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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Running Fox, by Elmer Russell Gregor
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Running Fox
+
+Author: Elmer Russell Gregor
+
+Illustrator: D. C. Hutchison
+
+Release Date: October 2, 2013 [EBook #43864]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RUNNING FOX ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Roger Frank
+
+
+
+
+                              RUNNING FOX
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: The next instant his own arrow dropped his enemy to the
+ground.]
+
+
+
+
+                              RUNNING FOX
+
+                                   BY
+
+                          ELMER RUSSELL GREGOR
+
+                   AUTHOR OF “WHITE OTTER,” ETC. ETC.
+
+
+                             [Illustration]
+
+
+                            FRONTISPIECE BY
+                            D. C. HUTCHISON
+
+                        D. APPLETON AND COMPANY
+                            NEW YORK—LONDON
+                                  1918
+
+
+
+
+                          Copyright, 1918, by
+                        D. APPLETON AND COMPANY
+
+                Printed in the United States of America
+
+
+
+
+                             ACKNOWLEDGMENT
+
+  I beg to gratefully acknowledge my indebtedness to Schoolcraft’s
+  works on the Eastern Indians, and to Morgan’s “League of the
+  Iroquois” for much valuable information about the old-time Lenape
+  and Iroquois Indians, and to the Lenape-English Dictionary edited by
+  Daniel G. Brinton, and published by The Historical Society of
+  Pennsylvania, for many ancient Lenape words.
+
+                                                 Elmer Russell Gregor.
+
+
+
+
+                           Table of Contents
+
+                 I—A LONELY VIGIL
+                 II—INTO THE PERILOUS NORTH
+                 III—A THRILLING ADVENTURE
+                 IV—IN THE GRIP OF THE RAPIDS
+                 V—WOLVES
+                 VI—A PROWLER IN THE DARK
+                 VII—THE MYSTERIOUS CANOE
+                 VIII—A NARROW ESCAPE
+                 IX—FORCED INTO HIDING
+                 X—SPOTTED DEER DISAPPEARS
+                 XI—A SKIRMISH WITH THE SHAWNEES
+                 XII—SMOKE
+                 XIII—SURPRISED
+                 XIV—ANXIOUS DAYS
+                 XV—A BATTLE WITH THE CHIPPEWAS
+                 XVI—THE ESCAPE
+                 XVII—PURSUED BY THE ENEMY
+                 XVIII—THE IROQUOIS BLUNDER INTO A TRAP
+                 XIX—THE ATTACK ON THE DELAWARE CAMP
+                 XX—VICTORY
+
+
+
+
+                              RUNNING FOX
+
+
+
+
+                        CHAPTER I—A LONELY VIGIL
+
+
+Having reached the age of sixteen winters, Running Fox, the son of Black
+Panther, a famous Delaware war-chief, determined to establish his
+reputation as a warrior. He knew, however, that before he could gain
+admission into the gallant company of fighting men he would have to
+prove his courage and ability in some daring exploit. Running Fox
+believed that the Delawares would expect some extraordinary achievement
+from the son of their most noted chief, and he resolved to surpass the
+most noteworthy deeds of his tribesmen. He spent many days trying to
+think of something sufficiently heroic to gain him the fame he desired.
+As he could come to no decision, he finally went to his father, and
+asked him to name the greatest possible achievement for a Delaware.
+
+The eyes of the stern Delaware war-chief lighted with pride as he heard
+the bold request of his son. He spent some moments silently studying the
+face of the eager lad before him. Then, convinced that Running Fox was
+in earnest, he answered him.
+
+“My son, you have asked me to tell you the greatest thing a Delaware can
+do. I will tell you. Far away toward Lowaneu,
+The-Place-Where-The-Cold-Comes-From, in the Mohawk camp, lives a great
+war-leader named Standing Wolf. You have heard our warriors talk about
+him at the council-fires. He has killed many of our people. We have
+fought many battles with him, but we cannot kill him. It must be that he
+bears a charmed life. We believe that he has some mysterious power. Many
+times our young men have surrounded him, but when they rushed in to
+destroy him he always killed most of them and escaped. He has done some
+wonderful things. It must be that he possesses some mysterious medicine
+charm. If you can go to the Mohawk camp and find out how Standing Wolf
+gets his power it will be the greatest thing you can do.”
+
+“I will go,” Running Fox cried, impulsively.
+
+“My son, you are brave enough, but you speak fast like a child,” replied
+Black Panther. “You must think about this thing. Then you will begin to
+see how hard it is. Many brave warriors have tried to do it. Not one
+found out about it. Most of them lost their lives. The Mohawks are as
+keen as wolves. When you enter their country, you will be in constant
+danger of losing your life. If they find your trail it will be hard to
+escape. But if you feel brave enough to try to do this great thing, then
+you must go and talk with Sky Dog. He is a great medicine-person,
+perhaps he will be able to help you. Now I have told you what to do.”
+
+“My father, I will do as you have told me,” agreed Running Fox.
+
+He went at once to find old Sky Dog, the venerable Delaware
+medicine-man. When Running Fox arrived at the medicine-lodge and drew
+aside the huge bear robe that hung before the entrance, he saw the aged
+medicine-man sitting upon the ground before a small fire. He was tossing
+small handfuls of dried sweet-grass upon the embers, and droning some
+sort of medicine-song. He took no notice of the lad standing uneasily in
+the doorway, and Running Fox began to wonder whether he had better
+withdraw. While he hesitated, however, Sky Dog raised his head and
+looked to see who his visitor might be.
+
+“Hi, I see some one standing in the doorway of my lodge,” he said,
+peevishly. “The light is bad, and my eyes are old, so that I cannot tell
+who you are. Come in here, and let me look at you.”
+
+Running Fox entered, and stood before the medicine-man. Sky Dog nodded
+understandingly.
+
+“Now I see who you are,” he said, “You are the son of a great chief.
+Well, what do you want?” he demanded, sharply.
+
+Running Fox suddenly felt bewildered in the presence of this great
+medicine-person. For some moments, therefore, he maintained an awkward
+silence.
+
+“Well, have you no ears?” Sky Dog cried, impatiently. “I have asked you
+something. Has your tongue left your mouth? Come, I am not here to be
+stared at.”
