ate hung on his
decision.

"'T is a hard task, Master Wayland," he admitted at length, almost
wearily, "but for your father's sake it shall be done. I see only one
way for it, and that by water. Know you anything about the management
of boats?"

"Only as I have paddled upon the Maumee," I answered, doubtfully,
"although I handled a small sail when a mere boy in the far East."

"'T will suffice if the fair weather hold, as is likely at this season.
At least it may be risked. The land trails are crowded by Indians from
far-off tribes, hastening hither in hope of fight and spoils. More
than a hundred came in to-day, painted for war, and angry because too
late. You could not escape encountering such parties, were you to flee
by trail eastward; nor would they show mercy to any white. The
Silver-man has returned to his home north of the river; but 't is all
that we who are friendly to him can do to keep these warriors from
attacking even there. 'T is the Indians from far away that make the
trouble; and these grow more numerous and powerful each day. We keep a
guard at the house to save the Silver-man and his family; and were more
whites to seek refuge there, we should lose all control. There is
still safety at the mouth of the Saint Joseph River, and 't is there
you must go. The venture must be made to-night, and by water. Is it
known to any Indian that you are alive and within this camp?"

"To none."

"That is well; we can work best alone. Now listen. At midnight,
Master Wayland, a boat, prepared for the trip, will await you, hidden
under the ruins of the Agency building. The river flows under the
flooring deep enough for the purpose, and I will place the boat there
with my own hand. Beyond that, all must rest upon your own skill and
good fortune. You will wait here," and he glanced about anxiously for
some means of concealment, "lying behind those robes yonder, until the
hour."

"Here?" I questioned, thinking instantly of my duty to De Croix. "But
I would first have speech with the Frenchman. He is my friend,
Sau-ga-nash. Besides, I have left my rifle in the council lodge."

The face of the savage darkened, and his eyes gleamed ominously as they
roamed questioningly from my face to Toinette's.

"I said you were to stay hidden here," he answered shortly, his tone
showing anger, and his hand pointing at the robes. "Many of the
sleeping Pottawattomies are again astir without, and you could not hop