The Indian stood upon the shore with a look of inquiry. He pointed up stream and then down.
"He is inquiring which way we wish to go," said Howard.
"That, is strange, after bringing us so many miles from the island."
Elwood pointed down stream, but Shasta was not satisfied; he wished to know something more. He described several circles, terminating each time by pointing to the north. All three looked inquiringly at one other's faces. They could not comprehend his meaning.
"What does he wish to say?"
"I am sure I cannot tell."
"He wants us to travel the rest of the way by turning summersits."
Seeing that he was not understood, the Pah Utah took the paddle from the canoe and made in the air as if he were impelling the boat, then pausing, he again pointed to the north, and took several long strides in that direction, as though he were going to walk a long distance.
Elwood's eyes sparkled.
"I know what, he means! I know what he means!"