For fully a hundred yards the four were able to make their way without resting their feet on the ground. Then the boulders ended as abruptly as they began.
All now kneeled on the granite floor and asked Heaven to deliver them safely out of the dangers by which they were surrounded.
If the Indians chose to make search, after tracing the little party to the stony place, they must eventually come upon the new trail, where it began again on the ground; but unless they struck it by accident, they must use a good deal of time in hunting for it.
"Come on," called Ben in a low voice, but with a renewal of hope; "we shall get somewhere one of these days."
To their surprise, not far from the rocks they came upon a faintly marked path among the trees.
"What is the meaning of that?" Ben asked, looking inquiringly at his mother and Linna.
"Men don't do dat—wild beasts," replied the dusky child.
"She is right," added the mother; "the animals follow it to water; let us do the same."
The haunting fear of the red men made the words between the fugitives few, and all their movements guarded. They kept glancing to right and left, in front and to the rear, Linna being probably the most active. It was as if she inherited from her parents their surprising woodcraft, and was now calling it into play for the benefit of her friends.
Suddenly something flickered in the path ahead, and Ben stopped short, those behind him doing the same.