For the last hour the sky had been rapidly becoming overcast, and a thick fog was gathering over the river, which beyond doubt would enclose our friends in impenetrable gloom. There was not much probability of a storm, but it was certain regarding the obscuration of the moon and the approaching darkness.
Napyank, on the whole, was inclined to regret this. While it gave them a greater chance of being discovered by their vigilant enemies along shore, as they could proceed absolutely without noise, it still was emphatically venturing in the dark. Whether they were drifting in toward shore could not be known, until too late. Beside this the hunter called to mind that there was a large island near the center of the river which could be at no great distance from them, and it was his wish to avoid running upon this. As all were opposed to lying to for the night, the plan was not broached.
The settling gloom around them finally attracted the notice of young Smith who remarked,
“It’s getting dark as sure as we live.”
“I observe too, that a heavy mist is settling over the river,” added McGowan.
“In an hour you won’t be able to see tother end the boat,” replied Napyank. “Smith there will have all he can do to manage to spy out the Injins.”
“Do you think they will trouble us?”
“Not unless we run right into ’em.”
“And how can we do that?”
“We can’t very well unless we get into a powerful big island that is somewhere in these parts.”