While resting they kept their eyes and ears open for the appearance of the Indians, but not a red man showed himself. At the foot of the cliff was a spring of clear, cold water, and here they procured a refreshing drink.
"I don't suppose you know where we are, Sam?"
"Hain't got much o' an idee, Dave, an' thet's a fact. One thing is sartin, we ain't nigh to thet trail."
"The wilderness is pretty thick around here."
"Shall we go on?"
"If you think best."
It was decided to continue their course, and as well as they were able, they shaped it toward the southeastward. Presently they came to an open glade and here found the remains of a fire.
"Sumbody has had a camp here," said the old hunter. "But it war weeks ago."
An hour passed, and they appeared to be going slightly downhill. Overhead the tree branches were so thick that scarcely a ray of sunshine reached the ground. Then it became darker, so that they could not see where they were going. The tree roots were of immense size, sprawling in all directions. The silence was so profound that it was painful.
"Might as well stop right here," said Barringford at last.