When Dave awoke the rain was coming down gently. So far, owing to the dense foliage, none of the drops had reached him, and it was an easy matter for him and Barringford to shift to a spot where the shelter was even better.
"This is going to be a steady rain," said the old frontiersman, which was a true prediction, for the storm lasted the greater part of the day.
Having rested all the night and the greater part of the morning, the two travelers felt much refreshed. During the afternoon they went fishing and this time caught a dozen or more specimens of the finny tribe, including some young lake bass that promised fine eating. Barringford also took a walk up and down the lake shore for the best part of a mile and came back highly elated.
"I located the hiding-place of some redskins' canoes," said he. "Found two big canoes and four small ones, with a small lot of provisions."
"Good!" cried Dave, his face brightening. "A big canoe and some provisions is just what we want."
"We can go around for one of the canoes after it is dark," went on his companion.
They waited impatiently for night to come on. The rain was now letting up, but it was still cloudy, with the promise of another downpour later. As best they could, they cooked themselves a big supper and also some fish for breakfast, and then hurried to the spot where the canoes were resting. Barringford picked out the best of the craft, and everything to be taken along was piled in this.
"It appears like a shame to destroy the other canoes," said the old hunter. "But I guess it's best." And having damaged the craft so they could not be used, he sent them adrift.
It was pitch dark when they set off on their long journey up Lake Erie. They had a fine pair of paddles and were soon out on the water, which was calm enough in spite of the recent rain. Barringford was in the bow of the craft and Dave left it to the old frontiersman to shape their course.
All through the long and silent night they moved on steadier, until Dave's arms ached from the use of the paddle. Occasionally one or the other would rest, but not often, for they realized the value of making the best possible use of their time. Towards morning it began to rain again, but it proved to be nothing but a shower, and by sunrise the storm had passed completely.