"And even then we had luck, or your Tododaho is still watching over us. I struck at random, but the blade was guided to its mark."
"And so was mine. What you say is also proved to be true by the fact that the canoe did not overturn, when they threw themselves upon us. The chances were at least ninety-nine out of a hundred that it would do so."
"And our arms and ammunition and our deer?"
"All in the canoe, except the weapons that are in our belts."
"Then, Tayoga, it is quite sure that your Tododaho has been watching over us. But where is the canoe?"
Robert was filled with alarm and horror. They were standing above their knees in the water, and they no longer saw the little craft, which had become a veritable ship of refuge to them. They peered about frantically in the dusk and then Tayoga said:
"There is a strong breeze blowing from the land and waves are beginning to run on the water. They have taken the canoe out into the lake. We must swim in search of it."
"And if we don't find it?"
"Then we drown, but O Dagaeoga, death in the water is better than death in the fires that Tandakora will kindle."
"We might escape into the woods."