"It is undoubtedly one of their contrivances," added Leland, "and I'm afraid we shall have to take to the woods again to give it a go-by. How is it, Kent?"
The face of the hunter wore a quizzical look, and his only reply was a quiet smile. As he observed the looks of wonder his companions cast upon him, he became more thoughtful.
"This is bad business," said he, shaking his head; "that is something I didn't expect to see."
The progress of the canoe by this time was checked, and it was drifting with the current. The two young men had no desire for a nearer approach to the apparently formidable contrivance.
"Can't either one of you two chaps make out what sort of ship that is coming down-stream?"
Both Leland and Leslie were considerably puzzled, when they saw Rosalind smile, as if enjoying their stupidity.
"If you can't tell, just ask the gal," added the hunter, bursting into a loud laugh.
"Why, George I thought you had lived long enough in the western country to recognize a flat-boat!"
"What dunces we both are. How could any one imagine that to be anything else than a genuine flat-boat? Let us approach it and make the acquaintance of those on board."
"Sart'in, boys," said the hunter, dipping his paddles deep into the water and impelling the canoe rapidly forward.