s of the trunks and smaller
bushes, so that he saw a number of moccasins, without being able to
discern the bodies to which they belonged. He observed three or four
pairs, and the fringes of the leggings to the knees. The Pawnees were
walking, but their feet looked as if they were simply raised and put
down again, without advancing or retreating. Inasmuch, however, as they
soon disappeared, it was clear they were taking the right course--that
is, for the best interests of our friends.

The Sauk, with the upper half of his body erect, watched the warriors,
until they could be seen no longer, when he uttered an expression of
relief, for both he and Jack realized that their escape--if it should
prove to be such--was one of the narrowest possible. It is difficult to
conceive how, in the event of discovery, they could have saved
themselves from the Pawnees.

But the presence of the latter on that side of the river, was of
importance to the Sauk and Jack Carleton, and was likely to complicate
the situation. This would be especially true, if Deerfoot knew nothing
about it. He having set out on some errand of his own, might have been
led to a point which prevented him from discovering the canoe.

At any rate, the Sauk felt the necessity of keeping an eye on the
hostiles. He motioned to the lad to stay where he was, retaining his own
gun and Deerfoot's bow, while he looked after their enemies. Jack nodded
his head, and the warrior moved away.

From his position, prone on the earth, the youth was able to follow him
with his eyes for some distance. The sight was curious, as he dodged
from tree to tree, his body bent over like a centenarian under the
weight of his multitudinous years.

Nothing could have been done with more exquisite skill, and, when he too
passed from sight, the one left behind knew that the Pawnees would steal
no march upon them.

"Let me see," said he, his spirits rising as the situation improved,
"I've got plenty of ammunition for my rifle, and besides that, here are
Deerfoot's bow and arrows. If I had a fort, like that which sheltered
Otto and me on the other side the Mississippi, I might stand a siege.
There would be one good thing," he added, as he surveyed the aboriginal
weapon; "when I fired this off, none of the Indians would know which one
it was to hit--it certainly wouldn't be the one I aimed at, and I
couldn't guess for myself."

Rising to his feet, he scrutinized every part of the wood, but t