, Jasper, to say which way we ought to counsel and advise.«
    »If the Serpent and myself could swim into the river, and bring off the
other canoe,« the young sailor replied, »it would seem to me, that our safest
course would be the water.«
    »If, indeed! and yet it might easily be done, as soon as it is a little
darker. Well, well, considering the Sarjeant's daughter, and her gifts, I am not
sartain it will not be the best. Though were we only a party of men, it would be
like a hunt to the lusty and brave, to play at hide and seek with yonder
miscreants, on the other shore. Jasper,« continued the guide, into whose
character there entered no ingredient that belonged to vain display, or
theatrical effect, »will you undertake to bring in the canoe?«
    »I will undertake any thing that will serve and protect Mabel, Pathfinder.«
    »That is an upright feeling, and I suppose it is natur'. The Sarpent, who is
nearly naked already, can help you, and that will be cutting off, one of the
means of them devils, to work their harm.«
    This material point being settled, the different members of the party,
prepared themselves to put the project into execution. The shades of evening
fell fast upon the forest, and by the time all was ready for the attempt, it was
found impossible to discern objects on the opposite shore. Time now pressed, for
Indian cunning could devise so many expedients for passing so narrow a stream,
that the Pathfinder was getting impatient to quit the spot. While Jasper and his
companion entered the river, armed with nothing but their knives and the
Delaware's tomahawk, observing the greatest caution not to betray their
movements, the guide brought Mabel from her place of concealment, and bidding
her and Cap proceed along the shore to the foot of the rapids, he got into the
canoe that remained in his possession, in order to carry it to the same place.
    This was easily effected. The canoe was laid against the bank, and Mabel and
her uncle entered it, taking their seats as usual, while the Pathfinder, erect
in the stern, held by a bush, in order to prevent the swift stream from sweeping
them down its current. Several minutes of intense and breathless expectation
followed, while they awaited the result of the bold attempt of their comrades.
    It will be understood that the two adventurers were compelled to swim,
across a deep and rapid