I see only one way for it, and that by water.

Know you anything about the management of boats ?" "Only as I have paddled upon the Maumee," I answered, doubtfully, "although I handled a small sail when a mere boy in the far East." "'T will suffice if the fair weather hold, as is likely at this season.
At least it may be risked.

The land trails are crowded by Indians from far-off tribes, hastening hither in hope of fight and spoils.

More than a hundred came in to-day, painted for war, and angry because too late.

You could not escape encountering such parties, were you to flee by trail eastward; nor would they show mercy to any white.