and insure them against any attack from
the wandering savages whom the exiles might encounter.

The next morning the bateau was lowered from its position, rolled down
to the lake, and launched. The muscular arm of the trapper rendered
this a comparatively easy task, and it was accomplished in a few hours.
The mast was stepped, the sail bent on, and the rigging adjusted under
the direction of Fanny, who was more familiar with such matters than
either of her companions. Such provisions as remained were stowed on
board, cooked ready for use.

At noon, with a fresh breeze from the westward, the party embarked,
and, with Fanny at the helm, sailed for the outlet at the north-east
corner of the lake. The party were very much fatigued after the hard
work required in making preparations for their departure, and
independently of the exciting circumstances of leaving the island home,
and the prospect of soon being in a place of entire safety, they
enjoyed the rest afforded by the voyage.

"What we go'n to do when we get to Mankato, Fanny?" asked Ethan.

"I'm sure I don't know."

"We hain't got no friends thar."

"Nor anywhere," replied Fanny, sadly. "I have no near relations now
that my uncle and aunt are gone."

"I never had none; but I s'pose I kin go to work, as I allers did,"
added Ethan, cheerfully.

"I doubt not we shall find plenty of friends. I am sure that Woodville,
where I have lived the last two years, will be open to me."

"I reckon we needn't borrow any trouble arter we git out of this
scrape. Ef we could stand what we've gone through with, we hain't got
nothin' to fear."

"I have no clothes but those I wear, and not a cent of money," added
Fanny, rather disturbed by the prospect before her.

"I reckon 'twill be all right," said Ethan.

"I have no doubt it will. I do not mean to complain. We have so much to
be grateful for, that it would be wicked to repine at our lot."

"Thet's my notion; and we won't think what we're go'n to do till we get
to Mankato."

This was a wise resolve, though it would be rather difficult to carry
it out. In a short time the bateau arrived at the outlet of the lake,
and on the bank of the river the exiles discovered their Indian escort,
which had been waiting since the middle of the forenoon for them. At
this point the serenity of the voyage was interrupted, for the river
was crooked, and the navigation often very difficult. The boat did not
draw more than a foot of water,