"At work!" cried Samuel.
"Yes; they are cutting down trees and clearing the ground. This will be so much gained, as the season is far advanced, and we have not a moment to lose if we would have our settlement quite ready for the winter."
All this while the caravan was advancing, and by degrees had got halfway through the defile.
"This narrow way might easily be stopped," said Joshua.
"Very useful idea, as many redskins are about."
"But we are very numerous."
"Yes; but if we are attacked we have no neighbours to help us, and must count only on ourselves alone."
"We shall be sufficient," drily responded Joshua.
"I hope so, and yet I doubt if the Indians leave us in peaceable possession if game is as abundant as I believe."
"Bah! Who cares? If the Indians come we will give them such a reception as shall astonish them."