The Masters of the Peaks eBook

Joseph Alexander Altsheler
This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 300 pages of information about The Masters of the Peaks.

The Masters of the Peaks eBook

Joseph Alexander Altsheler
This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 300 pages of information about The Masters of the Peaks.

“Before we go upon our voyage,” said Robert, “I think we shall have to pay some attention to the question of food.  My pouch is about empty.”

“And so is mine.  We shall have to take the risk, Dagaeoga, and shoot a deer.  Tandakora may be so far behind that none of his warriors will hear the shot, but even so we cannot live without eating.  We will, however, hunt from the canoe.  Since the war began, all human beings have gone away from this lake, and the deer should be plentiful.”

They launched the canoe on the deep waters, and the two took up the paddles, sending their little craft northward, with slow, deliberate strokes.  They had the luck within the hour to find a deer drinking, and with equal luck Robert slew it at the first shot.  They would have taken the body into the canoe, but the burden was too great, and Tayoga cut it up and dressed it with great dispatch, while Robert watched.  Then they made room for the four quarters and again paddled northward.  Fearing that Tandakora had come much nearer, while they were busy with the deer, they did not dare the wide expanse of the lake, but remained for the present under cover of the overhanging forest on the western shore.

“If we put the lake between Tandakora and ourselves,” said Robert, “we ought to be safe.”

“It is likely that they, too, have canoes hidden in the reeds,” said Tayoga.  “Since the French and their allies have spread so far south they would provide for the time when they wanted to go upon the waters of Ganoatohale.  It is almost a certainty that we shall be pursued upon the lake.”

They continued northward, never leaving the dark shadow cast by the dense leafage, and, as they went slowly, they enjoyed the luxury of the canoe.  After so much walking through the wilderness it was a much pleasanter method of traveling.  But they did not forget vigilance, continually scanning the waters, and Robert’s heart gave a sudden beat as he saw a black dot appear upon the surface of the lake in the south.  It was followed in a moment by another, then another and then three more.

“It is the band of Tandakora, beyond a doubt,” said Tayoga with conviction.  “They had their canoes among the reeds even as we had ours, and now it is well for us that water leaves no trail.”

“Shall we hide the canoe again, and take to the woods?”

“I think not, Dagaeoga.  They have had no chance to see us yet.  We will withdraw among the reeds until night comes, and then under its cover cross Ganoatohale.”

Keeping almost against the bank, they moved gently until they came to a vast clump of reeds into which they pushed the canoe, while retaining their seats in it.  In the center they paused and waited.  From that point they could see upon the lake, while remaining invisible themselves, and they waited.

The six canoes or large boats, they could not tell at the distance which they were, went far out into the lake, circled around for a while, and then bore back toward the western shore, along which they passed, inspecting it carefully, and drawing steadily nearer to Robert and Tayoga.

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Project Gutenberg
The Masters of the Peaks from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.