After that half laugh of triumph, Red Goliath stalked noiselessly away, and the boy was left alone with his meditations and half-shaped plans. CHAPTER X. ADELE. Only for a few moments did young Mason remain in this state. Then his active brain aroused him to the necessity of making each second count. His plans were only partially matured; but it would not prove hard to fully arrange them as time wore on, and his first move was really characteristic of the boy. Pulling out a piece of water-proof cloth, he quickly wrapped it around his revolver, and then stepped boldly down into the river. A few seconds later he was swimming silently for the other shore, holding the revolver out of the water as much as possible by means of his teeth, in which it was clasped. The current carried him a little distance down the stream, and he landed some ten or twelve yards below the spot where Red Goliath had left his boat. Thanks to his buckskin garments, the water did not soak through, and after emerging from the river Mason found himself little the worse for his swim. What to do now might have puzzled some old stagers; but the boy's action was prompt and to the point. Stepping up to the boat, he felt along the side until his hand came in contact with a ring, and when this was found he gave an exclamation of satisfaction. Leaving the water he struck off in the same direction the giant had taken but a few moments before, passing by the dead Indian without even halting to examine the body. Red Goliath must have been moving very slowly and cautiously after his fight, for Mason, who had, either through good luck or excellent management, hit upon the exact line of travel pursued by the giant, caught up with him before the outskirts of the village were gained. A moving form, crouching low, and yet showing the immense bulk in spite of this proceeding, was seen not ten yards ahead of him. This was what attracted Mason's eye and kept him on the watch. When the first lodges were passed, the danger thickened around our boy friend. He had two sources to guard against, the giant on the one hand and the inhabitants of the village he was in the midst of on the other. It may be surmised from this that Mason was very careful of his movements. In spite of his size, which one would naturally suppose conducive to clumsiness, Red Goliath managed to get over ground with almost the noiseless powers of a serpent. He seemed to be somewhat acquainted with the arrangement of the village, for he passed by dozens of lodges without giving them the least attention, his aim being to all appearances a certain spot not far from the center of the encampment, which was of so great a length. There were several things in favor of this spying expedition which counted in the favor of the giant, and also his unseen follower.