“Those others intend to follow us,” said James Morris.
“Then you saw that sign?” questioned Gist.
“I did. We must watch out or all of us will surely be murdered.”
“Right you are,” was the answer. “I will warn Washington and the others.”
As slyly as he could, so that the suspicion of the Indian guide might not be awakened, the old pioneer told what he and James Morris had seen.
“I have suspected this,” said Washington. “This guide is leading us too far to the north.”
A few minutes later they came to a small clearing. The Indian guide was several yards in advance of the others. Of a sudden he swung around, raised his rifle, took aim, and fired into the crowd.
Fortunately nobody was hit, yet for the moment there was wild excitement. Finding himself unharmed, Washington turned to the others.
“Is anybody hurt?” he questioned, anxiously.
“I am not,” answered Gist. Then he raised his own gun, but the Indian guide had hidden behind a tree. Not to be shot at again, the old pioneer ran forward after the wretch and the others followed. Gist caught the Indian just as he was reloading his firearm.