"Run, run!" shouted Running Fox, as he led the way down the ridge.
They dashed madly down the slope, and turned toward a dense spruce swamp that began a short distance from the base of the ridge. Wild shouts behind them gave warning that they were being hotly pursued. Running Fox looked back and saw a strong company of warriors scrambling recklessly down the rocky hillside. One glance was sufficient to recognize them.
"The Mohawks! The Mohawks!" he cried in alarm.
The warning struck fear to the hearts of his companions. They knew the fate that awaited them at the hands of those fierce foes, and they fled before them like frightened deer. They gained the edge of the swamp, and rushed wildly into its gloomy depths. They went a considerable distance before they dared to stop. Then they took shelter behind a barricade of fallen trees, and waited anxiously for the appearance of their foes. The shouts had ceased at the border of the swamp, and the silence increased their fears.
"They are creeping ahead to find us," Painted Hawk whispered.
"Well, we can make a good fight here," Running Fox said, boldly.
The twilight shadows had already fallen in the great forest of spruces, and the Delawares knew that it would soon be dark. The thought gave them hope. Unless the Mohawks tracked them directly to their hiding place, they believed that the night might save them from discovery. They waited in trying suspense, expecting each moment to see the dim, shadowy forms of the Mohawks approaching between the trees. As time passed and they failed to appear, the Delawares began to wonder if they really had stopped at the border of the swamp.
"Perhaps they are afraid to follow us into this place," said Painted Hawk.
"Perhaps they went the other way," Dancing Owl suggested, hopefully.
"My brothers, I believe they are outside," Running Fox told them. "They know we are Delawares. They are cautious. Once we fooled them when they were coming to our camp. Perhaps they took us for scouts. Perhaps they believe we are trying to lead them into a trap. See, it is almost dark. Pretty soon we will be safe."