Tim industriously used his paddle, and shortly afterward, Elwood pointed to an open space some distance inland.
"Yonder are people, and they look as if they were gathered around a camp-fire at their dinner."
Tim jerked his head around, gave a puff of his pipe and said:
"Rid gintlemen ag'in, and I'll shy the canoe under the bank, and craap along till we gets beyonst thim."
"No, they are not Indians—they are white men," quickly added Elwood.
A careful scrutiny by all ended in a confirmation of Elwood's suspicion.
"That is good," said Howard, with a pleased expression, "it shows that we are getting beyond the wild country into a neighborhood where white men abound, and where we can feel some degree of safety."
"I suppose they are miners or hunters who are taking their midday meal in the open air," added Elwood, who was still gazing at them.
"Shall we heave too, pitch over the anchor, and s'lute them?" asked Tim.
"No; go ahead, we have no time to spare."