It will be understood, therefore, why, when the little company of
friends stood on the western shore, they felt much less concern than
while on the other side.

Less than two days' tramp to the westward lay the young settlement
where dwelt the mother of Jack Carleton, the parents of Otto
Relstaub and a dozen other families who had emigrated thither from
Kentucky. Far beyond and to the southward among the wildest
fastnesses of the Ozark mountains the young Shawanoe had taken
refuge, where he felt secure against those of his race who hated him
with irrestrainable ferocity.

As it would require no great digression on the part of Deerfoot, and
as it was not to be supposed that time was very valuable to him,
Jack and Otto supposed he would go with them the entire distance to
the log cabin of Jacob Relstaub. To their surprise, however, he
quietly said be could keep them company only a short time longer.

"I had no doubt you would be with us to the end," said the
disappointed Jack.

"It would make the heart of Deerfoot glad if he could go with his
brothers whom he loves; but he cannot."

"Vot ain't de reason?" asked Otto, unrestrained by the sense of
propriety which held the tongue of Jack silent.

"Deerfoot is called yonder," was the reply, pointing south of the
path which lay before the others.