These drops were nearly dry, save one or two where the sun made them shine." "A careless paddle-stroke did it," I said in a low voice.
"No Indian is careless." "What do you mean by that ?" "I mean, Loskiel, that the boulder was splashed purposely, or that there are white men in that canoe." "Splashed purposely ?" I said, bewildered.
"Perhaps.

The Black-Snake had the river watch--until you changed our stations." "You think it might have been a sign for him from possible confederates." "Maybe.

Maybe clumsy white men." "What white men?
No forest runners dare range these woods at such a time as this.

Do you mean a scalping party of Butler's men ?" "Maybe." We had been walking swiftly while we spoke together in low and guarded tones; now I nodded my comprehension, sheered off to the right, took the trail-lead, replacing the Stockbridge Mole, and signalled the nearest Oneida, Grey-Feather, to join Mayaro on the left flank.

This made it necessary for me to call the Wyandotte into touch, which I did; and the other Oneida, the "Night-Hawk," or Tahoontowhee, closed in from the extreme outer flank.
The presence of that canoe worried me, nor could I find any explanation for it.