In the thicket that fringed the village, Kate halted.
“Now, what course shall I pursue?” she asked, communing with herself. “Shall I go at once boldly into the village and say that I have come to seek my father? or shall I remain here in concealment and watch my opportunity to enter the village unobserved?”
For a few moments Kate pondered over the difficult question. She could not decide which of the two courses to adopt.
Then from a wigwam, in full view of the thicket that concealed the girl, came Girty and Kendrick.
They bent their steps slowly toward the river.
“I have it!” cried Kale, suddenly; “I will tell my father that I feared to remain alone in my cabin and brave the dangers of the Indian attack, and that I wish to remain here until the war is ended. They will not suspect my purpose.”
And having come to this conclusion, she stepped forward from the shelter of the thicket.
The two men started with surprise when they beheld the girl.
“Why, Kate, what brings you here?” asked Kendrick, in astonishment.
“I am in search of you, father,” she replied.