was most leisurely. A single strong stroke of the paddle was always
succeeded by a pause of contemplation. Nevertheless the light craft
skimmed on with almost extraordinary buoyancy, and in silent regularity
the wooded points of the river succeeded one another.

Sam busied himself with the trolling-spoon, but as soon as the last
canoe was well beyond hearing he burst out:

"Dick, did you notice the Chippewa?"

"No. What?"

"He understands English."

"How do you know?"

"He was right behind us when you told me you were goin' to try the
fishing, and he moved out th' way before we'd raised our paddles."

"Might have been an accident."

"Perhaps, but I don't believe it. He looked too almighty innocent.
Another thing, did you notice he was alone in his canoe?"

"What of it?"

"Shows he ain't noways popular with th' rest. Generally they pair off.
There's mostly something shady about these renegades."

"Well?"