He carried a rifle at a low trail, and passed slowly ahead with evident distrust.

The lad believed he recognized that head, with its tangled black hair, and when he saw the swarthy, villainous countenance turned full toward him, he exclaimed: "Girty! by---" Wetzel's powerful arm forced him so hard against the log that he could not complete the exclamation; but he could still see.

Girty had not heard that stifled cry, for he continued his slow wading, and presently his tall, gaudily decorated form passed out of sight.
Another savage appeared in the open space, and then another.

Close between them walked a white man, with hands bound behind him.

The prisoner and guards disappeared down stream among the willows.
The splashing continued--grew even louder than before.