The party were walking thus silently, when they reached a portion of the wood where, for a short distance, it was perfectly open, as if it had been totally swept over by a tornado.  In this they were about entering, when, brought in relief against the moon-lit sky beyond, the form of an Indian was seen standing as motionless as a statue.  At first sight, the form appeared gigantic in its proportions, but a second glance showed that instead of being a man it was a mere boy.  He stood in the attitude of listening, as if he had just caught the sound of the approaching company.

The Huron, disdaining to draw his rifle upon such a foe, halted and looked steadily at him, while those in the rear, who had all discovered the savage, did the same, the negro’s teeth chattering like a dice-box, as he fully believed him to be the advance-guard of an overwhelming force.  The boy standing thus a moment, sprung with the quickness of lightning to the cover of the trees.  As he did so, there was something about the movement which awakened the suspicion of Oonomoo, and without stirring, he gave utterance to a low, trilling whistle.  Instantly there came a similar response, and the boy appeared again to view, bounding forward quickly toward Oonomoo.

“Niniotan.”

“Oonomoo.”

“What brings you thus far in the woods?”

“The Shawnees have discovered the home of Oonomoo!”

“And where is Fluellina?” demanded the Huron, starting as if stricken by a thunderbolt.

“She is hid in the woods, waiting for Oonomoo.”

“Did she send Niniotan for him?”

“She sent him this morning, and he searched the woods until now, when he found him in this opening.”

“When did Fluellina and my son leave their home on the island in the water?”

“Last night, shortly after the moon had come above the tree-tops, they left in the canoe, and they went far before the morning light had appeared, when they dared not return.”

“And when saw you the Shawnees?”

“Yesterday, after you had gone, a canoe-full of their warriors passed by the island in their canoe.  We saw them through the trees, and hid in the bushes until they had passed, and they searched until night for us.”

“Where is Fluellina hid?”

“Close by the side of the stream which floats by the island, but many miles from it.”

“How long will it take Niniotan to guide Oonomoo there?”

“Four or five hours.  The wood is open and clear from briers.”

“And are the Shawnees upon Fluellina’s trail?”

“If the eye of the Shawnee can follow the trail of the canoe, he has tracked us to the hiding-place.”

This conversation being carried on in the Huron tongue, of course the others failed to catch its meaning; but Lieutenant Canfield suspected, from the singularly hurried and excited manner of Oonomoo, that something unusual had occurred with him.  Never before had he seen him give way to his feelings, or speak in such loud, almost fierce tones.  The soldier remained at a respectful distance, until the Huron turned his head and told him to approach.