CHAPTER XIX
A BITTER DISAPPOINTMENT
"They must land soon," said Sandy, when they had been trying to keep up with the canoe for a long time, though without brilliant success, for it was far ahead of the three scouts, possibly a couple of miles.
"Yes," Bob made answer; "for the day is near an end, and they will wish to camp. There, see, they have at last headed toward the shore. We must make sure to note where the boat lands, so that we can take up the trail if they plunge into the forest."
A short time later and they had seen the canoe pushed up on the sandy beach. After the customary manner of the red men, it was immediately picked up and carried away, doubtless to be secreted among the bushes, either until morning or until some future occasion when its services would be needed.
"Now what is our next move?" asked Sandy.
"Keep straight along until we are within striking distance of the spot. But let us seek advice from Blue Jacket. He will know what is best," was Bob's answer.
To their surprise the Shawanee brave decided that it would be just as well for them to remain where they were, and rest an hour or more. When darkness had fallen they could step out on the open beach, and make as good time as though they struggled along all the while through the dense underbrush of the woods.
So they lay down and waited, meanwhile munching a little food in order to sustain them through whatever might befall them that night.