Tandy Walker was just behind.
"Well, this beats all," said Tandy.

"I've done a good many jobs o' rescuin' in my time, but I never yit found the rescued hid in the roots of a tree an' fortified with a drift-pile.

An' if I'm a jedge o' sich things, this here party's a'most starved.

I've seed hungry people afore now, an' I say le's have a breakfast sot right away for these here little ones." Tandy was right, as we know, and it was not long before an abundant breakfast was spread for Sam and Tom and little Judie.

The rescue party consisted of twenty stout fellows from the fort, and after breakfast a rude litter was provided for Sam, and crossing the river in the little canoe the party began its homeward march.