eyes and aquiline
nose and high cheek-bones were plainly distinguishable, while his long,
black hair, simply closed in one clasp (years before it was always
gathered in the defiant scalp-lock), floated like a veil behind him.
The soldier watched him until he disappeared around the corner of the
rock, and then patiently awaited his return.

The Huron was a most consummate swimmer, and moved, while in the water,
as silently as a fish. More from habit than anything else, as he found
himself in the eddy made by the twisting of the river around the upper
edge of the stone, he "backed water," and, for a moment, remained
perfectly motionless. The moon was in such a quarter of the sky that a
long line of shadow was thrown out from the rock, far enough to envelop
both Oonomoo and his canoe, lying several yards below him. As he
caught sight of the latter, he saw a Miami Indian seated in it,
apparently waiting and watching for some one. As quick as lightning
the meaning of the singular action of the other canoe flashed upon his
mind. By some means which he could only conjecture, the Miamis had
gained a knowledge of his movements. Perhaps the discovery of his boat
was what first awakened their suspicions. At any rate, they had
learned enough to satisfy themselves that a rich prize was within their
grasp. Leaving one of their number in the strange canoe, they had
passed on down-stream, concealing the absence of their comrade with
such skill, that the watchful eye of the Huron failed to detect it.
Beyond a doubt they were lingering in the vicinity, ready to come to
his assistance at the first signal.

The instructions of the warrior who remained behind were to shoot the
savage at the moment of his appearance, and, in case he had a
companion, to put out in the stream at once and call to his friends,
who would immediately come to him. A brief glance at the situation of
the Miami will show that his task was one of no ordinary peril,
especially if the returning Indian should have any apprehension of
danger. If he chose, the latter could swim out to the rock, and walk
over its surface to its outer edge, when he would be directly above the
Miami, and could brain him with his tomahawk in an instant. As the
physical exertion thus incurred would be greater than the simple act of
swimming out to the canoe, it was not likely such a thing would take
place, unless, as we have said, the suspicions of the approaching
savage be aroused.