+
+The sharp reproach instantly aroused Running Fox from his reverie. He
+saw that his stupid silence had angered Sky Dog, and he hastened to
+explain the reason for his visit.
+
+Sky Dog seemed astounded at his boldness. He shook his head, and stared
+thoughtfully at the fire. It was a long time before he replied.
+
+“You have spoken big words,” he said, finally. “You are only a boy, and
+yet you have asked me to help you do something which our bravest
+warriors have been unable to do. Do you think that I will listen to such
+foolish prattle? No. You must show me that you are in earnest. Does your
+father know about this thing!”
+
+“Yes, my father sent me here,” replied Running Fox.
+
+“Well, then I may do something about it,” said Sky Dog. “But there are
+many things to be done before you can start on such a journey.”
+
+“I am listening,” declared Running Fox.
+
+“That is right. Well, first you must go to the sweat-lodge, and purify
+yourself so that you can pray to Getanittowit, the Great One. Then you
+must go away from the village for three days. You must go to a high
+mountain, and ask Getanittowit, the Great One, to help you. You must
+sing medicine-songs. You must not eat anything but a handful of parched
+corn once each day. Perhaps if you do these things Getanittowit will
+take pity on you, and send you a vision. If that comes to pass you must
+come to me, and I will tell you the meaning of it. If you do not receive
+a vision it will be useless to set out upon the undertaking, for you
+will surely be killed. I have told you what to do. Go.”
+
+Running Fox left the lodge in high spirits. He had little doubt that if
+he faithfully carried out the commands of Sky Dog he would receive aid
+and power that would enable him to achieve his ambition. He went to his
+father and told him what Sky Dog had said. Then he hurried to the
+sweat-lodge.
+
+The Pimoakan, or sweat-lodge, was a low, dome-shaped structure made of
+willow boughs, and covered with several layers of animal robes. It was
+located close beside the river. As Running Fox approached it he saw Sky
+Dog and an aged assistant heating stones at a fire near the entrance to
+the lodge.
+
+When the hot stones had been rolled into the lodge Sky Dog ordered
+Running Fox to remove his clothing and crawl into the Pimoakan. Then the
+medicine-man and his companion filled raw-hide buckets with river water,
+and dashed it over the hot stones. When the lodge was filled with steam
+they hung a number of heavy bear robes over the entrance, and left the
+lad to his fate.
+
+For some moments Running Fox believed that he would smother in the
+stifling clouds of steam. Gasping and choking, he was on the point of
+crying out to be released when he suddenly realized what it would mean.
+He told himself that such an act would not only disgust Sky Dog, but
+that it might even arouse the anger of Getanittowit, the Great One. The
+possibility frightened him. He endured the ordeal with the uncomplaining
+fortitude of a hardened warrior. The hot, steam-laden atmosphere induced
+profuse perspiration, and water streamed from every pore in his body.
+Running Fox grew weak and dizzy. He fought to overcome his weakness,
+however, for he realized that it was only by thus cleansing himself that
+he might become fit to hold communion with Getanittowit, the Great One.
+
+While Running Fox was confined in the lodge, Sky Dog sat just outside
+the entrance, chanting medicine-songs. He ordered Running Fox to repeat
+them until he could sing them through without a mistake. Then Sky Dog
+drew aside the bear robes, and commanded Running Fox to come out. The
+lad staggered out, pale and faint. He presented a pitiful appearance.
+Sky Dog pointed toward the river, and Running Fox stumbled down the bank
+and threw himself into the icy water. The shock quickly revived him, and
+in a few moments he clambered out quite recovered from his experience.
+
+“Now you can go away and rest,” said Sky Dog. “But you must keep
+thinking about the thing you wish to do. Then, when you feel strong, you
+must take your robe and a little parched corn, and go away. You must do
+that before two suns have passed. Go to some high place and stay there
+three days. During that time you must continue to ask Getanittowit to
+take pity upon you, and send you a vision. You must also keep singing
+the medicine-songs. You must not take any weapons with you for that
+would make Getanittowit very angry. At the end of three days come back
+and tell me what you have seen. Now I cannot tell you anything more.
+Go.”
+
+Late the following day Running Fox took his deer-skin robe, and a small
+bag containing parched corn, and left the village. He made his way
+toward a high pine-clad mountain directly behind the great Delaware
+camp. There were few who saw him go away, for Running Fox had carefully
+guarded his plans. Two, however, his father and old Sky Dog, stood
+together at the edge of the village and watched him disappear into the
+shadows of the forest. Then they turned silently away, and walked
+thoughtfully to their lodges.
+
+When Running Fox finally reached the summit of the mountain the sun had
+disappeared, and the purple evening shadows were settling in the
+valleys. Seating himself upon the trunk of a fallen pine the young
+Delaware looked wonderingly upon the glorious panorama that lay before
+him. Far below was the Delaware village beside a splendid river which,
+like a great serpent, glided down from the north between parallel ridges
+of low wooded hills. Behind those ridges were others, rising one behind
+the other, like great billows, until they eventually ended in a long,
+irregular line of ghostly gray peaks far away against the brilliant
+sunset sky. The entire country was covered with a vast primeval forest
+which continued in all directions as far as the eye could see. At
+various intervals isolated woodland lakes flashed from its Bomber green
+background and rushing mountain cataracts blazed narrow white trails
+down the hillsides. It was an unspoiled picture of natural grandeur, a
+land blessed by the bounteous generosity of Getanittowit, who had filled
+it with blessings for his children. The waters teemed with fish, the
+forests swarmed with game, and the air was perfumed with the fragrance
+of the pines. Running Fox looked upon it with pride and affection, for
+it was the home of the great Lenape nation, his people, the Delawares.
+
+Then the lad turned his eyes toward the north, and his face grew stern
+and threatening. He realized that he was looking upon the hunting
+grounds of his enemies, the fierce and warlike Mohawks. Somewhere in the
+great silent wilderness that stretched for unknown leagues beyond the
+headwaters of the river was the Mohawk village in which lived the famous
+war-chief, Standing Wolf. Running Fox knew that to learn the secret
+which would enable his people to triumph over their enemies he must find
+and enter the hostile camp. For the first time he began to understand
+the difficulty and peril of his task. It seemed like a foolhardy
+undertaking for an untried lad of sixteen winters. Running Fox thought
+of the experienced warriors who had sacrificed their lives in the
+attempt. For a moment or so it weakened his confidence. He even wondered
+whether he might not have chosen a feat beyond his ability. The idea
+angered him. He told himself that no task was too great for the son of
+Black Panther.
