is a true brave," said the Indian, "but he is young. When the
wrinkles of age are on his brow he will be a great chief. Okematan's
heart is with him to turn back and fight, but wisdom says, go to the
Settlement, get men, and return as fast as you can."

"Then the sooner we set about it the better, for when wan's mind is made
up, talk iss only lost time."

With that he shoved the canoe off into the stream, and paddling was
resumed with redoubled vigour.

They proceeded in silence till the blush of rosy day in the east
dispelled the intense darkness. Then, pulling ashore, they kindled a
small fire, and, while the chief re-gummed the seams of the canoe, which
leaked a little, the others prepared and ate a hasty breakfast.

They were still engaged with this meal, and discussing, not very
hopefully, the possibility of reaching Red River Settlement and
returning in time to render relief to Dan--supposing that he should
require relief--when the sound of fast-dipping paddles was heard beyond
the bend of the river just below them.

Another moment, and four large canoes, each manned by eight men, swept
into view, their red sides glowing in the morning sun, and their
occupants driving the water behind them in foam by the vigour of their
strokes.

At first it was supposed that this was another band of Indians
proceeding, possibly, to join that from which they had just escaped; but
the fugitives were speedily undeceived by the appearance of the men as
they drew nearer.

"I would be thinkin' that the man in the bow o' the first canoe is
Antoine Dechamp," said Fergus, as he stood peering over the bushes at
the advancing brigade.

"I'm sure it's Dechamp. I'd know him a mile off," said Archie.

"Ay, an' they hev got sight o' the smoke of our fire, too," added
Fergus.

"It is Dechamp," said Okematan, decisively, as he stepped into the open
and held up his hand to the new arrivals.

A cheer was raised by those in the canoes when the Cree chief was
recognised, and the flotilla, coming on at full speed, soon reached the
bank.

Explanations were speedily exchanged, and our fugitives learned that
news had been carried to the Settlement of the approach of the very band
of Saulteaux whom they had encountered, and a band of fiery young men,
led by Dechamp, had come out to meet them for the purpose of asking them
whether they meant their visit to be friendly, or whether they wished to
measure their strength with the men of Red