by the occasional aid of the understanding old man, the preparations
necessary to effect this desirable object.

The hide was soon drawn into the shape of an umbrella top, or an
inverted parachute, by thongs of deer-skin, with which both the
labourers were well provided. A few light sticks served to keep the
parts from collapsing, or falling in. When this simple and natural
expedient was arranged, it was placed on the water, the Indian making
a sign that it was ready to receive its freight. Both Inez and Ellen
hesitated to trust themselves in a bark of so frail a construction, nor
would Middleton or Paul consent that they should do so, until each had
assured himself, by actual experiment, that the vessel was capable of
sustaining a load much heavier than it was destined to receive. Then,
indeed, their scruples were reluctantly overcome, and the skin was made
to receive its precious burden.

"Now leave the Pawnee to be the pilot," said the trapper; "my hand is
not so steady as it used to be; but he has limbs like toughened hickory.
Leave all to the wisdom of the Pawnee."

The husband and lover could not well do otherwise, and they were fain
to become deeply interested, it is true, but passive spectators of
this primitive species of ferrying. The Pawnee selected the beast of
Mahtoree, from among the three horses, with a readiness that proved he
was far from being ignorant of the properties of that noble animal, and
throwing himself upon its back, he rode into the margin of the river.
Thrusting an end of his lance into the hide, he bore the light vessel
up against the stream, and giving his steed the rein, they pushed boldly
into the current. Middleton and Paul followed, pressing as nigh the bark
as prudence would at all warrant. In this manner the young warrior bore
his precious cargo to the opposite bank in perfect safety, without the
slightest inconvenience to the passengers, and with a steadiness and
celerity which proved that both horse and rider were not unused to the
operation. When the shore was gained, the young Indian undid his work,
threw the skin over his shoulder, placed the sticks under his arm, and
returned, without speaking, to transfer the remainder of the party, in a
similar manner, to what was very justly considered the safer side of the
river.

"Now, friend Doctor," said the old man, when he saw the Indian plunging
into the river a second time, "do I know there is faith in yonder
Red-skin. He is a