ut even as strength came back the
conviction remained in all its primitive force. Warmth returned to their
bodies, wrapped in the blankets, and they felt an immense peace. Midnight
passed and the boat bore steadily on with its two silent occupants.

CHAPTER XII

THE MARVELOUS TRAILER

"Where are we, Tayoga?"

Robert stirred from a doze and the words were involuntary. He looked upon
water, covered with mists and vapors, and the driving wind was still behind
them.

"I know not, Dagaeoga," replied the Onondaga in devout tones. "I too have
dozed for a while, and awoke to find nothing changed. All I know is that we
are yet on the bosom of Ganoatohale, and that the west wind has borne us
on. I have always loved the west wind, Dagaeoga. Its breath is sweet on my
face. It comes from the setting sun, from the greatest of all seas that
lies beyond our continent, it blows over the vast unknown plains that are
trodden by the buffalo in myriads, it comes across the mighty forests of
the great valley, it is loaded with all the odors and perfumes of our
immense land, and now it carries us, too, to safety."

"You talk in hexameters, Tayoga, but I think your rhapsody is justified. I
also have plenty of cause now to love the west wind. How long do you think
it will be until we feel the dawn on our faces?"

"Two hours, perhaps, but we may reach land before then. While I cannot
smell the dawn I seem to perceive the odor of the forest. Now it grows
stronger, and lo, Dagaeoga, there is another sign! Do you not notice it?"

"No, what is it?"

"The west wind that has served us so well is dying. _Gaoh_, which in
our language of the Hodenosaunee is the spirit of the winds, knows that we
need it no more. Surely the land is near because _Gaoh_ after being a
benevolent spirit to us so long would not desert us at the last moment."

"I think you must be right, Tayoga, because now I also notice the strong,
keen perfume of the woods, and our west wind has sunk to almost nothing."

"Nay, Dagaeoga, it is more than that. It has died wholly. _Gaoh_
tells us that having brought us so near the land we can now fend for
ourselves."

The air became absolutely still, the swell ceased, the surface of the lake
became as smooth as glass, and, as if swept back by a mighty, unseen hand,
the mists and vapors suddenly floated away toward the east. Tayoga and
Robert uttered cries of admiration and gratitude, as a high, green shore
appeared, veiled