Mukoki was not following.

The old warrior was upon his knees at the base of the dead tree, as though he was searching for something among the rocks at its foot.

Then he rose slowly, and rubbed his hands along the stub as high as he could reach.

When he saw that Rod and Wabi were observing him he quickly came toward them, and Wabigoon, who was quick to notice any change in him, was confident that he had made a discovery of some kind.
"What have you found, Muky ?" "No so ver' much.

Funny tree," grunted the Indian.
"Smooth as a fireman's brass pole," added Rod, seeing no significance in Mukoki's words.