The motive of gratitude which sometimes influences the American Indian (and just as frequently does not) could hardly be expected to crystallize at such brief notice into a sentiment strong enough to lead the red man to risk his life so soon for them; and yet, admitting that he was true to his pledge, no other explanation of Arqu-wao's course was possible. CHAPTER XXVI. FOOTPRINTS. "He's either the biggest wretch among the Shawanoes," said Wharton, "always excepting Blazing Arrow, or he is working like a major to help us." "Look at him!" The Indian whom they were discussing was standing in the same position as before, but was excitedly beckoning for them to approach. Both boys broke into a trot and quickly joined him. "Dat Blazing Arrow," said Arqu-wao; "he kill white folks." "How is it that he and the others did not kill my father and mother as they rode along the trail?" "No see 'em," was the quick reply. "But why not? I do not understand." "Arqu-wao no tell--don't know--not be looking." This, apparently, was the explanation possible, but it did not satisfy the youths. "Come wid me," said the Shawanoe, motioning the boys to follow him, which, despite their anxiety, they did. "See dere--eh--see dat?" The Indian stooped, and with his forefinger almost on the ground, pointed to the imprint of a shoe. It was not made by a moccasin, but by a regular heavy-soled shoe or boot. "Who made that?" asked the astonished Wharton. "White man," replied Arqu-wao, with almost a chuckle. "White man like him on hoss--he friend--Blazing Arrow don't know dat." It seemed incredible that this half-demented creature had discovered signs which had escaped the eye of the fierce Shawanoe leader and his companions, but such was the fact, as afterwards came to light. After much labored explanation, the guide made clear to the boys a state of facts hitherto unsuspected by them, whose existence they still half doubted. A white man from the block-house had passed over the trail after the two horses. This was readily determined by studying his footprints where they interfered with those of the animals. He had walked at a rapid gait, as was evidenced by the length of the stride. In all probability he was an experienced ranger, for even while following the path he made an effort to hide his footprints. It was only at rare intervals that he stepped in the trail itself; he had generally walked at the side, where the leaves and harder earth hid the impressions from sight. Had Blazing Arrow and his companions been searching for this stranger's footprints it is not to be supposed that they would have missed them, for their eyes were as keen as those of Arqu-wao, but the presumption was that they were not looking for them.