+
+Running Fox continued his reveries until darkness closed about the
+mountain-top. Then, as the fires began to twinkle down in the Delaware
+camp, he rose and turned his face toward the sky. He stood some moments
+gazing at the starry heavens. Then he suddenly began his appeal to
+Getanittowit, the Great One.
+
+Late in the night Running Fox was interrupted by the sound of something
+moving stealthily through the forest. He was instantly alert, for he
+recalled that more than one daring Iroquois scout had been detected
+spying upon the Delaware camp from the summit of that very mountain. For
+a moment Running Fox longed for his weapons. The next instant he
+banished the thought for fear of angering Getanittowit. He believed that
+as long as he sang the sacred medicine-songs, and repeated the words
+which old Sky Dog had taught him, he would be safe from all danger. Thus
+assured, he listened without fear to the mysterious sounds in the
+darkness. At last a startled snort told him that it was only Achtu, the
+deer. A few moments later he heard it dashing away through the woods.
+
+Dawn found the devout lad, heavy-eyed and weary, still gazing into the
+sky and calling upon Getanittowit to help him. “O Getanittowit, take
+pity on me and help me to do what I have set out to do. O Getanittowit,
+send me a vision. O Getanittowit, I have sung the sacred medicine-songs
+many times to make you glad. O Getanittowit, take pity on me and help
+me.” Running Fox continued to repeat the earnest appeal and sing the
+sacred songs throughout the day. With the falling of darkness, however,
+the exhausted lad ceased his exertions, and soon afterward fell into a
+heavy slumber.
+
+The following day Running Fox hovered on the verge of collapse. The
+scant daily ration of parched corn was insufficient to maintain his
+strength, and the long, trying ordeal began to sap his vitality. He had
+stationed himself on a bare granite ledge which formed the very peak of
+the mountain. There, in the full glare of the scorching summer sun, he
+stood and offered his prayers to Getanittowit. At times his head reeled
+and his legs trembled beneath him, but when that happened he staggered
+to the shade of the forest, and refreshed himself at an icy spring which
+bubbled forth between the roots of a massive hemlock. Then he toiled
+painfully up to the ledge, and continued the sacred ceremony which he
+felt confident would eventually win him the favor of Getanittowit.
+
+More than half of the day had passed when Running Fox discovered
+something which filled him with dismay. Far away toward the west
+threatening black clouds were piling up above the hill-tops. The young
+Delaware watched them with great anxiety. He knew that the Delawares
+considered it a very bad omen to be overtaken by a thunder storm while
+conducting one of their sacred ceremonies. It was considered especially
+significant if one were praying to Getanittowit, the Great One. Under
+those circumstances a thunderstorm was accepted as a sign of
+Getanittowit’s displeasure. The thought filled Running Fox with panic.
+Keeping anxious watch of the darkening western sky, the superstitious
+young Delaware continued to chant the sacred medicine-songs to avert the
+ill fortune that threatened him.
+
+It was not long, however, before Running Fox realized that the storm was
+actually approaching. The ominous black clouds had formed into a great
+mass that was sweeping rapidly toward the sun, and the low, threatening
+rumble of distant thunder echoed among the hills. The air grew hot and
+stifling. A quick, darting line of fire cut the western sky. Running Fox
+turned his eyes appealingly toward the sun, as he sang the
+medicine-songs in a high, hysterical tone. Each moment he saw the storm
+gaining greater force. The sky grew blacker, the thunder sounded louder,
+and the lightning flashes became more frequent. Then the sun disappeared
+behind the edge of the storm-clouds, and a peculiar yellow light flooded
+the valleys. An uncanny hush had fallen upon the wilderness. Running Fox
+was awed by the sound of his own voice. It sounded harsh and unnatural
+for he was almost screaming the sacred songs in his eagerness to make
+them effective. Then another sound reached his ears. The wind was
+roaring over the ridge to the westward. A few moments later it swept
+over the mountain-top. A hawk sailed across the sky on the crest of the
+gale. Running Fox ceased singing to watch it. He wished that he, too,
+might flee as easily. Before the bird had disappeared, the storm was
+upon him. It began with a startling crash of thunder, and a crackling
+flash of light.
+
+Believing that his long ordeal had been in vain, and that he had in some
+way offended Getanittowit, the Great One, Running Fox wished to die. He
+knew that if he returned to his people with the disfavor of Getanittowit
+upon him he would be shunned as one in league with Medsit, the Evil One.
+He might even be driven from the camp. His heart failed him as he
+thought of the disgrace which he had brought upon his father. Then, as
+the first great drops of rain began to fall, he turned his eyes toward
+the village. A number of people were standing at the edge of the camp,
+gazing at the mountain-top. Somewhat apart from the others stood a
+solitary figure, whom the disconsolate lad thought he recognized as his
+father. The possibility roused him. He believed that Black Panther was
+there to give him courage and to urge him to continue his petition. The
+thought filled him with hope. Running Fox told himself that perhaps
+Getanittowit was only testing his faith and courage. Encouraged by the
+idea, he determined to show himself worthy. A few moments later,
+therefore, when the Delaware camp was swept from his sight by a terrific
+deluge of rain, Running Fox turned his face fearlessly toward the sky,
+and again sang the medicine-songs. He was a heroic figure as he stood
+alone on the mountain-top in the fury of the storm, calling upon the
+great being whom his people believed ruled over all their destinies.
+Most of the time his voice was lost in the crashing of thunder and the
+roaring of the wind, but in every lull it rose strong and confident with
+the new hope that had entered his heart.
+
+“O Getanittowit, I am still here singing the sacred medicine-songs,” he
+cried. “O Getanittowit, take pity on me. O Getanittowit, do not send me
+back to my people without something good to tell them. O Getanittowit,
+when I first heard the dreadful Thunder Beings I was afraid. Now my
+heart is strong again. O Getanittowit, take pity on me.”
+
+A terrifying crash of thunder was followed by a blinding flash of
+lightning that shattered a huge dead pine and filled the air with giant
+splinters. Running Fox was less than three bow-lengths from the tree.
