the renegade turned and strode across the ground, the circle was
respectfully broken, and he passed into the dark forest beyond.

It was a strange event for an Indian council, and was destined to decide
the fate of many helpless families; but few knew it, then.

There was but one man in the council who knew why James Girty spoke as
he did to the British soldiers.

CHAPTER VII.

A MIRACULOUS ESCAPE.

The discovery of John Darknight's treachery and his escape filled the
hearts of the fugitives with terror. The little band found themselves in
the forest at the foot of the Maumee rapids, and with many miles
stretching their perilous length between them and Wayne's camp.

Little Moccasin, too, had deserted without a word of explanation, and
several members of the party were inclined to believe her as treacherous
as the English guide.

George Darling, the nephew, was especially bitter in his denunciation of
the girl, and in this he was seconded by young Carl Merriweather. The
two resolved to keep on the lookout for her reappearance, and to shoot
her on sight. They firmly believed that her coming to the camp had been
prearranged by John Darknight himself, and saw in the desertion of both
the successful working of the plot.

In the brief and deeply interesting council that followed the double
abandonment, the fugitives resolved to prosecute their journey without
delay. Of course the boat could not stem the strong rapids, therefore it
would have to be transported to a point above them, and that upon the
shoulders of the men.

The craft, while it was strong and capable of carrying eight or ten
people, was unusually light, and when Merriweather and Oscar Parton
raised it to their shoulders, they declared with joy that they could
carry it all day without a rest.

The fugitives did not resume their journey until a frugal breakfast had
been discussed on the scene of the night's encampment. At that meal no
one seemed to be communicative; the thought of the present peril or the
shadow of the impending danger appeared to seal their lips.

Abel Merriweather doubtless regretted leaving the cabin home at the
mouth of the Maumee, and upbraided himself for having listened to the
representations of the false guide.

In Oscar Parton's mind one particular thought was uppermost--the safety
of Kate Merriweather. Now and then he coupled with it a strong desire to
deal with the man who had led them into the trap.

The sun w