the stream, with a caution and an intelligence that the habits of
the mariner had fitted him to observe. It floated in the same direction
as the branch, and in a minute was arrested by the Pathfinder.

"This has been done with a frontier man's judgment Jasper," said
the guide, laughing; "but you have your gifts, which incline most
to the water, as mine incline to the woods. Now let them Mingo
knaves cock their rifles and get rests, for this is the last chance
they are likely to have at a man without a cover."

"Nay, shove the canoe towards the shore, quartering the current,
and throw yourself into it as it goes off," said Jasper eagerly.
"There is little use in running any risk."

"I love to stand up face to face with my enemies like a man, while
they set me the example," returned the Pathfinder proudly. "I am
not a red-skin born, and it is more a white man's gifts to fight
openly than to lie in ambushment."

"And Mabel?"

"True, boy, true; the Sergeant's daughter must be saved; and, as
you say, foolish risks only become boys. Think you that you can
catch the canoe where you stand?"

"There can be no doubt, if you give a vigorous push."

Pathfinder made the necessary effort; the light bark shot across
the intervening space, and Jasper seized it as it came to land.
To secure the canoe, and to take proper positions in the cover,