+When it was struck he staggered backward with his hands before his face,
+and fell to the ground.
+
+When Running Fox finally regained consciousness, he found himself
+staring into darkness. For some moments he blinked his eyes to make sure
+that they were open. When he had convinced himself, a great fear entered
+his heart. He told himself that Getanittowit had destroyed his sight.
+Raising his eyes toward the heavens in mute appeal he was astonished to
+see the stars. He scarcely dared hope that they were real. He turned his
+head and looked about him. He saw the dim, shadowy outlines of rocks,
+and the shattered trunk of the giant pine. Then the truth suddenly
+flashed upon him. It was night. Getanittowit had taken pity upon him,
+and brought him back to life. Running Fox attempted to rise and give
+thanks, but he was too weak. Besides, he was wet and cold. He longed for
+his fire-sticks. Then, as he began to tremble, he suddenly remembered
+his robe. He crawled about until he found it. It was quite dry on the
+under side, and he wrapped it closely about him. Then exhaustion
+overcame him, and he fell back unconscious.
+
+Running Fox had barely closed his eyes when he heard some one calling
+his name. Then he saw Machque, the bear. For a moment Running Fox felt
+uneasy without his weapons, for the bear was a huge creature and looked
+very fierce. However, as he had heard it call his name he knew that it
+must be a medicine-creature, and he believed that it had come to help
+him. While he was looking at the bear, he heard some one behind, him
+calling his name. He looked and saw Achtu, the deer. It showed no fear
+of the bear, and walked up and stood beside it. Then Running Fox knew
+that they must be medicine-creatures. As he was thinking what to say to
+them, he again heard his name, and this time it was Woakus, the fox. It,
+too, went and stood beside the others. Then came Quenischquney, the
+panther, and Wisawanik, the squirrel, and Gokhos, the owl, and the
+terrible Wischalowe, the rattlesnake, whom the Delawares called “The
+Frightener.” When they all were assembled, the bear was made the leader.
+
+“Running Fox, we have come here to help you,” said this strange
+medicine-creature. “You have stood the test, and now we are going to
+help you. You are setting out to do a hard thing. If you do exactly as
+we tell you, you will go through with it. What I have to say is short.
+You know that my people are brave and powerful. You must fight and kill
+one of my people. Then you must eat his heart, and wear his claws about
+your neck. This will make you as strong and as brave as we are. I have
+finished.”
+
+“Running Fox, you have heard some one who is stronger and braver than I
+am,” declared Achtu, the deer. “But you must remember that strength and
+courage will not always save you. When you cannot fight you must run. My
+people are the fastest people who live in the woods. You are going out
+to do a great thing. I will tell you that you must kill one of my
+people, and eat his heart. Then you will be able to run faster than your
+enemies.”
+
+“Running Fox, you have heard Machque, who is strong and brave, and
+Achtu, who is very swift, but you must also be very cautious. You are
+going upon a dangerous journey. If you are not careful you will surely
+be killed. My people are very hard to catch. If you can kill one of our
+old men, and cut off his ears, you will be as sharp as we are,” said
+Woakus, the fox.
+
+“Running Fox, you have heard some great people,” growled Quenischquney,
+the panther. “Well, now I am going to help you. It is a good thing to be
+strong, and brave, and swift, and cautious, but you must also be able to
+steal up and surprise your enemies. No one can do that better than my
+people. But I must warn you that our young men are very fierce, and you
+will have a hard fight if you try to kill one of them. However, I will
+give you power to do it. Then you must take the longest claw from each
+foot, and keep them about you.”
+
+“Running Fox, I am smaller and weaker than all these great people who
+have talked to you,” barked Wisawanik, the squirrel. “However, I am also
+more nimble, and better at hiding. If you wish to travel safely to the
+village where Standing Wolf lives, you must be nimble and good at
+hiding. If you will kill one of our chiefs who wear the black robes, and
+carry his scalp with you, you will be able to hide so well that your
+enemies will not be able to find you.”
+
+“Running Fox, you have been promised some good things, but I am going to
+offer you the best of all,” boasted Gokhos, the owl. “If you have all
+the powers that these good friends are going to give you, it will all be
+useless without my gift When darkness falls then it will be safer to
+travel through the forest. But to do that you must have eyes that can
+look through the night. My people have this gift. If you can kill one of
+our great white leaders, who live far away in the country of the
+Mohawks, you will not only be able to see as well at night as by day,
+but you will also have magic power to overcome whoever may try to harm
+you.”
+
+“Running Fox, you know me; I am called ‘The Frightener’,” said
+Wischalowe, the rattlesnake. “Whoever hears my warning trembles with
+fear. If you will kill one of our old men, and tie his war-drum to your
+belt so that it makes a noise when you walk you will frighten away all
+who seek to harm you.”
+
+When Wischalowe finished speaking they all remained silent, waiting for
+some talk from Running Fox. For some moments he was at a loss as to just
+how to address these strange medicine-creatures. While he was thinking
+just how to thank them they suddenly disappeared. At that moment Running
+Fox regained consciousness. Day had dawned, and the sun was well above
+the eastern ridges. For a moment or so the bewildered lad looked
+anxiously about him, expecting to see the strange creatures that had
+appeared in his delirium. When he failed to find them his heart gave a
+great hound of joy, for he believed that they had been
+medicine-creatures sent by Getanittowit to help him. The idea gave him
+strength, and he struggled to his feet and offered thanks to
+Getanittowit. Then he toiled painfully down the mountainside. It took
+him most of the day to reach the valley. When he finally staggered into
+the camp he went directly to old Sky Dog, and collapsed as he reached
+the door of his lodge.
+
+
+
+
+                   CHAPTER II—INTO THE PERILOUS NORTH
+
+
+That night Running Fox sufficiently recovered his strength to tell his
+dream to Sky Dog, the medicine-man. The latter listened with much
+interest as the excited lad described his conference with the strange
+medicine-creatures. When he had finished his story, Sky Dog assured him
+that the dream was a good omen. He declared that if Running Fox would do
+as the medicine-creatures had advised he would pass safely through all
+perils, and live to accomplish his purpose.
