Objects were just growing indistinct, when O'Hara and the Huron came upon the bushes where Edith had been concealed. They saw that Dernor had approached on the opposite side from which he had left it, and that upon being rejoined by his charge, he had once more started northward, as if his desire was still to remain above his enemies, and avoid, as much as lay in his power, all probabilities of encountering them.
"I s'pose we've got to lay on our oars, as the sailors say, till daylight," said O'Hara.
The Huron looked at him, as if he failed to comprehend him, and he added, in explanation:
"There being no light, of course we can't see their tracks, and will have to wait till morning."
"No wait—go on all night."
"How will you do that?"
"Oonamoo know which way dey go."
"I don't deny that, but, smart as you are, I don't believe you can see a trail on such a night as this."
"Don't want to see trail—know which way go—go up, then go off toward settlement."
O'Hara understood that the Huron had formed his idea of the general direction which the Rifleman had taken, and intended to follow him in this manner. Being thoroughly well acquainted with the country, there was no difficulty in doing this; and, without pausing to think of drink or food, the two resumed their pursuit as hopefully and confidently as though the matter were already settled.