With which she folded a blanket from her bed and laid it over her
arm.

"It will come handy to sleep on," added Ben, who did the same with
a second, despite the weight of his rifle, which (as they were made
in those days) was a good load of itself for a strong boy.

Omas showed some impatience, though his companions did not understand
the cause. His actions, indeed, were curious. They supposed he meant
to conduct them all or a greater part of the way to Stroudsburg,
though at times he appeared to be hesitating over it, or over some
other scheme he had in mind.

Ben Ripley had rambled among the rugged scenery, on the eastern
shore of the river, having gone with his father many times when
he was on hunting excursions; but he was not as familiar with the
ins and outs of the mountains as the Delaware, whose village was
a good many miles away.

None of the party had eaten anything of account since the early
morning meal, before they crossed the Susquehanna. The dangers,
excitement, and suspense of the hours drove away the thought of
food. Young as was Linna, she had already learned not to ask for it
when either of her parents chose not to offer it to her. Doubtless
she was hungry, but if so, no one else knew it. Alice had been
given bread when at Forty Fort, and she now suggested that some
more would not come amiss.

"We all need it," said Ben; "why not take our last meal in our old