+
+Running Fox hurried to his father’s lodge with a joyful heart. Having
+been taught to believe all the simple superstitions of his people, he
+had implicit faith in the assurances of the medicine-man. Still he
+realized that his task was a difficult one. He knew that if the Mohawks
+discovered his trail they would hunt him down as relentlessly as a pack
+of wolves, and he felt sure that if he fell into their hands death at
+the torture stake would be his only alternative. The thought sobered
+him. However, it soon fled from his mind, for he believed that the
+mysterious powers which he had received from the medicine-creatures, and
+his own courage and resourcefulness, would enable him to outwit his
+foes.
+
+Black Panther was much impressed by the story of the dream. He, too,
+declared that it was a good omen. He immediately sent criers through the
+village inviting the people to a feast to celebrate his son’s departure
+upon the war-trail.
+
+When his plans became known Running Fox was besieged by a host of
+youthful volunteers who begged to accompany him. He refused them,
+however, as he was unwilling to assume the responsibility of a
+war-leader before he had tested his own courage and ability. Still there
+was one whom he found it difficult to deny. It was his friend, Spotted
+Deer, a lad of his own age, and his constant companion through all the
+happy years of boyhood. They had invariably shared every adventure, and
+the thought of being barred from the first real war-journey drove
+Spotted Deer into a frenzy of despair. He argued, he coaxed, he
+reproached, but Running Fox refused to yield.
+
+“No, my brother, I will not listen to your words,” declared Running Fox.
+“A warrior must know how to fight before he leads his friends into
+danger. I have never faced an enemy. I do not know what will happen to
+me. Perhaps I shall do something foolish, and be killed. Spotted Deer, I
+must go alone. No, I will not change it in my heart.”
+
+“Running Fox, now I know that you will do this thing without me,”
+replied Spotted Deer. “Well, I will not say anything more against it. I
+feel like a very old man.”
+
+The night before Running Fox planned to set out upon his journey his
+friends came to his father’s lodge to talk with him. The last to leave
+was Spotted Deer. The two friends sat together a long time. Running Fox
+attempted to be light-hearted and gay, but Spotted Deer was moody and
+depressed. However, when Running Fox brought forth the new war-equipment
+which he had received from his father, Spotted Deer’s eyes lighted with
+enthusiasm, and he became lively and interested. Then, having inspected
+the various articles, he immediately relapsed into gloomy silence.
+
+“My brother, when the next sun comes you are going away,” Spotted Deer
+said, solemnly, as he finally rose to leave. “Perhaps I shall never see
+you again. It is bad. I will not talk about it.”
+
+They clasped hands, and looked earnestly into each other’s eyes. Then
+Spotted Deer hurried away. When he had gone Running Fox seated himself
+at the back of the lodge, and sat a long time staring moodily into the
+darkness.
+
+That night Running Fox found it impossible to sleep. His mind was
+tortured by the thought of parting from his friend. Spotted Deer’s words
+kept ringing in his ears: “Perhaps I shall never see you again.” As the
+night dragged slowly along Running Fox was tempted to steal away while
+the inmates slept, to tell Spotted Deer that he might accompany him. He
+was dissuaded, however, by the fear of causing his friend’s death. Thus
+the miserable lad fought his battle until the first gray light of dawn
+stole into the lodge, and then he finally determined to venture into the
+treacherous northern wilderness alone.
+
+When Running Fox appeared in the village equipped for the war-trail, he
+received a stirring ovation from his tribesmen. As he left his father’s
+lodge he was immediately surrounded by a company of enthusiastic
+friends, who paraded him about the camp to the accompaniment of shouts
+and war-songs. Spotted Deer, however, took no part in the celebration.
+Running Fox was greatly disturbed at his absence. When he finally asked
+about him he learned that an old woman had seen Spotted Deer hurrying
+away with his robe and weapons at dawn. She said that he had gone toward
+the south. The news filled Running Fox with gloom. He feared that grief
+might have driven Spotted Deer to some foolhardy resolve. However,
+Running Fox had little chance to think of him at the moment, for he soon
+found himself the center of a great throng of people who had gathered to
+do him honor.
+
+The lad appeared to splendid advantage as he stood beside his father in
+the center of the camp. He was tall and graceful, with a fearless face
+and flashing black eyes. Unlike his father and the warriors, who wore
+their hair cropped close to the scalp, Running Fox had hair that reached
+to his shoulders. His dress was like that of the older men. He was naked
+above the waist, and wore a short buckskin skirt or tunic which extended
+to his knees. Fringed buckskin leggings covered his limbs. His moccasins
+were of elk-hide gayly decorated with dyed sweet grass. His equipment
+included an elk-skin robe, a hickory bow, a buckskin case filled with
+arrows, a flint knife, a stone war-club, a set of fire drills and a
+small bag filled with parched corn.
+
+“My friends, here stands a young man dressed for the war-trail,” Black
+Panther told the Delawares. “Look closely at him for you may never see
+him again. He is going upon a dangerous journey, Yes, he is going into
+the country of our enemies, the boastful Mohawks, to find out how
+Standing Wolf gets his power. It is a great thing to do. If he lives
+through it I will give away many good presents. I have finished.”
+
+The Delawares greeted the announcement with words of approval. Several
+prominent warriors made speeches praising the lad for his courage, and
+urging him to kill many Mohawks. Then old Sky Dog sang a number of
+sacred medicine-songs, and fastened a small buckskin bag containing
+sacred herbs about the neck of Running Fox to protect him from harm.
+
+At the conclusion of the ceremony Running Fox set out upon his journey.
+He followed a well-worn Delaware hunting trail that led northward along
+the river. It was Kitschinipen, the summer planting season, and a great
+primeval wilderness was at its best. The day was glorious. The sky was
+cloudless, the air was soft and balmy and the earth was flooded with
+sunshine. Wild flowers dotted the trail, and birds sang from the trees
+and thickets. Running Fox found much to interest him. He stopped to
+watch Tiskemanis, the noisy blue fisher bird, plunge into the water
+after his prey. He called cheerily to Mehokuiman, the red bird. He
+frightened ugly Gundaschees, the water-snake, from his sunny log at the
+edge of the river. Then he heard the stealthy approach of Achtu, the
+deer. As he had been advised to kill one of the old bucks by the
+medicine-deer, Running Fox hastily prepared his arrow and concealed
+himself behind a tree. In a few moments the deer approached the river to
+drink. It was a doe, however, and the young Delaware withheld his arrow.
