The state herald., 1914-10-23
CHAPTER Iv-contlnued.

to the right" commanded. Beyond
the roots of that big oak. Well
breakfast, and then rest awhile"
This was accomplished with sweep
OF the paddles. and we stepped ashore,
the Indians drawing the light canoe
well up into the mud. Brady stamping
about to restore circulation. Schultz
collapsed in his seat, and stopped to
shake him.
Tired, man? Move about and you'll
feel better"
"Mein Gott," he moaned. rolling his
eyes up at me imploringly. Il vos mos
ded init der tire-ness. Mein feet Won't
move ALREADY"
That will be all right, Schultz" l
said kindly. TIL help you ashore. and
you can rest awhile. until you feel bet
ter. I'll do the cooking this morning."
We were still too close to the settle
ments to be In very much danger. and
felt little necessity for guarding our
presence. White hunters penetrated
as far north as the forks. and any raid
ing parties OF hostile Indians would
have been reported. Brady shook his
head when / mentioned the possibility
smoking calmly.
There amt no redskins down in
YER" he returned confidently. Or
some o. the boys along the river would
o. let me know"
How far have we Gomez
He spoke to the Delawares, and one
OF them replied In his own language.
He reckons bout fifty miles, though
II would be less than that straight
across country. 1t takes maybe two
days an a night ter make the forks
with good padding"
As none OF the toll OF our progress
up stream had thus far fallen upon me
remained on guard over the tired
sleepers. cleaning away the debris OF
the meal. and packing the cooking
utensils back In the canoe. The men
slept soundly. although noticed how
any movement, even the slight rustic
Of leaves In 4 sudden pun OF wind
served to rouse Brady or the Indians
TO instant consciousness. They pos
sessed the instinct OF wild animals,
ever alert to danger. II must have
been fully noon when ! aroused them.
and we again headed the canoe up
stream. Brady willingly taking the sol.
dier's place at the after paddle, while
lay back in the stern. my coat serv.
ing for pillow. and finally fell asleep.
The river narrowed rapidly as we
advanced northward. until the great
trees on either bank nearly obscured
tho sun overhead. Tho DelawAres were
already exhibiting a disinclination to
proceed. and we were compelled TO
hold them by threats to their work.
Each mile OF advance northward added
TO their terror. and made our task
more dificult Once Brady struck the
chief. driving him back TO his place
In the canoe. This was when we dis.
covered unmistakable signs that par,
~ OF MiAnis had crossed the river
only shortly before We passed the spot.
However. We ran the Eauntic, safe.
". mere silent shadow slipping along
In the dark shade OF the protecting
bank. and thus finally attained the
forks. and landed on the west shore.
u, was dark when We got th.re. but the
Delawares were 20 eager 10 return.
tha, We Immediately put ashore all We
Intended to pack with US. and parted
with them gladly. tn. canoe shot
swiftly away Into the gloom. leaving
tho three OF US alone. Bearing our
loaSs with us. We gropcd n blind way
through the forest. back toward the
foot OF the blur. where we made camp,
a. best we might. at the mouth OF a
ra'lne. we'll sheltered by und.rbrinh,
and lay down. without v.nturinr 10
lisht nro. For some time. scarcely a
memory OF Rene D'Auvray had 70.
maincd with me. my mind being fully
oocupsed with tho Increasing peril OF
oar position. yet as lay thoro In IN.
silence. looking up Mt the stars. her
Eyes seemed suddenly to smile again
into mine. and I dreamed OF her As |
slept Ths dawn found us safe. seem
inrly alone In tho wilderness.