e two men noticed that the
centre of their whirlings was a large dead trunk of a tree that had been
broken off between thirty and forty feet from the ground. Around this
stub of a tree the birds whirled and scolded, and occasionally some of
them would light on the rough, jagged edge of the top, and seemed to be
peeping down into the heart of the dead tree. The curiosity of the men
was aroused, and they wondered what animal the birds had there
discovered. Immediately they started for it, keeping their guns in
readiness to fire if it, whatever it was, should attempt to escape.
When they reached the spot there was not a track visible of any animal.
The birds whirled around if possible more noisily than ever, and so it
was evident to the men that there was something in that tree. Drawing
his axe from his belt, Big Tom made ready to pound against the side
while Mustagan, with pointed gun, was on the alert to shoot any animal
that the noise should disturb and cause to attempt to escape. With
lusty vigour Big Tom pounded away at the old tree, while carefully
Mustagan watched the top. In an instant after there were two very much
amazed Indians. For from the interior of that old tree thus vigorously
assailed there came the faint cry of a human being! What his first
words were neither man was particular to inquire. It was enough for
their quick wits to tell them that they had found the lost man for whom
they were seeking, and that he was still alive!

At once they lifted up their voices and shouted words of cheer and
encouragement to the imprisoned Pasche. Then they called to the rest of
the party who were at the fire to hasten to them. Neither the boys nor
the men required a second call. They were speedily at the side of the
two old Indians who, for such people, were very perceptibly excited.

At first the boys could hardly take in the situation, but quickly it
dawned on them that here was an imprisoned, half-starved man who must be
helped out of his dangerous predicament. What had best be done was the
question that Mustagan, Big Tom, and the other Indians were discussing.
Some suggested cutting down the big tree at once. This was discouraged
by some, who said that the blows of the axe on the dead tree would
dislodge so much dry, dusty, rotten wood that it would about smother the
imprisoned man. So it was quickly decided that he must be pulled out of
the top where, it was quite evident, he had fallen in. At once