the fort, and near the eastern bank of the
river. Though he had seen many canoes pass up stream, at a distance so
great that he was not noticed, there was now neither sign nor sound of
human presence, and very gently the young soldier began to swim toward
land. How blessed it was to touch bottom again, then to drag himself
cautiously and wearily into a clump of tall sedges, and lie once more
on the substantial bosom of mother earth. For an hour or more he
slept, and then, greatly refreshed, he awoke to renewed activity.

CHAPTER XXI

IN SEARCH OF A LOST SISTER

Donald had no difficulty in finding the broad trail that connected all
the widely scattered Indian villages on the east bank of the river, and
when he reached it he instinctively turned to the south. The main body
of the enemy lay to the northward, and to proceed in that direction
would be the height of folly. There was still one small camp below
him, as Donald knew from having seen it that morning when on his way up
the river, and to this he determined to go. He needed food, clothing,
arms, and a canoe. All of these might be obtained in an Indian camp,
as well as elsewhere, if only one dared go in search of them and
possessed the skill necessary to secure them. Much also would depend
on chance; but, after his recent experiences, the young soldier felt
assured that he had been born under a propitious star. At any rate, he
was ready to do and dare anything in furtherance of his present plan,
and so he set forth at a brisk pace in search of some source of
supplies.

He had covered several miles with every sense keenly alert, but without
detecting an indication of human presence, when he suddenly smelled an
Indian encampment. He could neither see nor hear anything of it,