"The creek is not wide; we can swim to the other shore."
"There is no doubt of that, for I have done it more than once; but there is snow flying in the air, and it isn't a favorite season with me to go in bathing."
A slight exclamation escaped the Shawanoe, which was probably meant as an expression of contempt for the effeminacy of his white friend.
Be that as it may, he said nothing, nor did he, in point of fact, mean to force the two to such a disagreeable experience.
"Wait till Deerfoot comes back."
As he uttered these words he moved down the bank, while Blossom Brown threw himself on the ground, muttering—
"I would like to wait here all night, and I hope he has gone for some wood to kindle a fire."
"There is no likelihood of that," explained Ned, "for he is too anxious to reach the block-house."
"I tink he is anxiouser dan——See dat!"
At that moment the dip of a paddle was heard, and the lads caught the faint outlines of a canoe stealing along the stream close to the shore. In it was seated a single warrior, who did not sway his body in the least as he dipped the paddle first on one side the frail boat and then on the other.