“Now we will get away,” he laughed, as the other dogs drew their tails between their legs and scurried toward the village.
Without the help of the dogs the Mohawks soon blundered from the trail, and it was not long before the lads heard them signaling on all sides of them. What disturbed them was the fact that some of the Mohawks seemed to be ahead of them. They could scarcely believe that their foes had actually passed them, and they wondered if it might not be some of the warriors who had left the camp early in the day.
“The Mohawks have surrounded us,” Spotted Deer said, uneasily.
“No, I am not afraid about that,” replied Running Fox. “They have lost the trail, and they are scattering to find it. If we watch sharp we will get by them.”
When it grew light the lads began to look for certain landmarks which they had fixed in their memory. They planned to skirt the edge of the lake where they had blundered into the Shawnees, and then make directly toward the river. As the day progressed and they continued to avoid their foes they began to feel more confident. Running Fox had little doubt that the skin of the great white Medicine Owl was beginning to exert its power.
“When the Mohawks find out that we have taken away the skin of Gokhos I believe they will be afraid to follow us,” said Spotted Deer.
“No, I feel different about it,” replied Running Fox. “When Standing Wolf finds out what we have done I believe he will bring a great war-party to fight us. Yes, I believe he is already on our trail. We must travel fast to warn our people.”
The sun was disappearing behind the western hills when the Delawares finally reached the northern end of the lake. They had traveled at top speed ever since their escape from the camp, and they were tired and hungry. Nevertheless they feared to stop. They had little doubt that at least some of the Mohawks were close behind them, and they knew it might be fatal to sacrifice even part of their lead.
“We must keep going,” Running Fox said, grimly. “If the Mohawks do not come up with us pretty soon I believe they will begin to hold back.”
They continued along the shore of the lake, and had gone about half of its length before night finally overtook them. Then a big red moon rose, and flooded the forest with its light. It blazed a broad silver trail across the water, and as they watched it they suddenly saw the black phantom-like forms of three canoes sweep swiftly across the path of light. They were within bow-shot of the shore, and were apparently making for the end of the lake.