Oonomoo now commenced his descent of the river with the intention of recovering his canoe.

This was necessarily a tedious and prolonged operation, as a single misstep, a slip or splash of the water might betray him to his enemies.

But, he was equal to the task, and never hesitated for a moment except to listen for some sign of his enemies.
The Shawnees, by the merest accident, had discovered the Huron's canoe and examined it.

Satisfied that it belonged to none of their tribe, and most probably had been left there by some hostile scout, they carefully allowed it to remain as they had found it, and endeavored to restore everything around to its natural position, so as not to arouse the suspicion of the owner upon his return.

This done, they withdrew and awaited with loaded rifles for his reappearance.