"I hope you are not mistaken," remarked Haverland, in such a tone as to show that he still had his lingering doubts.
"That matter can not be decided until we get a peep of the dusky cowards, and the only course is for us to push ahead."
"It strikes me that they can be at no great distance, and if we are going to come upon their camp-fire to-night, we have got to do it pretty soon."
"Come on, then."
"With this, the hunter again strode forward, but with more stealth and caution than before. He saw in the different signs around them unmistakable proof that the Indians were at no great distance.
Just as the sun was setting, the triumvirate reached a small stream which dashed and foamed directly across the trail. They halted a moment to slake their thirst, and the hunter arose and moved forward again. But Graham made it a point to search at every halting place for guiding signs, and he called out to his companions to wait a moment.
"Time is too precious," replied he, "and you won't find any thing here."
"Won't find any thing here, eh? Just come and look at this."
The hunter stepped back over the stones in the brook, and with Haverland approached Graham. The latter pointed to a broad, flat stone at his feet. Upon it was scratched, with some softer stone, the following words:—
"Hurry forward. There are six Indians, and they have got Ina with them. They don't suspect you are following them, and are hurrying up for the village. I think we will camp two or three miles from here. Make the noise of the whipporwil when you want to do the business, and I will understand.
Yours, respectfully,
Seth Jones."
"If I warn't afraid the imps would hear it, I would vote three cheers for that Jones," exclaimed Haldidge, "he's a trump whoever he is."
"You may depend upon that," added Graham, "for what little I saw of him was sufficient to show me that."
