ent downstairs. Soon
afterwards Gideon Tuttle, who had been scouting near the house, came in,
stating that he had seen no light to the southward which would indicate
the camp-fires of an enemy, and that, according to his belief, none was
likely to appear. In this Uncle Jeff was inclined to agree with him.

Lieutenant Broadstreet now expressed a wish to proceed on his way; at
the same time, he said that he did not like to leave us until it was
certain that we were not likely to be exposed to danger.

"Much obliged to you, friend," said Uncle Jeff; "you are welcome to stay
here as long as you please; and Bartle Won will soon be in, when we
shall know all about the state of affairs."

It was our custom to breakfast at an early hour in the morning, as we
had to be away looking after the cattle, and attending to the other
duties of the farm.

The lieutenant happened to ask me why we called the location "Roaring
Water."

"I see only a quiet, decent stream flowing by into the valley below," he
observed.

"Wait until we have a breeze coming down the canon, and then you will
understand why we gave the name of 'Roaring Water' to this place," I
answered. "As I can be spared this morning, and there is not much chance
of the enemy coming, if you like to accompany me I will take you to the
cataract which gives its name to this 'quiet, decent stream,' as you
call it; then you will believe that we have not misnamed the locality."

We set off together. The lieutenant looked as if he would have liked to
ask Clarice to accompany us; but she was busy about her household
duties, and gave no response to his unspoken invitation.

Boy-like, I took a great fancy to the young officer. He was quiet and
gentlemanly, and free from all conceit.

I took him to Cold-Water Spring, at which Clarice had met the Indian;
and after swallowing a draught from it, we made our way onward over the
rough rocks and fallen logs until we came in sight of what we called our
cataract. It appeared directly before us, rushing, as it were, out of
the side of the hill (though in reality there was a considerable stream
above us, which was concealed by the summits of the intervening rocks);
then downward it came in two leaps, striking a ledge about half-way,
where masses of spray were sent off; and then taking a second leap, it
fell into a pool; now rushing forth again foaming and roaring down a
steep incline, until it reached the more level portion of the canon.