ur passage
through the gulch until morning, and that we are certain to attempt it
then--what will they do?"

"Wait where they are till daylight, or for a week, if they were sure the
thing would be tried; but," was the significant remark of Hastings,
"don't build any hopes on any such idea as that."

"I am sure it would be foolish to do so, but we are getting down to
bed-rock facts now. The Indians must soon learn that we have no
intention of walking into their trap. What they will then do is not
clear to you."

"No; but I don't think they'll make an attack till the night is purty
well nigh gone. They always spend a good deal of time in figgering and
man[oe]uverin' round. It's that time between the beginning of darkness
and sun-up that's got to be used by us for the benefit of your folks, or
it will not be used at all."

"Mr. Kenton seems to have taken wise steps, as he always does under such
circumstances, for the safety of our families. He counts upon securing
that canoe which was left with the flatboat, and has hope of finding
another near the gulch. Suppose he fails in both instances--what then?"

"Only Kenton himself can answer that question; I believe he's as likely
to fail as to win, but he'll soon be on hand; he won't keep us waiting
long. Boone will be purty sure to jine us, and atween' em they'll do the
right thing."

"There can be no doubt of that, but, if you will pardon me, Mr.
Hastings, it seems to me that there is something for us to do. My
solicitude for the dear ones around us, who cannot help themselves, must
excuse my presumption."

"It's no presumption, sir; we are all glad to hear what you have to
say."

"Accidents are liable to occur at any time, even though some of them are
bogus," qualified Ashbridge, with a glance at the unconscious figure of
Jim Deane a few rods away. "Boone and Kenton have placed themselves in
great peril. One of them may be killed; it is impossible that both will
fall. We are fortunate in having such good friends as you to stand by
us, but the wisest man is he who provides, as far as he can, for every
contingency. Suppose we see nothing of Boone or Kenton again?"

"I can't think such a thing as both of 'em going under at the same time
can happen. One of 'em is sartin to turn up purty soon."

"But Kenton may fail to bring the canoe, upon which so much depends.
Now, to come down to the point, when we halt near the gulch will our
position be such that we can make a g