Bright and early the next morning, the children stood in the door-way, eagerly looking out for Tom.  Big Tom, the village boys called him; and well they might, for he was a staunch, burly fellow, who looked as if he could crush an Indian in each hand—­not that he had ever had an opportunity to perform that remarkable feat, for Tom Hennessy had but recently arrived from a large town in the East; but he looked as if he could do it; and, therefore, had credit for any amount of prowess and strength.

After sundry directions given by Mr. Hedden to Tom, and a command from their mother for the little folks to be home at dinner-time, they set forth amid shouts of laughter and merriment.  Kitty was there in all her glory, for, after what “Poppy” had said, she had insisted upon joining the party.  Even Bouncer, in spite of many a “Go back, sir!” “Call him, mother!” had quietly insinuated himself into the group, and neither threats nor coaxing could force him away.

It was a glorious day; and, as they neared the stream, it seemed to sparkle into joyous welcome at their approach.

Soon, comfortably seated in the scow, they were pushed and rowed laboriously along by the good-natured Tom, while Bouncer panted along the bank, or dashed into the water, splashing the boat in fine style.  In passing the accustomed “limits,” the delight of the children knew no bounds.

“Now for it!” cried Bessie, clapping her hands.  “Now we shall find out where the stream goes to!”

And so they sailed along, following its graceful windings—­sometimes touching bottom, and sometimes skimming smoothly over deep water, where Kitty could no longer clutch for the tall, bright grass that here and there had reared itself above the surface.  Often Big Tom would sing out, “Lie low!” as some great bough, hanging over the stream, seemed stretching out its arms to catch them; and often they were nearly checked in their course by a fallen trunk, or the shallowness of the water.  At last, upon reaching a very troublesome spot, Tom cried good-naturedly—­

“Now, youngsters, you must all get out while I turn the scow over this ’ere log, and then you can jump in again on t’other side.”

With merry shouts they leaped out, one after the other, Tom holding Kitty in his arms, as he stood knee-deep in the water.

“What is the matter with Bouncer?” cried Bessie.

There was no time for a reply.  Looking up, the frightened party saw three hideous faces peering at them over the bushes!

“The Indians! the Indians!” screamed Bessie.

Springing to the shore, and catching Rudolph with one arm, while he held Kitty tightly in the other, Tom Hennessy dashed into the forest, calling upon Bessie to follow.  Poor Bessie!  What could she do?  With a thrill of horror she saw two fierce savages bounding after them with fearful yells, while a third, with upraised club, and tomahawk and scalping-knife in his belt, was rushing toward her.