In reply to this, the ranger related the story of his trials and sufferings, of which the reader is already aware.
He stated that when he went over the falls in the canoe, the little craft alighted upon its end in such a way as not to injure him severely; and that, by some chance, it was thrown backward under the falls instead of outward. Here he discovered the cavern that he had made his home.
“And where is Florence now?” asked Silvia.
“I left her in the forest near the Indian encampment. She begged me to fly, to escape a band of Indians we saw approaching. I did so, but since you have company, and it is some time until night, I will go in search of her.”
“Oh, do, Rodger, and bring her here!” cried Silvia.
The ranger turned to leave the room, saying:
“I will go and try, but I fear I can never induce her to leave the Indians.”
Before Silvia could reply he was gone.