Page:Edward Ellis--Seth Jones.djvu/102

Rh with them. The three whites did precisely the same thing—each in his own characteristic way. Seth leaped to one side, crouched down in his usual panther-like manner, and with his rifle in his left, and his knife in his right hand, waited until he could settle in his mind the precise spot upon which one of the savages was standing, before making a lunge at him.

It would be tedious to narrate the artifices and stratagem resorted to by these two opposing forces. Simon Kenton and Daniel Boone, once reached the opposite sides of the Ohio river at the same moment, and at the same time, each became aware of the presence of another person upon the other side. These two old hunters and acquaintances reconnoitered for over twenty-four hours, before they discovered that they were friends. For nearly two hours, the Mohawks and the whites maneuvered with the most consummate skill against each other. Now retreating and leading, dodging and eluding, each striving to lead the other into some trap that was as skillfully avoided, until, judging that Haverland was safe, Seth concluded to retreat himself, accordingly, he cautiously withdrew, and ten minutes later, found himself upon the outermost edge of the valley.

Ten minutes after Seth departed, Haldidge moved off, of course unknown to himself, in precisely the same direction. Graham soon adopted the same course. They all came out of the dangerous valley within twenty feet of each other. It took them some time before they came together; but, as each suspected the identity of the other, this did not require as long is it otherwise would.

"Now, boys," whispered Seth, "I cac'late we're out of the Valley of Death. Best give it a wide berth, is the private opinion of Seth Jones."

"But how about Haverland?" asked Graham.

"I think they must have come out near that point," replied the other.

"Let us move round then, and we've got to be spry, for daylight can't be far off, and I'm thinking as how them Ingins will find out that we've absconded; and my gracious! won't they feel cheap?"

Just as the light of morning appeared in the east, they came upon Haverland, and resumed their journey. No halt