+He knew that she had a fawn concealed in some nearby thicket, and he had
+been taught to spare the mother and young of all creatures that there
+might always be plenty of game for the hunters. He waited until the doe
+had finished drinking, and then he showed himself. For a moment the
+surprised creature stared at him with big frightened eyes, and then
+hounded gracefully into the woods.
+
+“Go in peace, my sister, I will not harm you,” cried Running Fox.
+
+Soon afterward Running Fox had an experience that filled him with gloomy
+forebodings. He was seated upon a boulder at the edge of the water when
+he heard the harsh cries of Woapalanne, the great white-headed
+war-eagle. Looking into the sky he discovered the bird soaring in great
+circles directly above him. He feared that it was a bad omen, for old
+Sky Dog had told him that the sudden appearance of Woapalanne invariably
+meant war. Running Fox wondered if he was about to meet his enemies.
+Until that moment the possibility had never entered his mind, as he had
+considered himself quite safe as long as he remained within the Delaware
+boundaries. Now, as the war-eagle continued to hover over him, he became
+suspicious.
+
+“Hi, Woapalanne, I see you flying around up there,” he cried, as he
+shook his bow at the eagle. “I hear you making a great noise up there.
+Sky Dog says it is a sign of war. Well, Woapalanne, you do not frighten
+me. I will not turn around. I have set out to do something, and I am
+going ahead with it. Woapalanne, Sky Dog says that you are a good
+friend. That is why I have told you what I am going to do. But you must
+not tell the Mohawks about me. That would be bad. Come, if you are a
+good friend you must help me. Now I am going up on top of that high
+mountain to look around.”
+
+However, as Running Fox turned to enter the forest the eagle suddenly
+changed its tactics, and flew away toward the south. This unexpected
+maneuver greatly upset the young Delaware. His thoughts instantly turned
+to his friend, Spotted Deer. Having learned that the latter had departed
+upon some mysterious mission to the southward, Running Fox read a
+warning in the final action of the war-eagle. He believed that Spotted
+Deer was in peril. The thought refused to leave his mind.
+
+When Running Fox reached the top of the ridge from which he planned to
+reconnoiter the surrounding country, his sharp eyes quickly discovered
+something which instantly aroused his interest, A thin wavering column
+of smoke was rising against the sky some distance to the southward. The
+sight of it filled him with emotion, for he knew that it came from the
+Delaware camp. The day was almost ended, and in the distant smoke cloud
+Running Fox saw a vision of the peaceful evening scene in the Delaware
+village. In fancy he saw the happy groups about the fires, and heard the
+songs and laughter. He wondered if he had been missed from the merry
+little company before his father’s lodge. Twilight was gathering, and
+the smoke column was slowly fading into the shadows. Running Fox looked
+upon it with longing eyes, for he knew that it would soon be gone. The
+thought saddened him. That frail spiral of smoke seemed like the last
+tie that bound him to his people, and he dreaded to see it broken. When
+it finally faded out in the dusk Running Fox felt a great loneliness
+surge into his heart.
+
+After he had carefully examined the country through which he intended to
+pass on the following day, the young Delaware began to look for a safe
+place in which to spend the night. He believed that it might be
+dangerous to remain near the river, as he knew that hostile scouts often
+followed the waterways under cover of darkness. Besides, he was still
+upset by the actions of the war-eagle, and he determined to take every
+precaution. He finally decided to camp beside a little spring, high up
+on the mountainside.
+
+Having killed a grouse earlier in the day, Running Fox broiled it over
+the embers of a tiny fire, which he was careful to conceal between two
+large rocks. Then, after he had eaten, he drew his robe about him, and
+sat with his back against a pine, listening to the night sounds of the
+wilderness. He heard Quekolis, the whippoorwill, raising his doleful
+lament down near the river. Running Fox had heard the old men tell weird
+tales about that mournful bird, and as he listened to its monotonous
+serenade he wondered if it really did possess all the mysterious powers
+with which the superstitions story tellers credited it. Then he heard
+shrill piping sounds from the grass, and he knew that the Zelozelous,
+the little black cricket people, were singing their medicine-songs. Some
+time later Running Fox was startled by a piercing scream that sounded
+from a distant ridge. He listened anxiously until it was repeated, and
+then he recognized it as the hunting cry of soft-footed Nianque, the
+lynx. Then the brooding, mysterious night-hush fell upon the forest.
+
+Running Fox rose and raised his hands toward the heavens. After a few
+moments of reverent silence he began to pray to Getanittowit. He asked
+for courage and strength to perform his task. Then, after he had sung
+one of the sacred medicine-songs to drive away any evil spirits that
+might have discovered his fire, he prepared a couch of sweet-fern and
+lay down to sleep.
+
+Two-thirds of the night had passed when Running Fox suddenly found
+himself sitting up, with his bow in his hands, staring anxiously into
+the dark. He did not know what had awakened him, and for a long time he
+neither heard or saw anything to give him a clue. He began to fear that
+he had been dreaming. Then a twig snapped, and he became suspicious. He
+knew that Mohawk scouts often ventured far into the Delaware hunting
+grounds, and he feared that one of those sharp-eyed foes had discovered
+his fire. The thought alarmed him. The possibility of an unseen enemy
+stealing upon him under cover of the night set his heart throbbing
+wildly. Still he had no idea of running away. Lying close to the ground,
+he fitted an arrow to his bow, and strained his eyes in an effort to
+find the mysterious prowler. For some time the silence was unbroken, and
+he began to think that he had been needlessly alarmed by some passing
+beast of the wilderness. Then he heard sounds which led him to believe
+that some one was cautiously approaching his hiding place. Convinced
+that he was about to experience his first encounter with an enemy,
+Running Fox waited with the calm reliance of a veteran. The noise had
+suddenly ceased, however, and the young Delaware believed that his foe
+had stopped to listen. A few moments later the soft querulous call of
+Gokhotit, the little red owl, sounded through the night. It seemed
+barely a bow-shot away, and Running Fox redoubled his vigilance. When he
+heard it again he became greatly excited. Then it was repeated a third
+time, and Running Fox breathed easier, for he recognized it as a signal
+from his friend, Spotted Deer.
