"What is the matter?" he asked, in a whisper.
"'Sh! Shawnees dere."
"Where? on the rock?"
The Huron pointed across the river.
"Dere! on dat shore--may be come over."
The soldier, was much puzzled to know how his companion had made such a
sudden discovery, when they were so far away. As there could be no
danger of their words being overheard, he made the inquiry.
"See'd water splash," replied Oonomoo. "Got canoe."
"Not yours?"
"No--deir own--come ober here, putty soon."
His words were true. He had hardly spoken, when a noise, as of the
dipping of a paddle, was heard, and the next moment a canoe shot out
from the bank and headed directly toward them. This being the case, it
was impossible to determine the number of savages in it, although there
must have been several.
"Would it not be best to move to prevent discovery?" asked the
Lieutenant, as he watched the approaching Shawnees with considerable
anxiety.
"Won't land here--go 'low us."
A moment later the head of the canoe turned down-stream. It was then
seen to be of considerable size. Five savages were seated within it.
Oonomoo bent his head, took one earnest glance at them, and then said:
"Ain't Shawnees--Miamis."
"Friends or foes?"
"Jes' as bad--take scalp--kill white people--take your scalp--see you."
Lieutenant Canfield by no means felt at ease at the indifference with
which his friend uttered these words.
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