I pushed on faster, drawing the sword to keep me better company, though
inwardly I scoffed and jeered at this new twittering of the nerves. What
threat was there for me in silent shadows in the wood? The dogs I had to
fear were bred in British kennels, and there was never any lack of
clamor when they were beating up a cover.

Yet this persistent shadow clung upon my footsteps until from casting
furtive glances sidewise I came to holding it craftily in the tail of my
eye. 'Twas surely moving as I moved, and surely drawing nearer. I picked
a time and place, measured my distance, and darting suddenly aside, sent
home a thrust which should have pinned the phantom to a tree.

"Ugh! What for Captain Long-knife want kill the tree?"

The voice came from behind, and when I wheeled again my shadow was
become incarnated in flesh and blood; a stalwart Indian, naked to the
belt, standing so near he could have pricked me with his scalping knife.

It was God's mercy that by some swift intuition I knew him for the
friendly Catawba. It is an ill thing to take a frighted man unawares.

"Uncanoola?" said I.

He nodded. "Where 'bouts Captain Long-knife going?"

I told him briefly; whereat he shook his head.

"No find Captain Jennif' this way; find him _that_ way," pointing back
along the path.