ond the bounds of the region
avoided by the Indians, and they also had no doubt that the Indian
camp was situated farther up the river, probably at some convenient
landing-place for canoes.

Finally Ed Matheson, who had the lead, halted and held up his hand.

"Smoke," he whispered, sniffing the air. "Aye," whispered Dick, also
sniffing.

Ed now sank to his hands and knees, pausing frequently in his advance
to reconnoitre. Presently he ceased to move, his rifle extended before
him, until Dick and Bill drew along side.

"There's th' fire," he whispered, "an' there's where they was camped,
but it's lookin' t' me as if they's gone."

The smouldering embers of a camp-fire in the centre of the open spot
where the wigwam had stood the previous day, lay directly in front of
them. On a tree hung some unfinished snow-shoe frames, and there were
many signs of a hurried departure.

"What you think?" Dick whispered.

"Th' devils may be hidin' back here," answered Ed. "You an' Bill stay
now, an' watch, whilst I looks."

Very cautiously Ed stole away, and Dick Blake and Bill Campbell waited
patiently for an hour, when they discovered him walking boldly down
toward them.

"They's gone," he announced. "I seen their canoe makin' a landin' on
th' other side where th' river widens, away up above here."

An examination of the camping ground confirmed their conclusion that
the Indians had in some manner learned of their danger and had fled,
evidently in great haste, leaving behind them the snowshoe frames and
some other trifles.

"That's explainin', now, what that sneakin' Injun lass was up to,"
declared Ed.

"What were she up to, now?" asked Dick.

"She were up to this," said Ed: "she were watchin' at th' river tilt
for our comin', an' when we comes she up an' tells th' Injuns we're on
their trail, an' they gets out quick. That's why she weren't stoppin'
when she sees our fire last night, an' we'll never be seein' her
again. She's a Nascaupee, an' it's lookin' now as if th' Nascaupees
an' Mingens'll be workin' t'gether, an' if they be, they'll be layin'
for us, now, an' we got t' look out."

"Aye," agreed Dick, "that's what they'll be doin', now, an' we got t'
look out."

"Well," sighed Ed, as they turned to retrace their steps to the
portage trail, "we may's well get back an' lay our plans. Them Injun
females is worse'n wolverines; they's no trustin' any of un."

XIV

THE MATCHI MANITU IS CHEATED

"Well," said