and told her the alarming truth.

"I do not understand it," she replied, alluding to the absence of
the Iroquois; "it must be they are in the neighborhood."

The children were still sleeping quietly on the blanket. No food
or water was at command, and they could not take the time to look
for any. Indeed, the two elder ones felt no hunger or thirst.

The mother rose to her feet and looked around, her interest centring
on the rock and boulders, which stretched away to the rear further
than they could penetrate with the eye.

"I know they are skilful in following footprints," she remarked;
"but if we walk carefully over those rocks, I think they will not
be able to track us. We will try it."

The children were roused and quickly learned what was to be done,
the mother adding that the prayer which she was accustomed to offer
up every morning would be given when they reached a spot where it
was safe to do so.

For fully a hundred yards the four were able to make their way
without resting their feet on the ground. Then the boulders ended
as abruptly as they began.

All now kneeled on the granite floor and asked Heaven to deliver
them safely out of the dangers by which they were surrounded.

If the Indians chose to make search, after tracing the little party