The moon,
as we have said, was unusually bright, and not only the dark, ball-like
head of the Huron could be seen, floating on the surface, but, when his
face was turned in the right direction, his black eyes and aquiline
nose and high cheek-bones were plainly distinguishable, while his long,
black hair, simply closed in one clasp (years before it was always
gathered in the defiant scalp-lock), floated like a veil behind him.
The soldier watched him until he disappeared around the corner of the
rock, and then patiently awaited his return.
The Huron was a most consummate swimmer, and moved, while in the water,
as silently as a fish. More from habit than anything else, as he found
himself in the eddy made by the twisting of the river around the upper
edge of the stone, he "backed water," and, for a moment, remained
perfectly motionless. The moon was in such a quarter of the sky that a
long line of shadow was thrown out from the rock, far enough to envelop
both Oonomoo and his canoe, lying several yards below him. As he
caught sight of the latter, he saw a Miami Indian seated in it,
apparently waiting and watching for some one. As quick as lightning
the meaning of the singular action of the other canoe flashed upon his
mind. By some means which he could only conjecture, the Miamis had
gained a knowledge of his movements. Perhaps the discovery of his boat
was what first awakened their suspicions.
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