ad
not been so great, as the amount of standing water was much less and the
streams were not so swollen. The air, too, was decidedly warmer, and
while the forest had been stripped of all its leaves, it did not look so
gloomy. A brilliant sun came out, flooded trees and bushes with light,
and gave to the earth an appearance of youth and vitality that it has so
often and so peculiarly in autumn, although that is the period of decay.
He felt its tonic thrill, and when he came to a clear creek he decided
that he would put himself in tune with the purity and clearness of the
world about him.

He had lain so long in his clothes that he felt he must have the touch
of clean water upon him, and, daring everything, he put his arms aside,
removed his clothing and plunged into the creek. It made him shiver and
gasp at first, but he kicked and dived and swam so hard that presently
warmth returned to his veins, and with it a wonderful increase of
spirits.

When he came out he washed his clothing as well as deerskin could be
washed, and, wrapped in the blanket and painted coat, ran up and down
the bank, or otherwise exercised himself vigorously, while it dried in
the bright sun. It was a matter of hours, but it pleased him to feel
that he was purified again and that he could carry out the purification
in the very face of Indian pursuit itself. When he put on his clothing
again he felt remade and reinvigorated in both body and mind, and,
resuming his weapons, he set out once more upon his northward way.

The day continued warm and most brilliant, as if atonement were being
made to him for the storms of snow and rain. He came to a stretch of
country in which it was obvious that very little snow, if any, had
fallen, as the trees were still thick with leaves in the deep colors of
autumn, and it was satisfying to the eye to look upon the red glow
again.

Late in the afternoon he saw five smokes in a half curve to the south,
and he knew well enough that they were made by his pursuers. They were
much nearer than those he had seen earlier in the day, but it was due to
the long delay made necessary by his swim and the drying of his clothes.
The rapid gain did not make him feel any particular apprehension. The
joy of the struggle came over him. He was matched against the whole
power of the Shawnee, Miami and kindred nations, and if they thought
they could catch him, well, let them keep on trying. They should bear in
mind, too, that the hun