may, the little
Delaware girl showed no ill effects from sleeping in the clothing that
had been wet. As for her father, he would have been insulted at the
mention of such a thing to him.

Ben's belief about finding water proved true. They had gone hardly a
half mile from camp when they came upon a sparkling brook, cold and
clear, and abundant enough to serve all. Having no vessels with them,
they lay down and quaffed their fill. Then they bathed their faces and
hands in the delicious fluid, and were much refreshed.

The expectation was that they would travel a good many miles before
night again overtook them. The way, while rough and broken in many
places, was not hard, and all, even to the smaller children, were used
to being on their feet. There was little fear indeed that Linna would
not do her part as well as the older ones. Young as she was in years,
she had been trained to hardship from the time she could walk. Not
only that, but, like all her race, she had learned to bear suffering in
silence and without sign of pain.

She would have to become very tired before her companions would know it.

By and by the ground was found to be rising, and in the course of an
hour they gained an elevation which, having few trees, gave them an
extended view of the surrounding country.

Looking back in the direction of Wyoming, the sky was seen to be soiled
by the heavy smoke not only from the burned Fort Wintermoot, but from
other buildings that had been fired by the Tories and Indians. The sight
was a sorrowful one, and caused the mother and son some uneasiness.
They seemed nearer to the scene of the conflict than they had supposed,
and--since the people had been continually swimming the river, and
taking flight in the woods for the same point that was the destination
of the Ripleys--it was quite certain that some of the pursuers were not
far off.

"We must make as little noise as we can," said Ben, when the party were
about to start forward again: "for there can be no telling how close we
are to Indians that are looking for us.'

"I think it better for you to walk a little way in front," suggested the
mother, "so as to warn us in time."

"The plan is a good one. I will keep in sight of you, and the minute I
see anything amiss, will make a sign, so you can stop at once."

This course was adopted. Ben carried one of the blankets flung over his
left arm as if it were an extra garment, and steadied the heavy rifle on
his