nd the next moment a canoe shot out
from the bank and headed directly toward them. This being the case, it
was impossible to determine the number of savages in it, although there
must have been several.

"Would it not be best to move to prevent discovery?" asked the
Lieutenant, as he watched the approaching Shawnees with considerable
anxiety.

"Won't land here--go 'low us."

A moment later the head of the canoe turned down-stream. It was then
seen to be of considerable size. Five savages were seated within it.
Oonomoo bent his head, took one earnest glance at them, and then said:

"Ain't Shawnees--Miamis."

"Friends or foes?"

"Jes' as bad--take scalp--kill white people--take your scalp--see you."

Lieutenant Canfield by no means felt at ease at the indifference with
which his friend uttered these words. It certainly was no pleasant
prospect--that of having these bloodthirsty Miamis for such near
neighbors, and he expressed as much to Oonomoo.

"Won't come here--keep quiet--won't git hurt," replied the
imperturbable Huron.

Considerably relieved at this assurance, he said no more, but watched
the canoe. To his astonishment and dismay it again changed its course,
and headed directly toward the rock in front of them. He looked at his
companion, but his face was as immovable as a statue's and, determined
not to show any childish fear, he maintained his place and said no more.

Reaching the outer end of the rock, the Miamis halted for a moment or
two, when they turned down the river again, and landed about a hundred
yards below where our two friends were standing. The latter waited for
full half an hour, when, seeing and hearing nothing more of them, the
Huron resolved to obtain his canoe, and continue their journey down the
river.

"But where is it?" asked the soldier, when he announced his intention.

"Fastened out end of rock."

"May be the Miamis discovered it and have destroyed it."

"Dunno--meb' so--didn't take him 'way, dough."

"Is the water very deep?"

"Two--t'ree--twenty feet--swim dere."

As it seemed impossible to run even the most ordinary risk, the
Lieutenant felt no apprehension at all when he saw him walk down to the
water without his rifle, and wade out and commence swimming. The moon,
as we have said, was unusually bright, and not only the dark, ball-like
head of the Huron could be seen, floating on the surface, but, when his
face was turned in the right direction, his black