his trail, and they had but to keep it up for a short distance when
he was certain to be "uncovered."

"I wish there was only one of them," muttered the youth, stealthily
peering from behind the tree; "it will be hard to manage two."

The coolness of Jack was extraordinary. Though he felt the
situation was critical in the highest degree, yet there was not a
tremor of the muscles, nor blanching of the countenance, as it would
seem was inevitable when such a desperate encounter impended.

There was a single, shadowy hope; it was fast growing dark in the
woods, and the eyes of the Shawanoes, keen as they were, must soon
fail them. The sun had set and twilight already filled the forest
arches with gloom.

Peering around the bark, Jack saw the leading Indian bend lower,
leaving to the other the task of guarding against mishap. He walked
more slowly; it was plain his task was not only difficult, but was
becoming more so every moment.

Jack followed the movements with rapt attention. Knowing the
precise point where he had left the path, his heart throbbed faster
than was its wont, when he saw his enemies close to the tingle in
his course. A half minute later they were beyond--they had overrun
his trail.

A short distance only was passed, when the warriors seemed to
suspect the truth. They came to a halt, and the trail-hunter sank
upon his knees. His head was so close to the ground that it looked