sfy himself upon that point.

As the thin haze from the guns diffused itself over the spot, the same
oppressive silence settled upon the water, and the same absence of life
was manifest in everything around. So sudden had been the interruption,
that, a few minutes afterward, it was almost impossible to realize that
it had actually occurred. More than once both Leslie and Leland caught
themselves debating this very point in their minds.

For a few moments the two remained concealed within the boat, for they
well knew that danger yet threatened; but, nervously excited over the
event, Leland, with a sad want of discretion, peered over the gunwale of
the canoe.

"Down, instantly," admonished his companion, catching his shoulder.

The report of another gun came at that very instant, and George dropped
so suddenly and awkwardly out of sight, that Leslie inquired with much
concern:

"Are you hurt?"

"Pretty near it, at any rate," returned Leland, putting his hand to his
face.

He was not struck, however, although the ball had grazed and marked his
cheek. The instant Leland saw that he was not injured, he raised himself
and aimed toward the log. No sign of an enemy was visible, and not
knowing but what there might be more loaded rifles behind the
contrivance, he dropped his head again.

Peering cautiously over the gunwale, the young man saw the raft
gradually approaching the Kentucky shore. The Indians possessing no
means of reloading their pieces without running great risk, probably
deemed it best to make a safe retreat.

The distance between the whites and the savages slowly but surely
increased, and when the former judged they were comparatively safe, they
arose and plied their paddles.

"Now if we can only come across Kent, I shall be pretty hopeful of
getting out of the woods," remarked Leslie.

"But how is that to be done? There is just the trouble."

"I think he will find _us_ if we only wait for him."

"I agree with you, that it is all that we can do. We will row
down-stream a short distance further, where we will be sheltered more
from the observation of our enemies, and wait until he comes, or until
it is pretty certain that he will not."

Leslie bent to his oars, and the boat again shot forward. Each now felt
a stronger hope. The depression of spirits under which Leland was
laboring began to undergo a reaction.

Leslie was naturally of a more buoyant disposition than Leland, and
seldom suffered th