and at a
point fully fifty feet below. Hay-uta and Jack ventured to raise their
heads a few inches, and, as they did so, caught a glimpse of the boat
and its occupants, as it ran sharply against the bank and the warriors
began stepping out.

This was a critical moment, and lowering their heads, they pressed the
ground as closely as they could. Jack half wished that some car of
Juggernaut might roll over them, so as to flatten them still more.

The grunting of voices was plainly heard, while the Indians stood close
to the boat and discussed some question. Had Jack and his companion
raised their heads, as they did a few minutes before, they would have
seen every one of them. The Sauk did elevate his nose, just enough to
gain an indistinct view of the nearest Pawnee, but the youthful
Kentuckian lay with his ear against the ground. Soft as were the
footfalls of their enemies, the sound reached him through the better
conducting medium of the earth.

"Suppose the Pawnees _do_ come this way--what then?"

This was the question which, presented itself to the youth, and which,
naturally enough, caused him misgiving, for, beyond all doubt, the peril
was critical. If the Pawnees moved up stream, nothing could save the two
from discovery, and it then would be two against six--all brave and well
armed. The former could make no stand before a force three times as
strong as they, and their situation could scarcely be improved by
flight. Grave as was the crisis, it was rendered still graver by the
fact that Jack and Hay-uta could not talk to each other. At such a time,
a perfect understanding must exist between the members of the weaker
force, and I have shown that in the present instance, that was
impossible.

"Ah, if Deerfoot were only here," was the prayer that trembled on Jack
Carleton's lips more than once, while he lay on the ground listening to
the grumble of voices so close at hand.

"It was queer on his part any way," added the youth, following the line
of thought forced upon him; "just when we need him the most he is gone;
the Sauk is a good fellow, but he can't compare with Deerfoot. Helloa!"
he muttered, noticing a movement on the part of Hay-uta, "something is
up."

CHAPTER XXI.

JACK CARLETON MAKES A MOVE ON HIS OWN ACCOUNT.

Jack Carleton thought himself warranted in imitating the action of
Hay-uta, though he did not raise his head as high as he. The result was
odd. He was able to look between the base