other hand, the river will have no cover but the clouds in the
heavens; the rift is a ticklish thing for boats to venture into,
even by daylight; and it is six fairly measured miles, by water,
from this spot to the garrison. Then a trail on land is not easy
to be found in the dark. I am troubled, Jasper, to say which way
we ought to counsel and advise."

"If the Serpent and myself could swim into the river and bring off
the other canoe," the young sailor replied, "it would seem to me
that our safest course would be the water."

"If, indeed! and yet it might easily be done, as soon as it is
a little darker. Well, well, I am not sartain it will not be the
best. Though, were we only a party of men, it would be like a
hunt to the lusty and brave to play at hide-and-seek with yonder
miscreants on the other shore, Jasper," continued the guide, into
whose character there entered no ingredient which belonged to vain
display or theatrical effect, "will you undertake to bring in the
canoe?"

"I will undertake anything that will serve and protect Mabel,
Pathfinder."

"That is an upright feeling, and I suppose it is natur'. The
Sarpent, who is nearly naked already, can help you; and this will
be cutting off one of the means of them devils to work their harm."

This material point being settled, the different members of the
party prepared themselves to put the project in execution. The
shades of evening fell fast upon the forest; and by the time all was