iors as they throttled each other, and he
proceeded as fast as possible towards the western shore. This he soon
reached; and after a short search he succeeded in discovering the
remainder of the party and in procuring his clothes. A few words
sufficed to explain the situation in which he had left the Delaware and
the manner in which the canoe had been obtained.

When those who had been left behind had heard the explanations of
Jasper, a profound stillness reigned among them, each listening intently
in the vain hope of catching some clue to the result of the fearful
struggle that had just taken place, if it were not still going on in the
water. Nothing was audible beyond the steady roar of the rushing river;
it being a part of the policy of their enemies on the opposite shore to
observe the most deathlike stillness.

"Take this paddle, Jasper," said Pathfinder calmly, though the listeners
thought his voice sounded more melancholy than usual, "and follow with
your own canoe. It is unsafe for us to remain here longer."

"But the Serpent?"

"The Great Sarpent is in the hands of his own Deity, and will live or
die, according to the intentions of Providence. We can do him no good,
and may risk too much by remaining here in idleness, like women talking
over their distresses. This darkness is very precious."

A loud, long, piercing yell came from the shore, and cut short the words
of the guide.

"What is the meaning of that uproar, Master Pathfinder?" demanded Cap.
"It sounds more like the outcries of devils than anything that can come
from the throats of Christians and men."

"Christians they are not, and do not pretend to be, and do not wish to
be; and in calling them devils you have scarcely misnamed them. That
yell is one of rejoicing, and it is as conquerors they have given it.
The body of the Sarpent, no doubt, dead or alive, is in their power.

"And we!" exclaimed Jasper, who felt a pang of generous regret, as the
idea that he might have averted the calamity presented itself to his
mind, had he not deserted his comrade.

"We can do the chief no good, lad, and must quit this spot as fast as
possible."

"Without one attempt to rescue him?--without even knowing whether he be
dead or living?"

"Jasper is right," said Mabel, who could speak, though her voice sounded
huskily and smothered; "I have no fears, uncle, and will stay here until
we know what has become of our friend."

"This seems reasonable, Pathfinde