s examining the
footprints in question. Rising after a few minutes' survey, with a
grave look he said--

"Strongbow is not sure. The prints look like those of his tribe, but--
he is not sure!"

"At all events we can follow them," said Hendrick. "The land is open;
we cannot easily be surprised, and we have our weapons handy."

As he spoke he drew an arrow from his quiver, and, affixing the notch to
the bow-string, carried the weapon in his left hand. The others
followed his example. Oliver felt his belt behind, to make sure that
the axe was there, and glanced at the mighty club that hung from his
shoulder.

Oscar, regarding with a slight degree of wonder the warlike arrangements
of his friend, also fitted an arrow to his little bow, and then, with
cautious steps and inquiring glances, the party continued to advance.

But Hendrick was wrong in supposing that a surprise was not probable,
for suddenly from behind a frowning rock or cliff there appeared a band
of armed men who confronted them, and instantly raised their bows to
shoot. Quick as lightning the white men did the same. Evidently both
parties were taken by surprise, for if the Indians had been a party in
ambush they would have shot at the others without showing themselves.
This or some such idea seemed to flash into the minds of both parties,
for there was a slight hesitation on the part of each. Just at that
moment a large black dog which accompanied the Indians, and had
displayed all its formidable teeth and gums on seeing the strangers, was
observed to cover its teeth and wag its tail interrogatively.

Hendrick gave a low whistle.

Instantly the dog bounded towards him, and began to fawn and leap upon
and around him with every demonstration of excessive joy, at sight of
which both parties lowered their weapons.

"The dog is an old friend," explained Hendrick to Paul. "Good dog," he
added, addressing the animal in the Indian tongue, "you are a faithful
friend--faithful in time of need."

Then, dropping his bow and advancing unarmed to the Indians, he said--

"This dog belongs to the Bethucks of Grand Lake. Did you obtain him
from them?"

"No, we did not," replied one of the Indians, who seemed from his
bearing to be a chief, "but we are kinsmen of the men of Grand Lake.
One of their braves, Little Beaver, took one of our girls, Rising Sun,
for his wife. We come from yonder (pointing northward). Some moons
have passed since Little Beaver