ow them--though I leave the rest o'
ye to choose for yourselves. Ef you want to divide, and part go this
trail and part follow me, mayhap it'll be as well in the end."

This plan seemed the best that could be adopted under the circumstances;
and after some further consultation among themselves, it was finally
agreed that Isaac, with six others--two of whom were Switcher and
Stokes--should proceed on the present trail; while Millbanks and the
remainder should accompany Boone. Isaac was chosen as the most suitable
one to lead his party, on account of his foresight and shrewdness, and,
withal, some little knowledge which he possessed of the country and the
woodsman's art, previously gained in a tour with his father, when
seeking a location, together with an expedition of considerable extent
shortly after made with Boone himself.

To him, as the leader, the noble old hunter now turned, and in a brief
manner imparted some very important advice, regarding his mode of
proceeding under various difficulties, particularly cautioned him
against any rash act, and concluded by saying, "Wharsomever or
howsomever you may be fixed, Isaac, and you his companions, (addressing
the young men by his side) don't never forget the injunction o' Daniel
Boone, your friend, that you must be cool, steady and firm; and
whensomever you fire at a painted varmint, be sure you don't throw away
your powder!"

He then proceeded to shake hands with each, bidding them farewell and
God speed, in a manner so earnest and touching as to draw tears from
many an eye unused to the melting mood. The parting example of Boone was
now imitated by the others, and in a few minutes both divisions had
resumed their journey.

Dividing his party again as before, Boone proceeded with them to examine
closely both banks of the stream for the other trail. Commencing where
they had left off on the announcement of Isaac, they moved slowly
downward, taking due note of every bush, leaf and blade as they went
along--often pausing and bending on their knees, to observe some spot
more minutely, where it seemed probable their enemies had withdrawn from
the water. Caesar, too, apparently comprehending the object of their
search, ran to and fro, snuffing at every thing he saw, sometimes with
his nose to the ground and sometimes elevated in the air. At length he
gave a peculiar whine, at a spot about twenty yards below that which had
been reached by his master, on the side opposite I