g about here,
as it is a rich country for the beaver," observed Peter. "We may then
hope ere long to find him."

The party now advanced more cautiously than before. They had certain
proof that old Michael was in the neighbourhood; for Laurence
discovered, by the side of a beaver pond, another of his father's traps.
Why it was deserted he could not tell. Peter was of opinion that he
had hurried away from the spot, probably on account of the appearance of
enemies, and had been unable to return. This increased Laurence's
anxiety. They now advanced according to Indian custom, concealing
themselves behind every bush and rock, and climbing each height or tall
tree whence they could obtain a view of the surrounding country.

It was towards evening, and they were looking out for a sheltered place
for their camp. Peter had gone to the summit of a hill and gazed around
for the purpose mentioned, when he came hurrying down.

"There are Blackfeet at the further end of the valley," he said, "and by
their movements they are evidently watching for some one. If it is your
father, we have no time to lose. We outnumber them, and may hope easily
to come off victorious."

"Oh, let us not delay a moment, or we may be too late to save him,"
exclaimed Laurence; and they and their allies pushed on as before in the
direction where Peter had seen the Blackfeet. By carefully keeping
among the thick underwood and trees they hoped to take their enemies by
surprise.

"Remember, my friends," said Laurence, "that though we conquer them, we
are to endeavour to spare their lives, and by no means to injure them."

With stealthy steps Laurence and his friends advanced towards the
Blackfeet, of whom they now discovered there were but five, while his
party numbered eight. They were so eager in tracking whatever they were
in pursuit of that, notwithstanding their usual wariness, they did not
discover the approach of Laurence and the Crees. Presently the
Blackfeet were seen to draw their bows, and several arrows winged their
flight through the air. At the same time Laurence caught sight of the
figure of a man, who sprang up from where he had been seated near a fire
to seek shelter behind a rock, firing his rifle as he did so. Laurence
recognised his father, and to his horror saw that two arrows had pierced
his body. The moment he fired, one of the Blackfeet fell to the ground.
The old man stood as if uninjured, calmly reloading his weapon;