that Simon
is not allowed to forget it."

It was only a minute or two later that George Ashbridge hurried to the
margin of the water. The sweep of the long oars and the sight of the
flatboat itself, with the spread of sail above it, all so near that they
were recognized at the first glance, told the whole amazing story to the
young man, though, as yet, he could not comprehend how it had all come
about.

One of the figures toiling at the sweeps was Jethro Juggens; he could
form no suspicion as to the identity of the other.

"Is that you, Jethro?" called Ashbridge, in a guarded undertone.

"It am," was the proud response; "keep out ob de way, Marse George, or
dis boat will run ober you. We's comin' like thunder."

"There! that will do," said the missionary, as the boat struck sideways,
almost abreast of where the youth was standing; "we couldn't have made a
better landing. Good evening, my friend; I am sure we are welcome."

With these cheery words the man, with his rifle in his left hand,
stepped across the gunwale upon the hard earth and extended his right to
young Ashbridge.

"My name is Finley--James B. Finley; I am a missionary for Ohio and
Kentucky, and joined your young friend hero to see whether I can be of
any help to you and those with you."

"And an angel could not be more welcome," was the fervent response of
the youth, returning the warm pressure of the good man.

"There seems to be trouble here," said he, with grave concern.

"We are in sore straits, indeed; we have been resting for a good while,
afraid to go on, for there is an ambuscade of the Indians just beyond,
into which they are waiting for us to enter."

"I presume the Shawanoes are in charge of The Panther."

"So Daniel Boone tells us."

"I feared as much; I'm glad that Boone is with you."

"And so is Kenton."

"Yes; I recognized his voice; he seems to be a little disturbed by the
appearance of our craft."

"I never knew it was possible for a man like him to become so
frightened. He seems to have lost his wits."

"They will soon return to him; he's a noble fellow."

"Jes' let me know what you want done," remarked Jethro Juggens, who had
placed the anchor so as to hold the flatboat motionless; "don't forget
dat I fixed up dis yer contrivance."

"Yes, all the credit belongs to him. He will explain when there is time;
we have not a minute to spare now; it looks as if the appearance of the
boat has given the red men, as well as t