Fig. 7. Shallow Stream.
The savages did not wait long for the supposed appearance of the wagon, but the scouting parties cautiously spread out and moved up the stream. They passed through the thick undergrowth where John and the Professor had passed the night before and were, apparently, nonplussed at the disappearance.
This recalled the former experience farther up the river, and all had a merry laugh at the discomfiture. They saw the tracks of the wagon, and it ceased at the undergrowth, and this was the puzzling feature to them, but in time the tracks were followed up leading to the river bank, and the evidences of the driftwood all about was sufficient information to them to stop all further pursuit.
"What should we do if they attempt to cross?" was George's inquiry.
"That would be our chance to go for them," responded Harry.
They remained on the bank for two hours, constantly looking across for signs of the retreating wagon, and then slowly filtered back through the woods beyond.
"Isn't this the place we saw the lights during our first trip to the river?" asked Harry.
"No," answered the Professor; "we were fully six or eight miles north of this point, but it might be some tribes are found that far down the river."
Breakfast had been forgotten in the interesting watching of their enemies, and when they had fully disappeared from view the party had an opportunity for the first time in a whole week to get a sample of cooked food.
"I am sorry to say," said George, "that we haven't any fresh meat, and the best we can do is coffee and corned beef."