Now that he was certain they belonged to his own race, he had less
fear. Still, they might prove unpleasant neighbors when they came
to know one of the party was a daughter of Omas. Turning toward his
friends, who were watching him, Ben made a sign for them to stay
where they were while he went forward.

He moved with the same care as before, but an unexpected accident
spoiled everything. His foot caught in a wire-like vine, and
he almost fell on his hands and knees. Aware that he had betrayed
himself, he threw aside further caution, hurried down the slope,
and called out in a guarded undertone--

"Helloa there, friends!"

"Who are you?" was the demand that instantly followed, and from the
undergrowth, beside a small fire, two men suddenly rose upright,
each with rifle in hand.

Ben recognized them. One was Jabez Zitner and the other Horace Burwink
--both middle aged, sturdy, and strong. They were neighbors, and
had taken part in the engagement the day before, but, escaping
without harm, were now on their way to the settlements of the Upper
Delaware.

A meeting of this kind would have been pleasing in the highest
degree, for it added great strength to the party; but a misgiving
came to the lad when he recognized Zitner. He was the man who, when
partially intoxicated the previous afternoon, had tried to take
Linna from him and was vigorously shoved aside by her friend.