There was a change too—though comparatively slight—in the deportment of Little Rifle. Now that they were reinforced by the shaggy old trapper, he appeared desirous of withdrawing into the background, and forcing the hunter to take his place in the familiar confidence with Harry.
When the latter addressed or approached him, he manifested a singular coyness—his face flushed with embarrassment, while he frequently permitted his gaze to drop to the ground or turned his head away altogether.
Outwardly old Robsart was all friendship, and was in his best mood. He recounted many of his adventures in catching and taming bears, for which, as is well known, he had a great passion.
Before resuming their journey homeward, Old Ruff resolved upon an observation from the top of the ridge.
Accordingly all three made their way to the crest. Harry produced his telescope, and a very careful reconnoissance followed.
CHAPTER XV.
A TOUGH STORY.
Several miles distant, in the heart of a dense pine forest, was the camp-fire of a party of Indians. Old Ruff, taking the glass, saw by its aid the smoke making its way through the tree-tops; but he bestowed hardly a glance upon it, for he was in search of more important parties.
Turning the instrument toward the banks of the river, it was not many minutes before he descried two men, making their way among the rocks and undergrowth in the direction of the point indicated as the one from which the lads had made their exit.
The clumps of bushes, huge rocks, and here and there a few trees, intervened so frequently, and the men were picking their way with so much caution, that it was only now and then Old Ruff was able to get a fair look at them; but he succeeded in discovering that both were white men, dressed somewhat like Indians, and he was able also to keep himself informed of the general direction taken by them. When still several hundred yards from the river, they halted. Old Ruff could see it was near some shrubbery, which concealed their movements and hid them from his view.
He held the glass pointed fully ten minutes toward them, but still they remained invisible.