CHAPTER IX
WESTWARD
Where were the pursuing Indians? For two days we watched, and the
water was unflecked by sign of life. We listened in the murk of night
and strained our eyes in the sun's dazzle. But we found nothing but
forest and sky and mystery. We were alone with our shadows.
The forty-eight hours crawled. Except at noonday we were chilled, our
stomachs complained of the cold food, and our minds, and therefore our
bodies, were sluggish. The Englishman had the best of it, for he could
sleep like a bear in winter. Save for the hours when he was on watch
he knew but little of what was passing. He lay on the warm side of the
bank and slept with his face to the sun.
At the end of two days I felt that I had paid all reasonable due to
Prudence, and could follow Inclination and be comfortable.
"We shall push on at daybreak to-morrow," I told the men. "Hang the
kettles. To-night we shall have a boiling pot."
Truly a fire makes home of a wilderness. We sat with our heels to the
blaze, and grew jovial. The Englishman said little, but was alert to
serve us.
"It is salt to the broth to have it given me by a pretty squaw," I told
him as he filled my bowl a second time.
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