For a long time those in the flat-boat maintained an unremitting watch upon both shores. More than once they were certain they saw some redskins leaping stealthily from cover to cover—they were in momentary expectation of another volley. But none came. It seemed as if the savages had been controlled entirely by the desire to slay or obtain possession of Napyank, and failing in this, they had quietly withdrawn.
“They have left, I guess,” finally remarked Napyank.
“I don’t know,” replied McGowan, “it seems to me that every rod of these bordering woods, contain a dozen of the creatures, and it does seem as if they had all taken a great notion to watch us.”
“No doubt about that, and they will keep on watching us till we reach the settlement. Haven’t they attacked you previous to this?”
“I should think they had. There hasn’t been a night since we got fairly into the West, that they haven’t tried to board us.”
Joe Napyank, although an experienced hunter, seemed really surprised to hear this. McGowan added by way of qualification.
“I speak the literal truth when I say there hasn’t a night passed without some hostile attempt upon their part; but I must say, that it does seem to me that they didn’t try very hard.”
“That is qu’ar. When Injins try such things, they’re apt to do the best they can.”
“Perhaps they had a good fear of the mettle of those on board this boat,” smiled McGowan.
“Per-h-a-p-s,” drawled the hunter, in a voice that was far more significant than a simple denial could have been.