Then came a tree, and deflecting somewhat from the current it floated toward the shelf.
Leaning far over and extending the hand that held the knife, Tayoga struck.

When the blade came back it was red and the young Onondaga uttered a tremendous war whoop that rang and echoed in the confines of the stony hollow.
Lennox and Willet sprang to their feet, all sleep driven away at once, and instinctively grasped their rifles.
"What is it, Tayoga ?" exclaimed the startled Willet.
"The attack of the savage warriors," replied the Onondaga.

"One came floating on a tree.

He thought to slay us as we slept and take away our scalps, but the river that brought him living has borne him away dead." "And so they know we're here," said the hunter, "and your watchfulness has saved us.

Well, Tayoga, it's one more deed for which we have to thank you, but I think you'd better get back on the shelf.