ready for the attempt, it was found impossible to discern objects
on the opposite shore. Time now pressed; for Indian cunning could
devise so many expedients for passing so narrow a stream, that the
Pathfinder was getting impatient to quit the spot. While Jasper
and his companion entered the river, armed with nothing but their
knives and the Delaware's tomahawk, observing the greatest caution
not to betray their movements, the guide brought Mabel from her
place of concealment, and, bidding her and Cap proceed along the
shore to the foot of the rapids, he got into the canoe that remained
in his possession, in order to carry it to the same place.

This was easily effected. The canoe was laid against the bank,
and Mabel and her uncle entered it, taking their seats as usual;
while the Pathfinder, erect in the stern, held by a bush, in order
to prevent the swift stream from sweeping them down its current.
Several minutes of intense and breathless expectation followed,
while they awaited the results of the bold attempt of their comrades.

It will be understood that the two adventurers were compelled to
swim across a deep and rapid channel before they could reach a part
of the rift that admitted of wading. This portion of the enterprise
was soon effected; and Jasper and the Serpent struck the bottom
side by side at the same instant. Having secured firm footing,
they took hold of each other's hands, and waded slowly and with
extreme caution in the supposed direction of the canoe. But the
darkness was already so deep that they soon ascertained they were
to be but little aided by the sense of sight, and that their search
must be conducted on that species of instinct which enables the
woodsman to find his way when the sun is hid, no stars appear, and
all would seem chaos to one less accustomed to the mazes of the