Indian hordes, and be heralds of their marches. In the forest a
warning usually meant the saving of life.

The rain ceased after a while, although water dripped from the
trees everywhere. But the big fire made an area of dry earth
about it, and the warriors replaced the long boat in the water.
Then all but four or five of them lay beside the coals and went
to sleep. Timmendiquas was one of those who remained awake, and
Henry saw that he was in deep thought. He walked back and forth
much like a white man, and now and then he folded his hands
behind his back, looking toward the earth, but not seeing it.
Henry could guess what was in his mind. He would draw forth the
full power of the Six Nations, league them with the Indians of
the great valley, and hurl them all in one mass upon the
frontier. He was planning now the means to the end.

The chief, in his little walks back and forth, came close to the
edge of the bushes in which Henry lay, It was not at all probable
that he would conclude to search among them, but some accident, a
chance, might happen, and Henry began to feel a little alarm.
Certainly, the coming of the day would make his refuge insecure,
and he resolved to slip away while it was yet light.

The boy rose a little in the boat, slowly and with the utmost
caution, because the slightest sound out of the common might
arouse Timmendiquas to the knowledge of a hostile presence. The
canoe must make no plash in the water. Gradually he unwrapped
the blanket and tied it in a folded square at his back. Then he
took thought a few moments. The forest was so silent now that he
did not believe he could push the canoe through the bushes