o danger."

"We _ought_ to understand enough," said Leland, significantly, "but the
fact is, we do _not_. There are so many contrivances these cunning
rascals devise for a white man's destruction, that one needs to have a
schooling of years in their ways to understand them. However," he added,
in a whisper, "I understand _that_ contrivance yonder."

"What is that?" inquired his companion, in some excitement.

"Take a careful look down-stream and tell me whether you see anything
unusual."

"No--I don't know as I do," slowly repeated Leslie. "Hold on--yes, I
do--yonder is a log, or more likely two or three of them--a raft. I
suppose, Leland, it is for our benefit."

"Undoubtedly. It was constructed for the benefit of the white race
generally; and, as we come first we are to be served first."

"Let us cut in to shore and give them the slip."

"It may be the very thing they wish us to do. The action of the savages,
so far, shows that they are more anxious to take prisoners than to slay
men. So keep quiet and don't allow yourself to become nervous."

CHAPTER VI.

THE RAFT.

Slowly, silently and gently the boat glided onward--both Leslie and
Leland as motionless as death, yet with hearts throbbing wildly and
fearfully. The former stooped and whispered:

"There are three Indians on it, upon the opposite side from us. We must
pass beyond the log before they will be in range of our guns. They will
not fire until we begin to pass them. Take a quick but sure aim, and
drop down in the bottom of the boat the instant your gun is discharged."

Nearer and nearer came the canoe to the log, until but a few rods
separated them, but not a breath or fluttering of a leaf disturbed the
profound silence.

When at the nearest point, scarcely more than two rods would separate
them. Still onward the boat swept until its prow was even with the log.

"Ready," whispered Leslie, "you take the nearest one."

[Illustration: "Ready," whispered Leslie, "you take the nearest one."]

The next instant the enemies were in full view of each other.
Simultaneously the two rifles in the boat broke the solemn stillness.
But not a sound showed whether their shots had produced any effect at
all! Not a savage's head, however, could be seen! They either had been
slain or else had quietly drawn out of sight when they became aware of
the danger that menaced them. The latter was most probably the case,
although neither of the whites could sati