an't stand it to
remain behind to wait and wait--not knowing what the tidings will be."

"My dear boy," replied Mr. Finley, laying his hand upon his shoulder,
"if any one was to go with me it should be you, for none can be more
capable, but be assured that your company would be a hindrance, as you
would admit if you knew my plan."

The sorrowing brother still held his arm, but could not speak. The
missionary gently removed his grasp, and, entering the canoe, paddled
directly out upon the river. The figure of the boat and occupant quickly
passed from view, and those who remained behind, though they listened
intently, could not catch the faintest sound to betray his progress or
change of direction.

Now that the party left in the flatboat had some leisure on their hands,
they devoted it to looking after their own wounds, and in taking a
precaution, which was only ordinary prudence, against surprise. Two of
the rangers entered the wood, one passing a short distance up and the
other down stream. Their duty was to guard against surprise from the
Shawanoes.

It was not to be expected that The Panther and his party, after being
once repulsed, would accept that as final. They knew the fugitives were
provided with a strong escort, and were on their way to the block-house.
Even though they could not be wholly cut off, great damage might be
inflicted, and more of the intending settlers placed beyond the power of
invading the hunting grounds of the red men. That they would make the
attempt was to be set down as one of the certainties of the immediate
future.

One of the rangers had been killed during the attack and three others
severely wounded; but when, with the assistance of the women, their
hurts had been bandaged or attended to, they made light of them,
insisting that they were as ready for effective service as before.
Indeed, it was one of the wounded men that threaded his way up the river
bank to help guard against surprise from their enemies.

Another change of direction was noted in the wind. Beginning by blowing
directly up stream, it had continued to veer until its course was almost
directly opposite, so that, had the flatboat ventured out in the current
with its sail still spread, its progress down stream would have been
more rapid than ever before.

"Marse George," said Jethro, "whar does dis riber flow?"

Wondering at the meaning of the question, the youth replied, after a
moment's hesitation:

"It flows i