sudden flaw in the wind. The breeze, however, was steady and strong, and
"The Galleon" continued to move gallantly before it.

They sailed for three or four hours and during the latter part of the time
they coasted along the western bank. There they came to the mouth of a
small river, thickly lined on both shores with gigantic trees.

"I think we'd better take down our sail and run up this," said Henry. "We
can go back some distance and hide close to the bank. The Spaniards of
course will not dream of coming up it, and we can stay here until they go
by."

"A safe and pleasant haven as long as it is needed," said Paul.

They took down the sail and pulled at least a mile up the little river.
There they tied close to the bank, and, happy over their success, sought
sleep, all except the watch, the night passing without disturbance.

The day came, again unclouded and beautiful, and the five regarded it, the
boat, and themselves with a great deal of satisfaction.

"I'm thinkin' that our treasure ship, the gall-yun, ought to hev the most
credit," said Shif'less Sol. "She brought us past all them warrin' people
in great style. Without her we'd hev a hard time, follerin' the Spaniards
to New Or-lee-yuns."

After breakfast they remained awhile in the boat, content to lie still and
await events. Everywhere around them was the deep forest, oak, hickory,
chestnut, maple, elm, and all the other noble trees that flourish in the
great valley. Just above them was a low point in the hank of the little
river and they could see that it was trodden by many feet.

"Game comes down to drink thar," said Shif'less Sol.

"Lie still and let's see," said Paul. The boat was almost hidden in the
thick foliage that overhung the river, and nobody on it stirred. Two deer
presently walked gingerly to the water, drank daintily, and then walked as
gingerly away. Soon a black bear followed them and shambled to the water's
edge. He looked up and down the stream, but he saw nothing and the wind
blowing from him toward the boat brought no dread odor to his sensitive
nostrils. He drank, wrinkled his face in a comical manner, scratched
himself with his left paw, and then shambled away. Shif'less Sol laughed.

"I'd hev to be hard pushed afore I shot that feller," he said. "Ain't the
black bear a comic chap when he tries to be. I declare I hev a real feller
feelin' fur him. I couldn't ever feel that way toward a panther. They
always look mean an' they al