but not hidden in the dusk.

"So Tododaho has brought us safely across the waters of Ganoatohale," said
the Onondaga.

"Have you any idea of the point to which we have come?" asked Robert.

"No, but it is sufficient that we have come to the shore anywhere. And see,
Dagaeoga, the mists and vapors still hang heavily over the western half of
the lake, forming an impenetrable wall that shuts us off from Tandakora
and his warriors. Truly we are for the time the favorites of the gods."

"Even so, Tayoga, you see, too, that we have come to land just where a
little river empties into the lake, and we can go on up it."

They paddled with vigorous arms into the mouth of the stream, and did not
stop until the day came. It was a beautiful little river, the massed
vegetation growing in walls of green to the very water's edge, the songs of
innumerable birds coming out of the cool gloom on either side. Robert was
enchanted. His spirits were still at the high key to which they had been
raised by the events of the night. Both he and Tayoga had enjoyed many
hours of rest in the canoe, and now they were keen and strong for the day's
work. So, it was long after dawn when they stopped paddling, and pushed
their prow into a little cove.

"And now," said Robert, "I think we can land, dress, and cook some of this
precious deer, which we have brought with us in spite of everything."

Their clothing had been dried by the sun, and they resumed it. Then, taking
all risks, they lighted a fire, broiled tender steaks and ate like giants
who had finished great labors.

"I think," said Tayoga, "that when we proceed a few miles farther it will
be better to leave the canoe. It is likely that as we advance the river
will become narrower, and we would be an easy target for a shot from the
bank."

"I don't like to abandon a canoe which has brought us safely across the
lake."

"We will put it away where it can await our coming another time. But I
think we can dare the river for some distance yet."

Robert had spoken for the sake of precaution, and he was easily persuaded
to continue in the river some miles, as traveling by canoe was pleasant,
and after their miraculous escape or rather rescue, as it seemed to them,
their spirits, already high, were steadily rising higher. The lone little
river of the north, on which they were traveling, presented a spectacle of
uncommon beauty. Its waters flowed in a clear, silver stream down to the
lake, deeper