d of owning a jovial temper, as one would have a
right to expect from his jolly-looking face, he was, in reality, a most
irascible fellow. Never known to express satisfaction at any
occurrence, gift or suggestion, he was constantly finding fault, and
threatening dire vengeance upon those who surrounded him. These threats
never being carried out, attracted little attention. "Tom" (as he was
called) was considered a privileged individual, and, in spite of his
disposition, was a favorite with those who knew him. This may seem
strange when we add that, in addition to his sour temper, the natural
defect of his legs prevented him from placing any dependence upon them.
At his best speed he was but an ordinary runner. A stranger well might
wonder that he should adopt a life where fleetness of foot was so
necessary--in fact, so almost indispensable. Tom O'Hara turned ranger
from pure love for the wild, adventurous life; and, despite the natural
defects to which we have referred, possessed accomplishments that
rendered him a most valuable ally and companion. He never had met his
superior with the rifle, and his knowledge of woodcraft was such that,
although he had spent ten years on the border, his slowness of foot had
never operated against him; nor once had he been outwitted by the
red-men of the woods. Besides this, he had the enviable reputation of
being a _lucky individual_--one whose rifle never missed fire, or sped
wide of its mark--one to whom no unfortunate accident over occurred; so
that, take him all in all, few hunters were safer in the wood than this
same Tom O'Hara.

These four were known as the _Riflemen of the Miami_, of whom Lewis
Dernor was the leader. Another member, then a long way off, will be
referred to hereafter.

"Quick, boys, and be careful that they don't see your heads,"
admonished Lewis, ducking his own and gesticulating to those behind
him. "_Sh!_ look quick! there they go!"

The four stretched their necks, glancing over the bank, out into a
small clearing in the wood.

"They'll cross that in a minute," whispered the first speaker. "Don't
raise your heads too high or you'll be seen."

"You don't appear to think nobody knows nothing but you," growled Tom,
with a savage look.

"_Quiet!_ There they go!"

One Indian strode into the clearing, followed by another, then by two
abreast, between whom a woman was walking, her head bent as if in
despair, with steps painful and labored. Behind these cam