+
+Running Fox was undecided as to just what to do. His first impulse was
+to reply to the familiar signal, but he overcame it and remained silent.
+As he saw no reason to alter the decision he had made in the Delaware
+camp, he planned to steal away and elude his friend under the protection
+of the darkness. However, it soon became evident that sharp-witted
+Spotted Deer had guessed his intention.
+
+“Hi, my brother, have you closed your ears to the greeting of a friend?”
+Spotted Deer inquired reproachfully. “I know that you are somewhere
+close by. Yes, I believe you are hiding away in the night. I have
+followed you here, and I will not turn back. No. If I do not find you,
+then as soon as it grows light I will follow your trail. Running Fox, I
+am going into the country of the boastful Mohawks with you. It is
+useless for you to say anything more against it. I have set out to do
+this thing, and now I am going through with it. Come, my brother, let us
+meet, and talk together. Now I am going to listen for something.”
+
+Running Fox still remained silent. However, the loyalty and devotion of
+his friend had greatly affected him, and his heart was filled with
+conflicting emotions. He found it harder than ever to ignore the
+stirring appeal, and yet it seemed foolish to renew the discussion with
+Spotted Deer. At last, however, his great love for his friend forced him
+to answer.
+
+“My brother, I have listened to your words. You have done a foolish
+thing to come here. I was going to run away, but now I am going to stay
+here and talk with you. I believe it is the best thing to do.”
+
+A few moments afterward they clasped hands, while their eyes flashed the
+welcome that neither could utter. Although he was still determined to
+continue the journey alone, nevertheless Running Fox was delighted to
+see his friend. He knew now that his fears concerning him had come to
+nought, and it filled him with joy. It was evident that Spotted Deer had
+turned toward the south to fool the Delawares, and then had circled
+around to intercept his friend. Running Fox admired his stratagem.
+
+“Running Fox, I believe your heart is bad toward me,” declared Spotted
+Deer. “You say that I have done a foolish thing. Perhaps it is true, but
+I will not turn back. If you do not listen to my words, then I will go
+away and let the Mohawks kill me. Now you know what I am thinking about.
+Yes, I am going through with it no matter how it comes out. I have
+finished.”
+
+“Spotted Deer, you are a good friend,” Running Fox replied, warmly. “My
+heart is not bad toward you, but I must tell you that you have done a
+foolish thing. You must turn back. I am going ahead alone. I have told
+you about it many times. Now I must go through with it.”
+
+They argued the question throughout the night. Then, as dawn crept
+slowly out of the east, Running Fox finally yielded to the persuasion of
+Spotted Deer.
+
+“Spotted Deer, I see that you intend to do as you say,” declared Running
+Fox. “You say that if you do not go with me you will let the Mohawks
+kill you. That is very bad. Well, that makes me feel different about it.
+You are my friend, and I will not let you throw away your life. If you
+feel like going with me I cannot say anything more against it. Perhaps
+you will be killed, but I cannot help it. You have asked me to do
+something, and now I have done it.”
+
+“Running Fox, you have done a good thing,” Spotted Deer cried, joyfully.
+“Now I will sing again. I am going with you to find out about the great
+chief Standing Wolf. Perhaps we will have many fights with the Mohawks.
+You say that we may be killed. Well, my brother, we will die together.
+It is enough.”
+
+
+
+
+                   CHAPTER III—A THRILLING ADVENTURE
+
+
+The sun was well above the mountains before the young Delawares
+descended to the river, and resumed the perilous journey into the north.
+Running Fox told Spotted Deer about the strange medicine-creatures that
+had appeared in his dream, and Spotted Deer became quite excited.
+
+“That was a wonderful thing to happen to a person,” he declared,
+impressively. “You must do whatever those mysterious animals told you to
+do. I cannot help you. You must do those things alone. I have heard my
+father say that.”
+
+“It is true,” agreed Running Fox. “If you try to help me it might do
+great harm.”
+
+As the lads were still well within the northern boundary of the vast
+Delaware hunting grounds, they had little fear of an immediate encounter
+with their foes-Still they were cautious, for they knew that such an
+experience was not impossible, as both Shawnees and Iroquois frequently
+invaded that territory to hunt and fish. The Shawnees were a powerful
+nation living farther to the westward, with whom the Delawares had
+fought many desperate battles.
+
+The day was about half spent when Running Fox suddenly dropped to his
+knees, and called excitedly to Spotted Deer. The fresh trail of a bear
+crossed a narrow strip of gravelly beach and disappeared into the woods.
+The tracks were huge, and it was evident that the animal had only
+recently crossed the river.
+
+“See, here is the track of Machque,” said Running Fox, as he measured
+the footprints with his hands. “He must be very big, and very fierce. He
+cannot be far off. I will follow his trail, and try to kill him. Spotted
+Deer, you must wait until I come back. Perhaps it will take a long time
+to do this thing, but you must wait. It is the only thing to do.”
+
+“I would like to go with you, but I believe it would be bad,” declared
+Spotted Deer. “You must do as it appeared in your dream. I will wait.”
+
+A moment afterward Running Fox followed the tracks into the forest. The
+lad had been well trained in the art of hunting by his father, and his
+sharp eyes had little difficulty in keeping the trail. It led him along
+the side of a rocky hillside, and then down into the bushy tangle of a
+dark spruce swamp. The footprints looked very fresh, and Running Fox
+moved forward as noiselessly as a lynx. He stopped after every few
+strides to look, and listen and sniff. He had never killed a bear but he
+had heard the hunters tell many stories about that crafty beast, and he
+knew that it was only by using the utmost caution that he could hope to
+get within bow-shot. He crossed the swamp without coming in sight of his
+quarry, and followed the tracks over the top of another rocky hill. As
+he was climbing carefully toward the summit he came upon an ant-hill
+that had been dug open by the bear. The demoralized ants were still
+rushing frantically over the wreck of their lodge. On the other side of
+the hill Running Fox lost the trail on a steep ledge of smooth gray
+rock. Circling carefully around the ledge he finally picked up the
+tracks leading down into a narrow ravine that penetrated far back into
+the hills. As the sides of the gully were covered with blueberry bushes,
+the young Delaware understood why the bear had chosen that route. He saw
+many crushed and uprooted plants which told him that the hear was
+feeding upon the berries. Running Fox hurried along the ravine in the
+hope of overtaking the bear at its feast, but although the trail seemed
+continually to grow fresher the eager young hunter was unable to get
+within sight of his quarry.
