and even heard human voices in conversation. Then a
gleam of light flickered among the trees, and the kindling camp-fire of
our three friends became visible.

The Indian now felt comparatively safe. He knew that, whoever the new
arrivals might be, they were unsuspicious of his presence in the
vicinity, and had encamped for the night. He also knew that when men
are busy with supper they are not very watchful, especially when danger
is not expected. He, therefore, gave them another quarter of an hour to
prepare supper, and then moved stealthily over the plain towards them.

On gaining the shelter of the trees, Petawanaquat advanced with cat-like
caution, until he could clearly see the travellers. He recognised them
instantly, and a dark frown settled on his features. His first thought
was to steal their horses, and thus leave them incapable of pursuing
further, but Ian Macdonald was too much of a backwoodsman to give a foe
the opportunity to do this. The horses were tethered close beside the
fire. Then the Indian thought of shooting them, but his gun being a
single-barrel, such as was sold to the Indians by the fur-traders, could
only dispose of one horse at a time, thus leaving the other two to his
incensed enemies, who would probably capture him before he could reload
or regain his own camp. With a feeling of baffled rage he suddenly
thought of murder. He could easily kill Ian Macdonald, could probably
reload before Rollin should overtake him, and as for Victor, he was
nothing! Quick as thought the Indian raised his gun, and took a long
steady aim at Ian's forehead.

The contemplative schoolmaster was looking at the fire, thinking of
Elsie at the time. He smiled as he thought of her. Perhaps it was the
smile that checked the savage perhaps it was the words, "Thou shalt not
kill," which had been sounded in his ears more than once during the past
winter by the missionary. At all events, the fatal trigger was not
drawn. Ian's contemplations were not disturbed, the gun was lowered,
and the savage melted once more into the deep shade of the thicket.

Returning to his own camp in the same cat-like manner as before,
Petawanaquat quietly but quickly packed his provisions, etcetera, on his
horse. When all was ready he tried to awaken Tony, but Tony slept the
sleep of infancy and comparative innocence. The Indian pushed him,
kicked him, even lifted him up and shook him, before he awoke. Then,
expressing aston