the point below, and find another shelter. Bushes are plenty, and
covers are easily to be had in this region, as witness the many
ambushments."

"I will do it, Pathfinder," said Jasper, springing to the shore.
"In ten minutes the fire shall be lighted."

"And, Eau-douce, use plenty of damp wood this time," half whispered
the other, laughing heartily, in his own peculiar manner; "when
smoke is wanted, water helps to thicken it."

The young man was soon off, making his way rapidly towards the
desired point. A slight attempt of Mabel to object to the risk
was disregarded, and the party immediately prepared to change its
position, as it could be seen from the place where Jasper intended
to light his fire. The movement did not require haste, and it
was made leisurely and with care. The canoes were got clear of
the bushes, then suffered to drop down with the stream until they
reached the spot where the chestnut, at the foot of which Jasper
was to light the fire, was almost shut out from view, when they
stopped, and every eye was turned in the direction of the adventurer.

"There goes the smoke!" exclaimed the Pathfinder, as a current of
air whirled a little column of the vapor from the land, allowing
it to rise spirally above the bed of the river. "A good flint, a
small bit of steel, and plenty of dry leaves makes a quick fire.
I hope Eau-douce will have the wit to bethink him of the damp wood
now when it may serve us all a good turn."

"Too much smoke -- too much cunning," said Arrowhead sententiously.