Page:Edward Ellis--Seth Jones.djvu/105

102 "The cowards are poking; around the woods, fixing out some plan to ambush us again. They've no idea we've smelt the rat that's brewing in the bud, and they're too cowardly to show their faces until they find they've got to, or let us slip."

"Shall we tell Haverland?"

"No; I will let Haldidge know it, if he hasn't found it out already. The raft has got to be made, and we must keep on at it till it's finished, as though we knowed every thing was right. Keep still now, or Alf will notice our talking."

They were so close to the woodman that they changed their conversation.

"No material?" asked Haverland, looking up.

"It's rather scarce down where we've been," replied Graham.

"Shan't I help you?" asked Ina, looking up archly.

"I guess we won't need your help as Haldidge seems to have enough already."

The hunter at this moment approached, bending under the weight of two heavy limbs. These were instantly lashed together, but it was found that the raft was much too weak and light, and more stuff was necessary before it would even float Ina. Accordingly, Haldidge plunged into the wood again. Seth walked beside him until they were a few yards away, when he asked:

"Do you understand?"

"What?" asked the hunter in astonishment.

"Over there," answered Seth, jerking his thumb over his shoulder toward the log mentioned.

"Redskins?"

"I rather guess so."

"I smelt them, awhile ago. You'd better go back and watch Alf. I'll get enough wood. Danger!"

"No; they'll try some game; look out for yourself."

With this, Seth turned on his heel and rejoined Haverland. Graham was a short distance away cutting withes, which the woodman was as busily using. As Seth came up he noticed Ina. She was sitting upon the ground a few feet from her father, and her attention seemed wholly absorbed with something down the stream. Seth watched her closely.

"Isn't that a log yonder?" she asked.

Seth looked in the direction indicated. With no small