Two men jumped ashore, and proceeded to unfasten the ropes; though really this could have been done from aboard, as the painters had been so fastened that all it required was a strong pull. Others stooped to grasp the long, stout push poles, with which to urge the unwieldy craft ahead. Once in the clutch of the current, of course that part of the business would be ended; though they might continue to drop the poles over, and strain their backs, as long as they were able to touch bottom. Others, still, crouched, guns in hand, ready to commence shooting at the first indication of the presence of the fierce enemy. Everything worked smoothly. The ropes were unfastened, and brought aboard, without any trouble. Already a load was lifted from the hearts of the voyagers; and this lightened still more when they could feel the heavy craft beginning to move in response to the muscular efforts of those who were straining at the poles. Soon the sweeps could be brought into play, when their movement would become more rapid. Eager eyes scanned the line of trees from which two dozen feet of sand and water now separated them. At any second they expected to see dusky figures leap into view, followed by the crash of many guns. Looking to such a contingency, Mr. Armstrong had sent around a whispered caution that at the very first appearance of the wily foe everybody should shelter themselves as best they could behind the rampart afforded by the gunwale of the flatboat, expressly built up for this purpose. "Do you think they are really coming?" whispered Sandy, as he and Bob crouched there, sheltered by the heavy bulwark, and keeping their eyes fastened on the edge of the forest. "Some of the men are already beginning to say that Blue Jacket must have heard a buffalo passing, or deer hunting for new feeding grounds; and that, after all, it may be only a false alarm; but I do not believe that can be. You know, Sandy, how wonderfully he can tell just what every sound means, when they seem alike to us. If Blue Jacket says there are Indians afoot in the forest this night, I feel sure it must be so." "Oh! I thought I saw what looked like a feathered head thrust out of the bushes up yonder!" exclaimed Sandy. Hardly had he spoken than a single shrill yell rang out. It seemed to be some sort of signal, and it must have conveyed the information that the boat was slipping away; for Bob felt sure he could detect both rage and disappointment in the loud cry. "There, that tells the story!" he exclaimed, as he nervously handled his musket, and made ready to give a good account of the bullet it contained, if called up. "Blue Jacket knew what he was saying, just as I told you."