“I think I can bridge it over. Let me try this,” and he dragged the tree to the edge, stood it up, letting it fall with some force. It just touched the opposite shore.
“Now if I could find another. Why did I not capture a hatchet in my raid on the Indians!”
“The water is clear and deep,” said Wawataysee; “too deep for one to wade.”
“I could cross it with the child. Still I will see if there is not another dead tree.”
This time it was a larger one. It took their united strength to raise it, but it went straight across, making quite a promising bridge.
“Would you dare?” He glanced at the Indian girl with an assurance of her courage.
“Would I dare?” She laughed melodiously. Then she looked steadily at it a moment, started like an arrow from a bow and in a flash was across.
“Oh, how beautiful! Can I try?” Renée clapped her hands, and her face was brimming with delighted eagerness.
“Wait a moment.” Valbonais picked up the blanket and strapped his gun to his back, convoying them over safely and depositing them on the ground. “I wonder if we dare trust the child?”
“Oh, I think so. It is such a step,” Wawataysee answered.