Each time the men had gripped their guns, thinking that something was about to occur; but only once more to relax the nervous strain.
"I surely saw something move ahead, Bob!" exclaimed Sandy, who was alongside his brother in the forward movement.
"Where?" asked the other, quickly; while the nearest neighbor cocked his head to listen, half raising his musket menacingly.
"Over there where that tree hangs down across the way," replied Sandy, pointing with his gun.
"Well, we must soon know whether it means anything," replied Bob, "for we are headed that way right now."
"Look! look! it must be a man; and he is waving a white flag to us! He does not want us to fire upon him at sight!" cried Sandy, a few seconds later.
"Yes, you are right," declared his brother.
Of course the attention of all the members of the tracking party had now been attracted toward the moving object, which every one could see was a piece of white cloth being waved up and down. They changed their course just a little, and headed in a bunch for the spot.
"Be careful, lads!" said old Reuben. "Nobody kin tell what the sly critters may be up to. Keep yer hands on yer triggers, but don't shoot till I give the word. Unless I'm mightily mistaken, that arm is an Injun's. Spread out a leetle, lads. He wants us to get closer still, afore he gives over wavin' that rag. Thar! he's dropped the thing! Easy now, and wait! Ha!"