o obtain a fine view. Just what he expected to see, he had not
thought, but the grandeur of the scene he beheld was magnificent. Far as
he could see the ocean of nearly leafless treetops rose and fell in giant
waves, broken here and there by lakes or rivers, he knew not which,
glimpses of whose waters and bushy banks, he caught. Here were
lowlands--there highlands, and through the latter he traced for a long
distance the course of the river he had crossed earlier in the day. Ree
drew out a chart he had obtained at Pittsburg.

"It must be the Cuyahoga river--or Cayuga as some call it--and I am right
in the heart of the lake country," he whispered, as he steadied himself
in the tree top. "We will build our cabin near the river."

Without more delay the boy climbed down and strode forward in the
direction of a valley which he had seen two or three miles to westward.
In time he came to a sloping hillside and looking beyond he saw a
splendid stream of swiftly flowing water. At the foot of the hill was a
narrow tract of about four acres almost bare of trees, though deep grass
spoke of the soil's fertility. Rising above the river was a large knoll
sloping down to the natural clearing.

With every sense delighted by the fine prospect, Ree ran down the hill,
across the clearing and to the summit of the knoll or bluff. The ripple
and splash of the river, the bright sunshine and his discovery of this
ideal spot delighted him.

"The very place we are looking for!" he exclaimed aloud. "Here is grass
for Jerry, a fine clearing for the beginning of a farm--wood--water--
game--everything!"

Anxious to join his friends and tell them of this good fortune, Ree
dashed down the bluff and ascended the wooded hillside opposite. Panting,
he reached the summit and suddenly,--stopped.

As though they had been waiting for him, there stood watching him a party
of Indians. They were dressed entirely in savage costume. Not one wore
any garment of civilization as did many of the savages farther east. With
stolid composure the Redskins looked at the boy, though they must have
wondered what the young Paleface was doing, alone in the forest's
depths.

Quickly recovering his presence of mind, Ree coolly stepped toward them,
holding out his hand to one he supposed to be the chief, saying, "How,
brothers?"

The Indian shook his hand but did not speak. The same second another
Indian stepped up and seizing Ree's hat, put it on his own bare head.
An