Reaching across the boats, he shook hands with them all, at the same time muttering a word or two to each.
"He is going to leave us," said Elwood, with an air of disappointment.
"He has good reason for doing so, but I am afraid it will be bad for us."
"Adieu, Mr. Shasta, adieu!" said Tim O'Rooney, with considerable feeling. "You've done us a good turn and we'll not forget you. If yez ever drifts into San Francisco, give us a call."
The Indian motioned to them to proceed, and using his paddle with his extraordinary skill, he sped up the river toward the camp-fire, and in a very short time vanished.
CHAPTER XXXV.
THE WESTERN SHORE.
The departure of Shasta gave rise to all manner of doubt and speculation. None of them believed he meditated bidding the party good-by until he went through the ceremony of shaking hands. This settled the matter, and they could have no cause for hope of seeing him again.
"That must have been a party of his people," said Howard, "or he would not have taken the pains to help us out of sight."