ward her. They had seen the favor with which
she was regarded by numbers of the warriors, and were filled with
jealousy at it. From them she had as much to fear as from the Indians
who wished to obtain her.

CHAPTER XIV.

THE RESCUE.

Rosalind was a good distance from the Ohio, and consequently a long way
was to be traveled by Kent and Leslie. During the first night of their
journey, a bright moon favored them, and they continued on without
halting until morning. The hunter struck the trail at an early hour in
the day, and the two continued their pursuit with renewed ardor until
the sun was high in the heavens, when they halted for rest.

When they finally halted, it was on the banks of Big Sandy, at the point
where the West Fork unites with it. Here they discovered signs of the
encampment of a large body of Indians. Leslie felt hope increase, and
was impatient to pursue their way. They judged it best--or rather Kent
judged it best--to remain in their present position, and follow the
trail only during the day.

The hunter left Leslie in order to search for game, as they both were
exceedingly hungry. He returned in a short time, to the surprise of
Leslie, who had not heard the report of his gun. Kent informed him that
he had slain it without firing a shot, as he dared not to risk one. A
fire was started, it being concealed by the river-bank as much as
possible, and their food was cooked. This finished, the fire was
extinguished, and they partook of the repast.

A moon as bright as that of the preceding night arose, and the clear
river, glistening in the moonlight like liquid silver, was visible for a
great distance. Leslie was soon asleep, but Kent lay awake the greater
part of the night, revolving in his mind the best course to pursue in
regard to capturing Rosalind. At last he hit upon the plan, and having
fully determined what to do, he fell into a peaceful slumber.

"Now to the rescue," said Leslie, springing to his feet as soon as it
was fairly light.

"I'd advise you to put a stopper on that jaw of yourn, if you don't want
the whole pack down here in a twinklin'," quickly retorted the hunter,
slowly coming to the sitting posture.

"Why, what's the matter, Kent?"

"Oh, nothin'; only there's a few Injins squatted over on t'other shore."

"Ah! well, they can't see us, at any rate, for a thick fog has gathered
during the night and is resting upon the river."

"Wal, they can hear you easy 'nough,