Page:Edward Ellis--Seth Jones.djvu/34

Rh was now high in the heavens, and its warm rays pierced the arches of the forest at many points, and there were golden patches of light scattered over the travelers' path. Several times they crossed small, sparkling streams, where sometimes could be seen signs of the pursued having slaked their thirst, and more than once the frightened deer hounded ahead, and paused and gazed in wonder at them, then leaped away again. Graham could hardly resist the temptation of bringing one of them down, especially as he began to feel a desire to taste them; but he too well knew the danger of risking a shot, when it might bring down their most mortal enemies in a moment upon them.

All at once, Seth halted and raised his hand.

"What does this mean?" he asked, gazing off in a side direction from the trail.

"What is it?" queried Graham, approaching him.

"The trail divides here. They must have separated, though I can't see what has made them."

"Isn't it a stratagem of theirs to mislead pursuers?"

"I believe it is! Here, you follow the main trail, while I take the side one, and we'll soon see."

Graham did as directed, although it cost him considerable trouble to perform his part. It proved as they expected. In a short time, the two trails united again.

"We must look out for such things," remarked Seth. "I've got to watch the ground closer, and you must look out that I don't pitch heels over head into a nest of the hornets."

They now proceeded cautiously and rapidly forward. About the middle of the afternoon, they halted beside a stream of considerable size. Seth produced a quantity of dried venison, which he had brought with him from the settlement, and of this they made a hearty meal. This done, they arose and again proceeded upon their journey.

"See there!" said Seth, pointing to the middle of the Stream. "Do you see that stone there? Notice how it is marked, and observe that print of a moccasin beside it. One of their number has slipped off of it. Let us be keerful."

He stepped into the water, and made his way carefully across, followed by Graham. When they stepped upon dry land again, the shades of evening were gathering over the