loose from their boats for a
while at least, he wanted to make no mistake that would cost them
dearly.

"It's all right," he told his mates, "and we seem to have everything
necessary. Of course we're going as light as we can, and no blankets are
allowed, or tents either; but we've looked after the eating part of the
game; and besides, we've got our guns, in case we have to knock over a
caribou or other game to help out."

"Then say the word, governor, and we'll be beating it," Jimmy advised.

So Ned raised his hand, and made a sign that the others easily
understood. In the scout language it meant "go ahead!" Even Francois and
the Cree chief so interpreted the sign, for they immediately started
forth.

They left the reed patch in a sinuous line, each stepping directly into
the tracks of the one preceding him. In this fashion their passage
caused very little disturbance amongst the "bullrushes," as Jimmy
persisted in calling the thick growth. And Tamasjo, coming now in the
rear, did much to smooth over the trail, so that it would take a pair
of unusually keen eyes to have guessed that one or more persons had
issued forth at this point.

Having left the tall reeds behind them, the little party now found the
woods in front. The ground rose abruptly, and they were standing where
they could have a fair view of the river.

Ned gave a last look up and down the stream. As far as he could see
there was not a sign of human life in either direction, only the calm
peaceful flow of water moving majestically toward the great bay that
undoubtedly lay not a great distance away.

Thus they started off, Ned having arranged his plan of campaign so as to
confuse the enemy, possibly awaiting their coming further down the
stream.

It was no idle saunter through the Northern woods. The leader of the
Wolf Patrol had conferred with Francois, and arranged matters so that
they would be able to return this way when ready.

Under ordinary conditions this might be easily accomplished by using a
camp hatchet, and "blazing" a tree occasionally. In this manner the
pilgrim would be able to always sight a white mark ahead, and pick his
way without difficulty. But for numerous reasons they did not wish to
attempt this well-known method now; since it might excite the curiosity
of any one chancing to run across a freshly blazed tree, causing him to
start in and follow the cuts all the way to the concealed canoes.

Consequently, Francois picked o