“None. There is a large bay at this end of the lake; but it is unknown to us all, and not easy of entrance.”
“And this coast to leeward—it has nothing particular to recommend it, I suppose?”
“It is a wilderness until you reach the mouth of the Niagara in one direction, and Frontenac in the other. North and west, they tell me, there is nothing but forest and prairies for a thousand miles.”
“Thank God! then, there can be no French. Are there many savages, hereaway, on the land?”
“The Indians are to be found in all directions; though they are nowhere very numerous. By accident, we might find a party at any point on the shore; or we might pass months there without seeing one.”
“We must take our chance, then, as to the blackguards; but, to be frank with you, Master Western, if this little unpleasant matter about the French had not come to pass, what would you now do with the cutter?”
“I am a much younger sailor than yourself, Master Cap,” said Jasper modestly, “and am hardly fitted to advise you.”
“Ay, ay, we all know that. In a common case, perhaps not. But this is an uncommon case, and a circumstance; and on this bit of fresh water it has what may be called its peculiarities; and so, everything considered, you may be fitted to advise even your own father. At all events, you can speak, and I can judge of your opinions, agreeably to my own experience.”
“I think, sir, before two hours are over, the cutter will have to anchor.”
“Anchor!—not out here in the lake?”