It would seem that the splintered trunk should have been an infallible guide to the youths; but, as if fate wished to toy with them, Wharton was positive that it was on the right side of the trail as they faced the block-house, while Larry was equally certain it was on the left. Neither could dissuade the other, and the question remained as exasperating as before. One believed that instead of going right they were walking directly contrary to the proper course, and that sooner or later they would reach the dangerous section where they had already met with so many narrow escapes. Had either been able to convince the other of his mistake they would have decided what was the best thing to do, for such a decision of necessity would have determined whether Arqu-wao was playing them false or not. It was the younger lad who believed they were going astray, and it was this fact which caused him to examine the ground, as they walked along, with closer scrutiny than his companion. In doing so he made an alarming discovery; the path showed the distinct hoofprints of two horses that had travelled in the opposite direction. The woodcraft of the young man told him that the animals had passed that way quite recently, probably within a few hours. While there could be no certainty as to who the couple were, he decided at once that they were his father and mother on their way from the block-house to the settlement. "Larry," said he, touching the shoulder of his friend, "the Shawanoe is acting honestly with us." "How can ye know that?" asked the other in surprise. "These are the footprints of father and mother's horses." Larry bent his head forward and closely studied the ground for some time, walking slowly, and allowing nothing to escape him. "Ye are right," straightening up, "which means that two people have passed this way--pretty lately, too; but how can we know who they were?" "This trail is little travelled. If the folks left the block-house very early this morning they would have been near here by this time. We can't know it is they, but it is certain as anything can be." "Then ye were wrong and I was right about the course we were following." "Yes; I believe the Indian is doing his best to keep his promise." "I hope so, but I don't feel as sartin as yersilf of that." The brief delay of the couple had allowed Arqu-wao to gain so much on them that he was almost invisible. Discovering the fact, he again halted and looked back, as if waiting for them to come up. "Obsarve him," said Larry. "He stands jist as he did whin we took a drink from the brook." Such was the fact. If he chose to launch an arrow, he could do so with an instantaneousness that was sure to be fatal to one; but now they were in a better situation than before, and the result was so certain to be fatal to him that neither felt much fear of any attempt.