ons was now growing short, they must depend on the Indians for
their supply, and should they refuse it, they would be entirely in their
power. Virginia and Oliver offered to make another expedition up the
river to communicate with Captain Audley, but Vaughan considered himself
bound to abide by his father's commands. Roger proposed that they
should instead borrow the maiden's canoe, which still lay on the bank,
and send down to the ship. Oliver at once offered to go, and suggested
that Ben Tarbox, who knew well how to handle a canoe, should be asked to
accompany him.

"Of course I will," answered Ben, "if it was six times as far. We'll
find our way down easily enough, and if the navigation is clear, we'll
come back in the long-boat, and bring a good store of provision and
arms, and a couple of swivels in the bows in case we fall in with any
Indians likely to give us a taste of their arrows."

It was of course necessary to consult Virginia about taking her canoe.
On hearing that Oliver was going, she insisted on going also; she
understood better than any one else how to manage the canoe, and she was
eager to see the big ship and the good captain who had known her father.
So determined was she that Vaughan and Roger had to yield, believing
that with so careful a man as Tarbox she would not be exposed to more
danger than by remaining with them. As soon as the arrangement was
made, she hastened to the canoe, which she examined thoroughly, covering
the seams afresh with a gummy substance, a lump of which she produced
from the bow. She also found a third paddle, which, she observed, would
be for the sailor's use. As the day was far spent, it was necessary to
wait till the next morning. Virginia was up before daybreak, and
summoning Oliver and Ben, announced that it was time to start, that they
might not be seen by the Indians, who might perchance wish to stop them.
Vaughan and Roger with some of the men, came down to see them off.
Ben, who sat in the bow, had his musket by his side; Oliver paddled next
to him, and Virginia, who seemed to consider herself as captain of the
craft, sat in the stern and steered. Their friends uttering a prayer
for their safety, they pushed off from the bank, and commenced their
voyage.

CHAPTER ELEVEN.

The young maiden steered the canoe in a way which excited Ben's warmest
admiration. The roar of the rapids was soon heard ahead; not a moment
did she hesitate; onward sped the ca