Upon questioning Blue Jacket, after they had hidden themselves, and watched fully a dozen blanketed figures pass in Indian file, silent and mysterious, Bob was not much surprised to learn that it was the opinion of their red guide that these warriors could not be out on a hunt, else they would never have kept together in the way they did.
Other signs, which the quick eye of the Shawanee could catch, told him that it was no foray in search of fresh meat that took these dusky sons of the forest abroad.
"Pottawottomies," Blue Jacket had muttered. "Come from setting sun, up by other big water, Detroit way. Something doing, Bob, Sandy. No travel so far not so. Mebbe we learn same soon. Much war drum sound. Heap trouble for paleface settlers along Ohio. Ugh!"
"He says those Indians were Pottawottomies, Bob," whispered Sandy. "I wonder now if that firebrand, Pontiac, is up in this region? Perhaps we may even set eyes on him before we start for home."
"Well, as for me," remarked his brother, "I'd take little pleasure in doing that; for he has an evil name among the settlements. Many border posts have gone up in flame and smoke because of Pontiac, and the renegades that follow him, warring upon their kind. According to my mind it would be a blessed day for pioneers everywhere if a bullet could be sent to lay the monster low."
Little did either of them suspect, while thus talking, how soon they were to be granted a most wonderful opportunity for seeing the notorious sachem, whose name had for years thrilled the hearts of a multitude of mothers, as they sheltered their children in their arms, and listened to the sounds of the mysterious forest, peopled with cruel and crafty red foes.
All through this day the three continued to head toward the land where the terrible waters fell from the lofty rocks with a roar that was deafening. To the superstitious Indians, Niagara's mighty and unceasing clamor was the voice of the Great Spirit. Their medicine men claimed to be able to interpret what messages were being sent from the Happy Hunting Grounds for the guidance of the Great Spirit's favorite children with the redskins. And for centuries, doubtless, had the cataract also been the scene of sacrifices, when beautiful maidens were sent over its brink to appease an angry Manitou.
"Why, the woods are full of them," said Sandy, when, just before dusk, they were again compelled to hide in order to let a file of solemn warriors pass by.
Bob was more than uneasy. He saw readily enough that, if what Blue Jacket suspected turned out to be the truth, and that a grand council was about to be held at which representatives of many tribes would appear, it made their mission all the more difficult of accomplishment.
Even though they succeeded in rescuing little Kate, once the alarm was given how could they ever expect to elude the scores upon scores of painted savages with whom the woods would quickly be filled?