The discovery of John Darknight's treachery and his escape filled the hearts of the fugitives with terror. The little band found themselves in the forest at the foot of the Maumee rapids, and with many miles stretching their perilous length between them and Wayne's camp. Little Moccasin, too, had deserted without a word of explanation, and several members of the party were inclined to believe her as treacherous as the English guide. George Darling, the nephew, was especially bitter in his denunciation of the girl, and in this he was seconded by young Carl Merriweather. The two resolved to keep on the lookout for her reappearance, and to shoot her on sight. They firmly believed that her coming to the camp had been prearranged by John Darknight himself, and saw in the desertion of both the successful working of the plot. In the brief and deeply interesting council that followed the double abandonment, the fugitives resolved to prosecute their journey without delay. Of course the boat could not stem the strong rapids, therefore it would have to be transported to a point above them, and that upon the shoulders of the men. The craft, while it was strong and capable of carrying eight or ten people, was unusually light, and when Merriweather and Oscar Parton raised it to their shoulders, they declared with joy that they could carry it all day without a rest. The fugitives did not resume their journey until a frugal breakfast had been discussed on the scene of the night's encampment. At that meal no one seemed to be communicative; the thought of the present peril or the shadow of the impending danger appeared to seal their lips. Abel Merriweather doubtless regretted leaving the cabin home at the mouth of the Maumee, and upbraided himself for having listened to the representations of the false guide. In Oscar Parton's mind one particular thought was uppermost--the safety of Kate Merriweather. Now and then he coupled with it a strong desire to deal with the man who had led them into the trap. The sun was silvering the waves of the river when the boat was lifted from the ground, and the journey resumed. The little party kept from the stream for fear of being seen by any foes, but near enough to hear any voice which might arise from its banks. They indulged in the fond hope of encountering some of Wayne's scouts who were known to be scouting in the vicinity, and the settler trusted that he would fall in with Wells, with whom he was intimately acquainted. But the sun approached his meridian without bringing incident or misfortune to the little band who pushed resolutely through the forest toward the distant goal. "Are you ready to fulfill your part of the promise, George?" said Carl Merriweather to his cousin at the noonday rest held beneath the shade of a great tree. George Darling looked up and saw the youth's face glowing with excitement. His eyes seemed to emit sparks of fire. "What do you mean, Carl?" he said.