It is not necessary in this place to dwell upon the particulars of their journey. They encountered nothing unusual or alarming until, in rounding a bend in the river, they were startled by the sight of an unusual object far up the stream. With the exception of Kent, all manifested considerable surprise and apprehension. "What are we to encounter now?" asked Leslie, as he earnestly scrutinized the approaching object. "Are we never to be rid of these brutes?" "It is undoubtedly one of their contrivances," added Leland, "and I'm afraid we shall have to take to the woods again to give it a go-by. How is it, Kent?" The face of the hunter wore a quizzical look, and his only reply was a quiet smile. As he observed the looks of wonder his companions cast upon him, he became more thoughtful. "This is bad business," said he, shaking his head; "_that_ is something I didn't expect to see." The progress of the canoe by this time was checked, and it was drifting with the current. The two young men had no desire for a nearer approach to the apparently formidable contrivance. "Can't either one of you two chaps make out what sort of ship that is coming down-stream?" Both Leland and Leslie were considerably puzzled, when they saw Rosalind smile, as if enjoying their stupidity. "If you can't tell, just ask the gal," added the hunter, bursting into a loud laugh. "Why, George I thought you had lived long enough in the western country to recognize a _flat-boat_!" "What dunces we both are. How could any one imagine that to be anything else than a genuine flat-boat? Let us approach it and make the acquaintance of those on board." "Sart'in, boys," said the hunter, dipping his paddles deep into the water and impelling the canoe rapidly forward. "A cheer for them!" exclaimed Leslie, rising in the boat and swinging his hat over his head. How unspeakably thankful were the hearts of the fugitives, as their salutation was returned by more than one voice! Friends indeed were near, and their dangers were over. A few moments later the canoe was beside the flat-boat. "Thank God! thank God!" fervently uttered Leland, as he clasped his sister in his arms and realized that they were now safe, safe! For the first time in weeks he felt the sweet consciousness of safety. "It is almost worth the sufferings we have undergone!" said he. "This sweet consciousness that we are really beyond the reach of our foes is an enjoyment that we have not experienced for a long time." "Do not forget the all-sustaining Hand that has brought us out of the very jaws of death." "Forget it? May He forget me when I fail to remember Him. Great Father," said Leland, meekly uncovering and bowing his head, while the tears fell like rain down his face, "Great Father, for this and all other mercies I thank thee!" "I join in thanksgiving with theirs," said Leslie, in the same reverent manner, as he approached brother and sister.