notice of the approach of any danger.
Every thing being in readiness, the oxen were driven into the water,
which was accomplished very easily, as all four were thirsty.

The progress was necessarily slow, the wheels of the wagon sinking so
deep in the muddy bottom that the united efforts of the four powerful
oxen were barely able to move it. The deepest portion was passed ere
one-third of the stream was crossed, the men being compelled to place
their hands to the wheels to keep them moving.

It was at this moment, and just as the wagon-body raised several inches
from the water, that an exclamation from young Smith startled all.
Looking toward him, they saw him raise his rifle and fire at something
in the creek, and then fall flat on his face. The next moment a raft,
precisely similar to the first, came in view, floating somewhat nearer
the left bank, so that it would pass between the shore and the wagon,
provided the latter remained stationary.

"There are Injins on that," called out Smith from his hiding-place. "I
seen their top-knots."

The whites understood their peril at once. The oxen were lashed and
goaded, until they slipped on their faces in their efforts to pull the
wagon forward, while the men caught the wheels and turned them round
and round without moving the wagon a particle. All depended upon
reaching the shore before the Indians could come upon them, for, beyond
a doubt, there were Indians concealed upon the raft which was so
rapidly nearing them. For a dozen feet or so the wagon moved readily;
but at this point it sunk below the hubs, and the united strength of
men and oxen utterly failed to move it--this, too, occurring when the
position was such that the approaching raft must pass so close as
almost to touch it!

"No use, boys," called out Mr. Smith. "Get your rifles ready for the
imps."

Most of the men had placed their guns in the wagon while toiling at the
wheels, and they now caught them and stood on the defensive. As yet,
nothing could be seen of the savages who were concealed upon the raft,
but a moment later, the logs swerved over toward the shore which the
settlers had just left. Thus it was plain that the Indians, seeing the
true state of affairs, were as anxious to avoid the collision as the
whites had been. The water being shallow, they were able to place their
feet upon the bottom, and thus move the raft readily. As is generally
the case, the courage of the whites increased in propo