“The minute I seed the log was holler, I had my s’picions that there might be something or other in it, and I made up my mind that we shouldn’t undertake to lift it till I knowd how it was. When I come to look closer, I knowed thar was something sure enough, for the way the bark was scratched at the mouth showed that plain enough. It wouldn’t do, you see, to stoop down and peep in, for like as not the redskin would blaze away smack into my face. So I jest dropped my cap, and, as I stooped down to pick it up, I kind of slewed one eye ’round over my shoulder, and, as sure as blazes, I seen a big moccasin! I did, by gracious! I then proceeded to argufy the question; and, after considerable discussion, both in the affirmative and negative, I came unanimously to the conclusion that as I’d seen an Injin’s foot, if I’d foller it up, I’d be pretty sure to find the Injin himself; and, moreover, also, if there was one Injin about, you could make up your mind that there are plenty more not far off. By gracious! If I hadn’t looked a little ramparageous, you wouldn’t have let go that log so very quick, eh?”
“No; you alarmed me considerably. But what is to be done?”
“The cowards are poking around the woods, fixing out some plan to ambush us again. They’ve no idea we’ve smelt the rat that’s brewing in the bud, and they’re too cowardly to show their faces until they find they’ve got to, or let us slip.”
“Shall we tell Haverland?”
“No; I will let Haldidge know it, if he hasn’t found it out already. The raft has got to be made, and we must keep on at it till it’s finished, as though we knowed every thing was right. Keep still now, or Alf will notice our talking.”
They were so close to the woodman that they changed their conversation.
“No material?” asked Haverland, looking up.
“It’s rather scarce down where we’ve been,” replied Graham.
“Shan’t I help you?” asked Ina, looking up archly.