you success in a
short time."

"But you have overlooked one thing."

"What is it?"

"The report of your gun will be heard as well as mine, and will be as
likely to attract the attention of any enemies in the neighborhood."

"That is true, but I can reach the boat in time."

"And although Kent is within a short distance, I shall not dare to
apprise him of our situation."

"Such appears to be the case; but you must see that it is absolutely
necessary that _some_ means should be taken to secure food."

"I admit it, and am willing that you should try."

"Hold!" exclaimed Leland, brightening up. "I have a plan. You say that
Kent, in the course of an hour or so, will probably be near enough for
you to fire. I will try and not bring down any game until that time, and
the minute you hear the report of my gun you must discharge yours. This
will have the effect that you wish, and I shall have time to reach you
before any one can come up."

"A capital idea," said Leslie. "Hearing two guns, the Indians will have
a little more fear in approaching us, than they would did they hear but
one. You deserve credit, George, for the thought."

"Remember, and wait until you hear my gun, before you fire yours,"
replied he.

"I will wait an hour, George; and then, whether I hear yours or not, I
shall discharge mine. As I said a while ago, it won't do to let Kent
escape us, and I must be sure to warn him."

"I trust that I shall encounter game before that time; but should I not,
you must do as you said. I will return upon hearing you."

"And return instantly," said Leslie, impressively. "Don't wait until the
danger is increased. Although it may seem that a few minutes will enable
you to procure abundant food, don't wait a single minute. It may cost
you your life, if you do."

"I will remember your advice. Now shove in a little nearer shore and I
will be off."

Leslie brought the boat to the bank, and Leland stepped off.

"Try and not be gone long; do not wander too far, for it will be an easy
thing to get lost in this forest. Remember that it will take you
considerable time to reach me, and if the distance be too great, an
enemy may be ahead of you. Be careful in all your movements, and be sure
to return the instant that my gun is heard."

"I will try and obey you," returned Leland. And George disappeared in
the mazes of the woods.

Leslie returned to his former position, and more to occupy his mind than
anything else, g