"But why not? I do not understand."
"Arqu-wao no tell—don't know—not be looking."
This, apparently, was the explanation possible, but it did not satisfy the youths.
"Come wid me," said the Shawanoe, motioning the boys to follow him, which, despite their anxiety, they did.
"See dere—eh—see dat?"
The Indian stooped, and with his forefinger almost on the ground, pointed to the imprint of a shoe. It was not made by a moccasin, but by a regular heavy-soled shoe or boot.
"Who made that?" asked the astonished Wharton.
"White man," replied Arqu-wao, with almost a chuckle. "White man like him on hoss—he friend—Blazing Arrow don't know dat."
It seemed incredible that this half-demented creature had discovered signs which had escaped the eye of the fierce Shawanoe leader and his companions, but such was the fact, as afterwards came to light.
After much labored explanation, the guide made clear to the boys a state of facts hitherto unsuspected by them, whose existence they still half doubted.