elves in the canoe, with the Newfoundland as
ever maintaining guard, they were quickly wrapped in deep slumber.

When they awoke it was broad day, and the whining of the dog told them
at once that he had detected something suspicious.

CHAPTER XLVIII.

THE MEETING.

Tim O'Rooney and Howard Lawrence, awaking at the same moment, observed
the alarming action of the dog. Raising their heads they looked
carefully around but could detect nothing unusual. They were so securely
drawn under the overhanging shrubbery and undergrowth that they were
pretty certain no one else was aware of their presence; but the gaze of
the dog being turned toward the river they judged that something must be
nearing them from that direction.

Nor were they mistaken. A slight ripple was heard, and the next moment a
canoe glided to view. In the center, controlling its movements, sat
Shasta, the Pah Utah, and directly behind was Elwood Brandon.

Howard could scarcely believe his eyes. He stared again and again, while
Tim rubbed his organs of vision, winked and blinked, as though vainly
seeking to recover from the bewilderment of a sudden awaking from sleep.
Finally he muttered to himself:

"Heaven save me! me intellect has toppled over intirely by raison of the
want of me pipe."

"Elwood! Elwood!" called Howard, leaning forward and pulling the bushes
apart.

But secure as they deemed their concealment, the eagle eyes of the Pah
Utah had penetrated it, while they were yet several rods apart, and
abruptly turning the prow of his canoe to one side, he brought it to
rest directly opposite and within two feet of the other boat.

Elwood heard his name and saw his friends the next instant. Reaching
forward, he grasped the hands of his cousin and the tears trickled down
their smiling faces, while Tim continued rubbing his eyes.

"Am I draaming? as me uncle said when they towld him his grandfather had
died and willed him two pounds and a half, or does I raaly see before me
the youngster that the rid gintlemin had burned up? Let me faal the baal
of yer hand."

The two closed hands, and the joy of both was unbounded. Shasta, at this
point, showed a delicacy of feeling that did his heart credit. Joining
the canoes together in the old-fashioned manner, he motioned Elwood to
enter that of his friends, while he gave his exclusive attention to that
of propelling the two.

Of course, now that the three were reunited, they overran each other
wi