s with us," said Henry. "They
look like good weapons, and they may save us in case of a rush. Ah, there
they come!"

Paul had noticed nothing, but Henry had seen the bushes at the edge of the
forest quiver, and then move contrary to the wind. His eye did not rest
upon any brown body, but he knew as well as if they had cried out that the
warriors were there. How many? That was the question that concerned him
most. If a great war party, they might hang on a long time; but if only a
small one, he and Paul might beat them off as often as they came. They
had four rifles, plenty of ammunition, enough food to last several days,
and he thanked God for the providential presence of the rain barrel.

These were but brief passing thoughts, and he never ceased to watch the
forest. Still no sign of a face, but now and then the unnatural quiver of
the bushes, and above them the sun spinning a fine golden, veil over all
the great wilderness.

"Our guests have come, Paul," said he, "but from safe cover they are
inspecting our front yard."

"And they don't know yet whether or not they would like to disport
themselves on our lawn."

"That is just it. They have doubts about their welcome."

"That being so," said Paul, in the light, jesting spirit that he loved,
"I'll just wait until they knock at our door. Meanwhile I'll take a drink
from that lucky cistern of ours."

He bent his head into the barrel, and as he drank he felt fresh strength
and courage rushing into his veins.

"It was great luck, wasn't it, to find this barrel?" he said.

"It certainly was," replied Henry, and his words came from the bottom of
his heart. "Now you watch while I take a drink."

Paul did so, but he noticed nothing unusual in the woods. The faint signs
that Henry read with such an unerring eye were hidden from him. But his
skill was sufficient to cover all the cleared space. No warrior could pass
there unseen by him. Henry rejoined him.

"You watch from one side and I'll take the other," he said.

They did so, but the single room of the cabin was so small that they were
only a few feet from each other, and could talk together in low tones.

"It will be a trial of patience," said Henry. "The Indian always has more
time than anybody else in the world, and he is willing to make the most of
it."

Paul, too, knew that Shawnees, no matter what their numbers, would not yet
risk a headlong attack on the cabin, and now his curiosity as to what they
woul