ng well over the stern of the boat, had dragged the
torn coat out of the propeller, and now he was coolly examining the
mechanism with the evident idea of starting the boat. The Indian seemed
familiar with the driving power of such a craft.

"I think he will bring his daughter ashore," Ruth said composedly. "If I
were you I would not cross him further."

"I ain't going to, Miss," said the fellow, now on his feet. "I see Jim is
keeping as far away from him as he can. Jim can't swim."

"Go aside somewhere. When they reach the bank I will try to take
Totantora and the girl away with me. Do nothing to cross him, for the
temper of an Indian is not easily quelled. It just simmers and may break
out again at any time."

"Believe me," said the fellow, starting off through the bushes, "I ain't
aiming to have another run-in with him. Not with my bare hands. I hope he
don't smash the boat, that's all."

"I will do all I can to pacify Totantora," said Ruth, and she really was
somewhat anxious on this point, for the grim countenance of the Indian
chief threatened further reprisal.

He was busy with the engine for a time; but by and by the regular popping
of the exhaust revealed the fact that everything was all right with it.
The boat described a circle and came back into the cove and to the place
where Ruth stood on the bank.

The second white man, who was younger and looked less like a drowned rat,
remained in the bow, staring back in apprehension at the Indian. The
moment he could do so, this man leaped ashore.

"Say nothing to him," advised Ruth. "I will try to take them both away.
And, as I have warned your companion, have nothing more to do with Bilby
or his schemes. These Indians are my friends, and they have other friends
who are much more powerful than I am, I can assure you."

"Yes, Miss," said the man, politely enough. "I don't want to mix in with
that redskin. I guess not!"

Wonota stepped ashore and Ruth gave her the shoe she had lost. Her father
followed her. He turned as though to set the boat adrift, but Ruth laid
her hand upon his wet sleeve.

"Let it alone, Totantora. I hope you will be advised by me. We will go
right away from here. Instead of waiting until to-morrow, let us leave
here to-night and start for the North."

Wonota said something to her father in their own tongue, and he looked at
Ruth more peacefully.

"White lady is always my friend, I know; and Wonota's friend," he
observed. "But thes