fted the
canoe from the water. "The Indians, coming down from Crown Point, would
keep on the other side of the lake. They will all make for Ticonderoga,
and will not think of keeping a lookout for anyone, as far down the
lakes as this."

"That was a close shave with that canoe, Nat. It startled me, when I
heard the voice close to us. They must have been within ten yards of
us."

"About that," Nat said. "It was lucky they spoke when we were coming
along. I expect they had been watching for some nights, and hadn't much
idea anyone would come, or else they wouldn't have spoken. As it was,
it was easy enough to pass them, on such a dark night. Of course, they
were looking outside, and I just kept along as close as I could to the
bushes, only just giving a light stroke, now and then, to take her
along. Being inside them, I got a sight of 'em some distance away, but
I knew they couldn't see us, sharp as their eyes are. The only chance
was their hearing, and, as there was no noise for them to hear, I felt
safe enough after I had once caught sight of 'em, and saw they were
lying out at the edge of the shadow.

"If they had been close under the bushes, as they ought to have been,
we should have been in for a fight; for we mightn't have seen each
other till the boats touched. Let that be a lesson to you, captain.
When you are on the lookout for a canoe, at night, lie in among the
bushes. It must pass between you and the light, then, and as they can't
see you, you can either grapple or shoot, just as you like.

"If they had a seen us, we should have had a hot time, for I could hear
by their calls, right along the other side, that they were looking out
for us in earnest, and, if a rifle had been fired, we should have had
half a dozen canoes down upon us in no time; and, like enough, should
have had to leave the boat, and take to the woods."

"How far is Crown Point away?"

"Not more than ten miles," Nat said. "It is thirty miles from
Ticonderoga. It lies out on a point, just where Champlain widens out. I
reckon our safest way, tonight, will be to scout along this side, till
we are well past the point; then to paddle out well across the lake,
and come up again, and land to the left of Crown Point. We shall then
be in the track of boats coming up from the lower end of the lake, and
can paddle boldly on. No one would be keeping any lookout that way. Our
danger won't begin until we get ashore; in course, then we must act
accord