hey ran back and forth, and shouted to their companions in
peril, and Ralph and Tom both tried to make out the meaning of the
warning cries, but were not sufficiently versed in their jargon to
comprehend.

"Well, boys, we have kicked up a pretty serious muss, and we might as
well give up the boat."

Tom, who seemed to have some very good ideas, suggested a plan that had
considerable merit, and they were now considering it.

"My scheme is this: Let us now make a show of retreating into the
interior to the west, covering our tracks as best we can. Then turn to
the north, for a mile or two, and go back to the river and cross, and
then make for home as fast as we can travel."

"That is a first-class plan," was Harry's reply; "but I think two of us
should remain here in order to keep up a show. We can exhibit ourselves
at intervals, while the wagon is proceeding on its way, and the moment
the wagon reaches the river, those with it can get the floats ready, so
that when the scouts reach the wagon it will be ready to cross."

Ralph and Harry volunteered to act as the rear guard, and the wagon went
forward, making a wide detour to the north and finally veered around to
the east, reaching the river fully a mile below. Fortunately, a lot of
driftwood was in convenient reach, and the spot was hidden by a bend in
the stream, so that it was not at all likely the savages would see them
from their low position at the river bank.

The wagon was on the brink of the stream, and the logs ready, still the
boys in the rear did not appear.

"Don't you think I had better go back and let the boys know we are
ready?"

"Yes, Tom, and tell them to hurry."

The fact was that the providential pile of driftwood made the task an
easy one for the boys, and Ralph and Harry were only too much relieved
at the news to wait a moment longer than was necessary.

The savages were still on the opposite bank. Was it likely they were
inactive? Harry did not think so, as they noted parties disappear at
various times, and again others came up, thus indicating there was some
movement on foot.

"Before we start now, it would be a capital idea for all of us to show
ourselves, and then make a cautious break for the wagon."

Without exposing themselves too ostentatiously, the start was made
directly to the rear, and then, as they left the river in the rear, and
beyond the sight of their pursuers, turned to the north, and relieved
George of the great tens