Page:Edward Ellis--Seth Jones.djvu/50

Rh "Let us depart, then. You will accompany us, of course, Graham?"

"Certainly; but I should like to inquire your intentions?" asked he, pausing on the bank a moment, as the others seated themselves.

"I should think you would remember we can have but one intention," answered Haverland, in a tone of slight rebuke.

"That is not exactly what I meant. Of course, I knew your ultimate intention, but I wished to inquire what course you intended to pursue."

"Oh, that's it!" replied Haldidge. "I've been considerable among the redskins of this region, and know that they can be soonest reached by going down the river some distance further—several miles below this bend—and taking the land."

"But my experience tells me you are mistaken this time. Ina's captors are now at no great distance, and the shortest course to them, you will find, is in a direct line from here, across the open prairie, the other side the river."

"At any rate, we will cross to the opposite bank; so step in."

"Wait a minute. What does that mean?"

As Graham spoke, he pointed quickly up the river. From the position of the two within the boat, they could discern nothing.

"Jump ashore, quick, and pull the boat out of sight. There's something a-foot, and you musn't be seen," exclaimed Graham excitedly, in an undertone, as he stooped and grasped the prow of the canoe. The men sprang ashore, and in an instant the vessel was hauled up out of sight, while the three made themselves invisible, and from their hiding-places eagerly watched the river.

The object which had arrested the attention of Graham, was a second canoe, which was just making its appearance round the bend above, which had first brought his friends to view. This latter one was of about the same size, and could be seen to hold either three or four persons. The dark-tufted heads of the occupants, rising like statues in the boat, showed unmistakably that they were Indians.

As it came nearer and nearer, Haldidge whispered there was a fourth person in the stern, and she was a female!