The most careful search failed to show the first sign of a beaver and they had their labor for their pains.

The toil of climbing the mountain peak was so severe that the hunters concluded to take the longer route home.

Their steeds had been pushed so hard, that they were permitted to set their own pace on the return.
This naturally enough was a deliberate walk, while their riders talked, laughed, jested and occasionally made some remark on the magnificent scenery by which they were surrounded.

There was no call for haste, and they knew nothing of what had taken place in camp after their departure; otherwise, they might have felt more impatience to rejoin their friends.
All at once, the hunters descried four Indian warriors in the path in front.

They were splendidly mounted, their hair ornamented with stained eagle feathers, their ugly countenances daubed with yellow, black and crimson paint, and they were fully armed.