"Why, you did it for the best," she added, in surprise.
"Yes, I thought so—perhaps, the best for myself. I had no idea of being pursued in this manner. It seems I have been a fool. I let that Simon Girty make me believe he was an awkward countryman, and lead me into this muss."
"You think we can keep out of their hands?"
"I trust so; the night ain't many hours away, and if we can only keep clear till then, why, all right. I hain't seen the Injin yet, Miami or Shawnee, that could foller a track in the night-time."
"They did not see us come out of the ravine. How will they know enough of our direction to keep up the pursuit?"
"Injin is Injin, and the dirt I made in scratching out of there will be seen by a dozen of their snaky eyes."
"How far, dear friend, did you say it is to the settlement?"
"Full twenty miles."
"We can reach it, then, by traveling all night?"
"Yes, very easy, if you can hold out till the darkness comes on."