When the chief discovered that Teddy had taken away his cherished captive, he was somewhat chagrined, as this was more than he counted upon. But he did not follow. He was too much of a true Indian to molest one who had served him so well.
CHAPTER XII.
THE END.
Napyank the hunter and Stoddard Smith stood consulting together.
“We must now hunt the trail,” said the former; “and to do that we’ve got to go some way back into the wood.”
The two set out, and the greater part of the day was consumed in traveling. Toward the middle of the afternoon they struck a trail, which, after following for a mile or so, they became convinced was in seeking, as there did not appear the least evidence of either Teddy or Ruth forming one of the company. Finally when darkness closed around them, they were still at a loss, and decided to encamp until morning.
“Here seems to be as good a spot as any,” said the hunter, halting by the side of a small brook.
“Sh! there is some one ahead of us,” returned young Smith, pointing up stream, where a trembling light could be discerned through the trees.
“Let us see who they might be.”
The two stole cautiously forward. When a few yards away, they gained a glimpse of the party and heard some speaking.
“As I was about to observe when yees interrupted me, we’re now at no great distance from the river, and we’ll reach there in due time, that is if we travel. I s’pose you’ve no ’bjection to seeing your parents jist now.”