This added a new element of interest to the situation. The old trapper went to the prostrate body, and after examining the wound, and knowing the posture of the red-skin when about to throw his tomahawk, he declared that the ball had come from the other side the stream at a point almost opposite where they stood.
“And let us see if we kin find out who done it,” he exclaimed, flinging the peltries into the canoe; “jump in and we’ll paddle over.”
Only a few seconds were needed to carry them to the other shore, where they made a minute search for their friend, frequently calling out; but they neither saw nor could they find any traces of his presence there.
“It’s a lucky spot, anyway,” said the old man, “so we’ll start a fire, and have our breakfast afore we go any further.”
The fire was started in a few minutes and breakfast made of the beaver tails to which we have alluded. The startling incident afforded them abundant material for conversation, and for the time drove all thoughts of the more important subject from their minds.
But, when the meal was concluded, Old Ruff said:
“Now, Little Rifle, I’m goin’ to make the round of the traps, and will fotch in all the furs and peltries thar’s to bring. It’s gettin’ so close to hot weather, that purty soon the skins won’t be worth the gatherin’. I think we’ll make a move further up-stream to-morrer, fur all the varmints are so thick thar, and we’ll snatch all that we kin. You see, this yer Blackfoot poking round in these parts makes it look as though some more of ’em mought be here and thar.”
“But you know that this one made special search for me, and no doubt is the only one that has ventured so far as this.”
“Precisely, my boy; but you mus’n’t forgit that when you first cotched sight of him, he was coming down the river, as though he war looking fur you then. What I want to git at is to find out whether any of the varmints are very close. You kin go round by the falls, and make a good search. Take the day fur it, if you need so much time, but make it sure.”
“All right,” replied the lad, springing to his feet. “I’ll try and be back by night, but, if I don’t you’ll understand the reason why.”