Rebby and Danna watched Mrs. Getchell’s stout figure until it was hidden by the forest, and then, more serious and anxious than at any time during their perilous undertaking, they picked up the heavy packages that Mrs. Getchell had placed on the trunk of a fallen tree, and prepared to continue their journey.
The shot was in two strong bags, while the powder, in order that it might be kept perfectly dry and safe, was in two tin canisters, each one carefully sewn up in stout sailcloth. Mrs. Getchell had fastened a stout strap to each bag of powder and a bag of shot. These straps went over the girls’ shoulders, and made them easier to carry than in any other way. It was of course a tough job for each girl to carry ten pounds for the long distance that lay before them, but they pushed on valiantly.
At first the river trail was fairly smooth, and they made good progress, but after a few miles they encountered a long stretch of rocky ground. Here they had to clamber over high ledges, or else go a long distance out of their way. Before noonday Rebby declared that she could not go another step, and sat down at the foot of a high mass of rocks over which they must climb.
“You will have to go on and leave me, Danna,” she said. “My feet won’t go, they are so tired: and my shoulders ache.”
The day had grown very warm; there was not a breath of air, and Anna owned that she had never seen so difficult a trail. Mrs. Getchell had warned them to be sure and keep in sight of the river and it would lead them straight to Machias. As Anna looked at her sister she began to fear that they might not be able to reach home before night, and she knew all the danger and peril that a night spent in that lonely spot would mean.
They had not found a spring or brook since leaving Mrs. Getchell, and they were both very thirsty as well as tired and hungry.
“We will take a good rest, Rebby, and eat our luncheon. I saw Mrs. Getchell stirring up a molasses cake while we ate breakfast,” said Anna, encouragingly, “and she put a tin dipper with the luncheon. See!” and Anna held up the small cup-shaped dish. “I’ll fetch you a drink from the river,” she added, and putting her burden of powder and shot on the ground beside Rebby, she made her way down the steep bank of the river.
The bank was covered by a thick growth of alders, with here and there a small spruce tree. Anna wondered how she would ever manage to bring a cup filled with water up that bank; but she kept on, and was soon at the river’s edge. The rushing water was clear and cool, and Anna drank thirstily. Then she bathed her face and hands, slipped off her moccasins and stockings and dipped her feet in the cool stream. She felt rested and refreshed, as with the tin cup filled with water, and covered with a broad leaf of a water-lily, she made her careful way back to where she had left her sister.
Rebby had taken off her hat and moccasins. She drank the water eagerly before saying a word.
“I feel better already,” she said, “and by the time we have eaten our lunch I know we can start. We must,” she added soberly, “for if we do not get home before dark Father will surely start after us.”