tion of
buying more land a dangerous one to be brought up, at that time, the boys
departed. They shook hands with Capt. Pipe and the braves standing near,
and Fishing Bird went with them as they carried their canoe down to the
water and launched it.

While pretending to show the lads about handling the canoe, this friendly
Indian warned them to watch out for Big Buffalo; that he supposed them to
be admirers of Gentle Maiden, with whom he was in love, and would kill
them if he got a chance. Moreover, that he had set out to kill them when
they first arrived and would have done so but through fear of Capt. Pipe
with whom they had made peace.

The information Fishing Bird imparted, with the exception of the latter
part, was no news to the boys; but it was so disquieting that instead of
paddling about the lake until evening, as they had intended, they crossed
the water, carried their canoe overland to the river, and went directly
home.

John was very blue over what had occurred, blaming himself for having
caused the trouble. Ree was not so much depressed. His nature was not one
of extremes; he was never hilariously merry, never completely dejected.

"It was no more your fault than my own, John," said he, as they talked of
Big Buffalo's display of malice. "You meant no harm, and if the ugly
fellow had not hated us to start with, he would not have taken offense so
easily. We may have some trouble with him, and again we may not. Capt.
Pipe will be on our side, I'm sure, for you heard what the chief said
about the rascal. The fact is, that in spite of all the stories we have
heard about Capt. Pipe and his cruelty, he has certainly been friendly
with us, and honest."

By talking in this way Ree restored John to a happier mood, and they were
both quite jolly again as they prepared and ate their supper. They looked
forward to many happy days in their canoe on the lake and river, and John
proposed to rig up a sail with the canvas which had been over their cart,
and by doing so to give the Indians quite a surprise.

That evening the boys turned their attention to making spears for
fishing. They used some seasoned hickory which Ree had put in the loft
during the winter for the making of bows, and were able to whittle stout,
sharp prongs out of that hard, tough wood. It was too late when the task
was completed, however, to try the spears that night, but the boys went
to bed promising themselves good sport the next evening.

Alt