All that afternoon the trail went upward higher and higher among the ranges and peaks, but the infallible eye of Tayoga never lost it for a moment.

“We will not overtake them today, as I had hoped,” he said, “but we shall certainly do so tomorrow before noon.”

“And the coming night is going to offer a striking contrast to the one just passed,” said Robert.  “It will be crystal clear.”

“So it will, Dagaeoga, and we will seek a camp among the rocks.  It is best to leave no traces for the warriors.”

They traveled a long distance on the stony uplift before they stopped for the night, and they did not build any fire, dividing the time into two watches, each kept with great vigilance.  But the pursuit which they were so sure was now on did not overtake them, and early in the morning they were once more on the traces of the two hunters.

“It is now sure we shall reach them before noon,” said Tayoga, “but in what manner we shall first see them I do not know.  The trail has become wonderfully fresh.  Ah, they turned suddenly from their course here, and soon they came back to it, at a point not more than ten feet away.  We need not follow them on their loop to see where they went.  We know without going.  They climbed the steep little peak we see on the right, from the crest of which they had a splendid view over an immense stretch of country behind us.  They looked in that direction because that was the point from which pursuit or danger would come.  The band behind us built a fire, and the Great Bear and Black Rifle saw its smoke.  They saw the smoke because they could see nothing else so far behind them.  After a good look, they went on at their leisure.  They had no fear.  It was easy for such as they to leave the band well in the rear, if they wished.”

“If they haven’t changed greatly since we last saw ’em,” said Robert, “they’ll go all the more slowly because of the pursuit, and we may catch ’em in a couple of hours.  Won’t Dave be surprised when he sees us?”

“It will be a pleasant surprise for him.  Here, they have stopped again, and one of them climbed the tall elm for another view, while the other stood guard by the trunk.  I think, Dagaeoga, that the Great Bear and Black Rifle were beginning to think less of flight than of battle.”

“You don’t mean that knowing the presence of the band behind us they intended to meet it?”

“Not to stop it, of course, but spirits such as theirs might have a desire to harm it a little, and impede its advance.  In any event, Dagaeoga, we shall soon see.  Here is where the climber came down, and then the two went on, walking slowly.  They walked slowly, because the traces indicate that they turned back often, and looked toward the point at which they had seen the smoke rising.  My mind tells me that the Great Bear thought it better to continue straight ahead, but that Black Rifle was anxious to linger, and get a few shots at the enemy.  It is so, because the Great Bear, as we know, is naturally cautious and would wish to do what is of the most service in the campaign, while it is always the desire of Black Rifle to injure the enemy as much as he can.”