among the scamps, and wish to send him the wages he has so faithfully
earned. You have not brought the Sergeant's daughter down here in
a range with their bullets, I hope, Jasper?"

"She is safe for the present at least; though all depends on our
keeping the river between us and the enemy. They must know our
weakness now; and, should they cross, no doubt some of their party
will be left on the other side."

"This canoeing touches your gifts rather than mine, boy, though I
will handle a paddle with the best Mingo that ever struck a salmon.
If they cross below the rift, why can't we cross in the still water
above, and keep playing at dodge and turn with the wolves?"

"Because, as I have said, they will leave a party on the other
shore; and then, Pathfinder, would you expose Mabel, to the rifles
of the Iroquois?"

"The Sergeant's daughter must be saved," returned the guide, with
calm energy. "You are right, Jasper; she has no gift to authorize
her in offering her sweet face and tender body to a Mingo rifle.
What can be done, then? They must be kept from crossing for an
hour or two, if possible, when we must do our best in the darkness."

"I agree with you, Pathfinder, if it can be effected; but are we
strong enough for such a purpose?"

"The Lord is with us, boy, the Lord is with us; and it is unreasonable
to suppose that one like the Sergeant's daughter will be altogether
abandoned by Providence in such a strait. There is not a boat