ut; and when liberated, he
sprang violently back, much inclined to run away, to their great
amusement.

"That is Raven, the chief," remarked Roughgrove to Glenn, pointing to
the one that first addressed them, and who was now conversing with
Boone, whom he seemed to know, or to have been familiar with his
character, from his animated gestures and the excited expression of
his features. Sneak stood in silence, a convenient distance apart,
apparently gleaning intelligence from the conference. The chief (as
are the members of this tribe generally) was extremely dark, tall,
athletic, and wore a ferocious aspect, while the few followers with
him manifested a curiosity to examine the apparel and accoutrements of
the whites, but without betraying any signs of an evil disposition.

"Are there not more of them in the vicinity?" inquired Glenn.

"Yes--quite a large party," said Roughgrove; "but Raven said he did
not wish to intimidate the whites by showing them, without first
extending the hand of friendship himself. They profess to entertain
the kindest feeling towards us, and propose through their chiefs to
traffic their furs and moccasins for such goods as we may be disposed
to give them in return."

"I do not see your oarsman, Posin," remarked Glenn, the disclosure of
Mary occurring to him--and then accosted Mary herself, who now joined
them with her eyes cast down in apparent bashfulness.

"His absence is a mystery to me," replied the old ferryman, "though I
do not attach the same importance to it that Mary does."

"Father"--uttered his daughter, and pausing in mingled timidity and
dread, as if some undefinable forebodings of harm oppressed her.

"I'll be shot if I understand all this to my liking," said Sneak,
staring at the great number of moccasin tracks that had been made
round the enclosure, which truly indicated that more than the four
chiefs present had been prowling there before daylight.

"Hush, Mr. Sneak!" said Joe; "they hear every word you say."

"Jest let me alone a minute," replied Sneak, getting down on his knees
and examining the various foot-prints with great minuteness. When he
rose he made some signs to Boone, which the others did not comprehend.

At this juncture several other Indians were seen to approach from the
valley above, where the party had encamped. These painted visitors
likewise came forward with sundry nods and gesticulations of
friendship, at the same time exhibiting several furred