same moment that it was reached by the Lieutenant.

"How-de-do, brudder?" asked the foremost, extending his hand. The
soldier exchanged similar greetings with the others, when at a signal
the five seated themselves upon the ground, and he followed suit. A
pipe, the "calumet of peace," was produced and passed from mouth to
mouth, each one smoking slowly and solemnly a few whiffs.

This tedious ceremony occupied fully a half-hour, during which it was
nearly impossible for the young Lieutenant to conceal his impatience.
It seemed to him nothing but a sheer waste of time, and he wondered how
Oonomoo could take it so composedly. At length the last smoker had
taken what he evidently believed the proper number of whiffs, and they
arose and embarked again in their canoes.

In the boat, which really belonged to the Huron, were seated himself,
Lieutenant Canfield, and Heigon, who insisted upon using the paddle
himself. For a moment they glided along under the shadow of the wooded
bank, and then, coming out on the clear, moonlit surface of the river,
they shot downstream like swallows upon the wing.

It was not quite ten miles to the Shawnee town, and, as it was now in
the neighborhood of midnight, their destination would be easily reached
in time.

All went well for some four or five miles, when an exclamation from the
canoe in advance attracted the attention of Oonomoo and the soldier.

"What is it?" inquired the latter.

"Ugh! nudder canoe comin'--Shawnees."

Such proved to be the case. A large war-canoe, containing over a score
of painted warriors, was coming up the river, nearly in the center of
the stream, while the Miamis were nearer the right bank. When nearly
opposite each other, the war-canoe paused while that which contained
the four Miamis went over to it, somewhat after the manner that two
friendly ships come to anchor in the midst of the ocean, and exchange
congratulations and news.

During the interview, Heigon prudently kept at a safe distance, but
from the gesticulations and words of the Shawnees it was evident they
were making inquiries in regard to the inmates of his boat. The
replies proved satisfactory, for a moment later, the canoes separated,
and each party proceeded on his way. Little did the Shawnees dream
that the very foe for whom they were searching--he whose scalp was
worth that of a hundred warriors, whose death they would have nearly
given their own life to secure--little did they d