placed on the trunk of a fallen tree, and
prepared to continue their journey.

The shot was in two strong bags, while the powder, in order that it
might be kept perfectly dry and safe, was in two tin canisters, each one
carefully sewn up in stout sailcloth. Mrs. Getchell had fastened a stout
strap to each bag of powder and a bag of shot. These straps went over
the girls' shoulders, and made them easier to carry than in any other
way. It was of course a tough job for each girl to carry ten pounds for
the long distance that lay before them, but they pushed on valiantly.

At first the river trail was fairly smooth, and they made good progress,
but after a few miles they encountered a long stretch of rocky ground.
Here they had to clamber over high ledges, or else go a long distance
out of their way. Before noonday Rebby declared that she could not go
another step, and sat down at the foot of a high mass of rocks over
which they must climb.

"You will have to go on and leave me, Danna," she said. "My feet won't
go, they are so tired: and my shoulders ache."

The day had grown very warm; there was not a breath of air, and Anna
owned that she had never seen so difficult a trail. Mrs. Getchell had
warned them to be sure and keep in sight of the river and it would lead
them straight to Machias. As Anna looked at her sister she began to fear
that they might not be able to reach home before night, and she knew all
the danger and peril that a night spent in that lonely spot would mean.

They had not found a spring or brook since leaving Mrs. Getchell, and
they were both very thirsty as well as tired and hungry.

"We will take a good rest, Rebby, and eat our luncheon. I saw Mrs.
Getchell stirring up a molasses cake while we ate breakfast," said Anna,
encouragingly, "and she put a tin dipper with the luncheon. See!" and
Anna held up the small cup-shaped dish. "I'll fetch you a drink from the
river," she added, and putting her burden of powder and shot on the
ground beside Rebby, she made her way down the steep bank of the river.

The bank was covered by a thick growth of alders, with here and there a
small spruce tree. Anna wondered how she would ever manage to bring a
cup filled with water up that bank; but she kept on, and was soon at the
river's edge. The rushing water was clear and cool, and Anna drank
thirstily. Then she bathed her face and hands, slipped off her moccasins
and stockings and dipped her feet in the cool st