Caesar in the estimation of the whole party to a wonderful
degree. Nor was this estimation lessened by the conduct of Caesar himself
in the present instance; for true to his training, instinct, and great
sagacity, he led them forward at a rapid pace, and seemed possessed of
reasoning powers that would have done no discredit to an intelligent
human being. One instance in point is worthy of note. In passing through
a dense thicket on the Indian trail, the noble brute discovered a small
fragment of ribbon, which he instantly seized in his mouth, and, turning
back to his master, came up to him, wagging his tail, with a look
expressive of joy, and dropped it at his feet. On examination it was
recognized as a detached portion of a ribbon worn by Ella; and this
little incident gave great animation and encouragement to the party--as
it proved that she at least was yet alive, and had a hope of being
followed by friends.

Some two hours from their leaving the ravine, they came to the dark
pass, where we have seen the meeting between the two Indian parties.
Here our pursuers halted a few minutes to examine the ground, and form
conjectures as to what had taken place--in doing which, all paid the
greatest deference to the opinions and judgment of Boone, who was looked
upon by all who knew him as a master of the woodman's craft.

After gazing intently for some time at the foot prints, Boone informed
his companions that another party had been in waiting, had been joined
by the others, and that all had proceeded together down the stream; and
moreover, that there was an addition of white prisoners, one of which
was a child. This caused a great sensation among his listeners--many of
whom had lost their relatives, as the reader already knows--and Hope,
the cheering angel, which hovers around us on our pathway through life,
began to revive in each breast, that the friends they were mourning as
dead, might still be among the living, and so made them more eager than
ever to press on to the rescue.

At the river's bank, the sagacious Caesar discovered another piece of
ribbon--dropped there as the reader knows by Ella--which he carried in
triumph to his master, and received in turn a few fond caresses.

"Here," said Boone, as himself and companions entered the streamlet,
whose clear, bright waters, to the depth of some three inches, rolled
merrily over a smooth bed, with a pleasing murmur: "Here, lads, I reckon
we'll have difficulty; for t