CHAPTER XXIX
WONDERFUL TIDINGS
The man was so weak that presently he sank back and seemed to sleep.
"Is he going to die?" asked Sandy, alarmed at his looks.
"Not just now," replied his brother, shaking his head as he spoke. "You felt that heat of the fire yourself; and you see it has sent him to sleep. Here, cover him with my blanket. It is dry now, and will keep him warm."
Leaving the stranger, who as yet had not spoken a word, the boys turned their attention to the leaky canoe. They knew how the Indians managed to stop any such openings in their light boats, made of birch bark or buffalo hides; and Bob had been wise enough to carry along some of the necessary pitch when starting out on this journey of exploration.
"Do you ever forget anything?" demanded Sandy, when he saw his brother produce the needed material for mending their boat, and start heating it over the fire.
"Oh! yes, often," replied Bob, cheerfully; for he knew his own faults, even if Sandy refused to see them. "And it was possible that we would run on a snag that would punch a hole in the boat; so I came prepared to mend it."
The boat had been carried near the fire some time before, in order that it might dry out. When the conditions were right Bob set to work. He had asked Blue Jacket many questions regarding repairing canoes, when the young Shawanee brave was a guest under the Armstrong roof; and what he had learned proved of considerable value to him now.
"How will it hold?" asked Sandy, who was hovering near, eager to lend a hand if his brother needed help.
"I think it will be stronger than ever," came the reply.