a net, he returned to the islet, which had now become a veritable
fort for him.

It was not quite dark when he arrived, and he found all as it had
been except the tracks of two panthers under the boughs to which
he had fastened the big pieces of bear meat. Henry felt a
malicious satisfaction at the disappointment of the panthers.

"Come again, and have the same bad luck," he murmured."

At dusk the rain ceased entirely, and he prepared for a journey
in the night. He examined his powder carefully to see that no
particle of it was wet, counted the bullets in his pouch, and
then examined the skies. There was a little moon, not too much,
enough to show him the way, but not enough to disclose him to an
enemy unless very near. Then he left the islet and went swiftly
through the forest, laying his course a third time toward the
Indian camp. He was sure now that all the hunters had returned,
and he did not expect the necessity of making any stops for the
purpose of hiding. His hopes were justified, and as he drew near
the camp he became aware that its population had increased
greatly. It was proved by many signs. New trails converged upon
it, and some of them were very broad, indicating that many
warriors had passed. They had passed, too, in perfect
confidence, as there was no effort at concealment, and Henry
surmised that no white force of any size could be within many
days' march of this place. But the very security of the Indians
helped his own design. They would not dream that any one of the
hated race was daring to come almost within the light of their
fires.