Running Fox and Yellow Wolf turned in alarm. The next moment they saw something drifting slowly past the bowlder. The three Delawares stared at it in amazement. They had suddenly recognized it as a paddle. The discovery roused their suspicions. They feared that a canoe was somewhere near.
"Come, jump into the bushes!" cried Running Fox.
They hid themselves and looked anxiously up the river. The paddle was near the shore and appeared to be drifting still nearer. They watched it in trying suspense. They longed to secure it, but still they feared to make the attempt.
"Perhaps the Mohawks saw us," said Yellow Wolf. "Perhaps they threw that paddle into the water to fool us. If we try to get it we may be killed."
"Yes, I believe it is a trick," Dancing Owl said, suspiciously.
Running Fox kept silent. He was staring at the paddle with eager, fascinated eyes. He had suddenly resolved to secure it.
"Keep watching," he cried, as he ran toward the river.
He waded into the water and when it rose to his waist, he reached out and drew the paddle toward him with his bow. As he lifted the paddle from the water he cried out in astonishment. Then he hurried to the shore and ran to his companions.
"See, see, this paddle belongs to Spotted Deer!" he told them, excitedly. "Here is his mark."
They instantly recognized the design which had been cut into the blade. For some time they stared at it in silence. They were trying to guess how the paddle had chanced to drift into their hands.