It would have
bitterly hurt his pride if they had found the rifles, even had he and Paul
escaped.

An hour more they waited, and then the last warrior was out of sight, gone
up the river.

"I think we may crawl out now," whispered Henry; "but we've still got to
be mighty careful about it."

Pad took a step and fell over in the water. His legs were stiff with the
wet and cold; but Henry dragged him up, and before trying it again he
stretched first one leg and then the other, many times.

"We must make our way back through the logs and brush to the rifles,"
whispered Henry, "and then take to the woods once more."

"I think I've lived in a river long enough to last me the rest of my
life," Paul said.

Henry laughed. He, too, was stiff and cold; but, a born woodsman, he now
dismissed their long hiding in the water as only an incident. The two
reached the precious rifles and ammunition, drew them forth from
concealment, and stepped upon the bank, rivulets pouring from their
clothing, and even their hair.

"I think we'd better go back on our own trail now," said Henry. "The war
party has passed on, and is still looking for us far ahead."

"We've got to dry ourselves, and somehow or other get that powder to
Marlowe," said Paul.

"That's so," said Henry. "We came to do it, and we will do it."

He spoke with quiet emphasis, but Paul knew that he meant to perform what
he had set out to do, come what might, and Paul was willing to go with him
through anything. Neither would abandon the great task of helping to save
Kentucky. But they were still in a most serious position. They had been
many hours in water which was not now warmed by summer heat, and they were
bound to feel the effect of it soon in every bone. Henry glanced up at
the heavens. It was far past noon, and the golden sun was gliding down the
western arch.

"I think," said Henry, "that it would be best for us to walk, as fast as
we can on the back track, and then try to dry out our clothing a little."

He started at once, and Paul walked swiftly by his side. The rivulets that
ran from their clothing decreased to tiny streams, and then only drops
fell. The sinking sun shot sheaves of brilliant beams upon them, and soon
Paul felt a grateful warmth, driving for the time the chill from his
bones. He swung his arms as he walked, as much as the rifles would allow,
and nearly every muscle in his frame felt the touch of vigorous exercise.
His clothing dried rapid