The new-born river, even here at its beginning proud and swelling as if already certain of its far-away grandeur, swept majestically round a wide curve and apparently lost itself in the forest foliage.
On the narrow point of land commanding a view of the rivers stood a long, low structure enclosed by a stockade fence, on the four corners of which were little box-shaped houses that bulged out as if trying to see what was going on beneath.

The massive timbers used in the construction of this fort, the square, compact form, and the small, dark holes cut into the walls, gave the structure a threatening, impregnable aspect.
Below Nell and Joe, on the bank, were many log cabins.

The yellow clay which filled the chinks between the logs gave these a peculiar striped appearance.

There was life and bustle in the vicinity of these dwellings, in sharp contrast with the still grandeur of the neighboring forests.

There were canvas-covered wagons around which curly-headed youngsters were playing.