+
+The ravine at last led up to a wide grassy plateau closed in on three
+sides by low hardwood ridges. It looked like an ideal feeding ground for
+elk and deer, and Running Fox saw several well-trod trails leading
+through it. Then he saw something more interesting. Far over in the
+opposite corner of the plateau he discovered some animal lying down. It
+was beyond bow-shot, and Running Fox began to study how he might
+approach without being seen. When he had watched some moments he decided
+that the distant object was either an elk or a deer. As it failed to
+move he concluded that it was asleep. Then he suddenly thought of the
+bear tracks. They led directly out into the open plateau, and toward the
+mysterious object in the farther corner. Running Fox was perplexed. He
+knew that what he saw was not the bear. Still he realized that whatever
+it was it had come there after the bear had passed. The idea did not
+satisfy him, however, for he told himself that unless the bear had gone
+by a long time before, the keen nose of an elk or a deer would instantly
+have found the dreaded scent. In that event neither of those wary
+creatures would be likely to sleep on the fresh trail of their enemy.
+Running Fox felt positive that the bear had but recently crossed the
+plateau, for the grass which had been trodden down was still springing
+upright. Then the solution flashed into his mind—the animal he saw was
+dead.
+
+Having come to that decision Running Fox began to look for the bear. He
+felt quite sure that it was somewhere near the carcass, unless it had
+discovered him and rushed away. Still he rather doubted that, for the
+wind was in his favor, and besides he believed that a bear as large as
+the one he had followed would be in no great hurry to run off. He had
+often heard his father tell how a bear would loiter in the vicinity of
+such a bait for several days, feeding when hunger prompted and sleeping
+in some nearby thicket between meals. Running Fox also realized that the
+bear might have been feeding as he approached, and upon catching sight
+or scent of him had retreated into the woods to watch. In any event he
+told himself that the first thing to do was to go and examine the bait.
+
+Running Fox made his way cautiously along the edge of the plateau,
+taking advantage of whatever cover offered itself, and advancing against
+the wind. When he finally came within bow-shot of the bait he saw that
+it was an elk. Then he sat down to watch and listen. After he had waited
+a long time without seeing or hearing anything of the bear, he went
+forward to examine the elk. It was an old bull that apparently had died
+from old age. Running Fox was surprised to find that almost one whole
+side of the animal had already been eaten. He also saw that something
+had been tearing at the carcass but a short time previously. The grass
+was well trampled all about the bait, and Running Fox identified the
+tracks of many different animals. The freshest tracks, however, were the
+huge footprints of the bear which he had followed from the river.
+Running Fox believed that the bear was feeding upon the carcass when it
+suddenly became aware of his approach, and retreated into the woods. He
+felt quite certain that it would return, and he determined to conceal
+himself and watch.
+
+The Delaware found much to interest him as he sat quietly in his hiding
+place and waited for the bear to return. A flock of crows were the first
+to appear. They made a great racket as they circled about the elk, and
+the eyes of the young hunter flashed with anger. He knew from experience
+that those noisy birds gave warning to all the wild things of the woods,
+and he feared that their senseless commotion might arouse the suspicions
+of the bear. They soon flew away, however, and Running Fox felt much
+relieved. A short time afterward he saw something moving along the edge
+of the timber at the other end of the plateau. In a few moments he
+identified it as a deer. He took its appearance for proof that the bear
+was not at the moment anywhere near. Then, as he watched the wary
+creature browsing in the shadow of the woods, he heard soft, stealthy
+footfalls directly behind him. Fitting an arrow to his how, Running Fox
+turned in time to find himself facing a large red fox. Before the
+surprised creature could bound to safety the expert young Delaware sent
+his arrow through its heart.
+
+Recalling the advice of the medicine-fox which had appeared in his
+dream, Running Fox crawled noiselessly through the brush, and cut the
+ears from his victim. He saw that the fox was very old, as its teeth
+were worn almost to the gums. The discovery filled him with joy, for he
+felt sure that by carrying the ears of that wise old chief he would
+become as sharp and crafty himself.
+
+Then for a long time nothing more appeared, and Running Fox began to
+grow restless. The day was almost at an end, and he feared that Spotted
+Deer would become impatient. Still he had no thought of leaving the
+plateau, and was determined to spend the night there if the bear failed
+to appear before dark. At sunset, however, he heard some large animal
+moving through the woods. It sounded too heavy for a deer, and too noisy
+for an elk, so that Running Fox believed it must be the bear. His heart
+bounded at the thought. He had heard many stories about thrilling
+battles with those great beasts of the wilderness, and he hoped that he,
+too, might experience such an adventure. Then, as the sounds drew
+nearer, all else was forgotten as the eager lad hurriedly fitted an
+arrow to his bow, and fixed his eyes on the edge of the woods.
+
+Running Fox was not kept long in suspense. In a few moments he saw the
+bushes swaying, and the next instant a bear walked into the open. It was
+not the huge creature which Running Fox had pictured in his mind, but
+his disappointment soon gave way to surprise as two half-grown cubs
+immediately followed their mother from the woods. All three animals soon
+walked within range, but the bewildered young hunter withheld his arrow.
+He feared to kill the mother bear and her young lest he should offend
+the great medicine-bear which had appeared in his dream. Besides, he
+told himself that a warrior could scarcely boast of such a feat. He
+watched, therefore, while the old bear led her cubs to the carcass of
+the elk, and began to feed.
+
+Some time later when the mother bear raised her head and sniffed the
+air, Running Fox instantly became alert. As the old bear continued to
+watch the woods, the lad began to hope that the animal he had followed
+might be returning. However, the bear soon resumed feeding, and Running
+Fox believed that he was again doomed to disappointment. At that very
+moment, however, a stick cracked over in the spot toward which the
+mother bear had been looking. She again raised her head and sniffed.
+Then she began to growl. Running Fox watched anxiously. For some moments
+all was still, but the bear continued to growl, and sniff suspiciously.
+Then a great black object appeared at the edge of the woods. Running Fox
+knew at once that it was the bear he had trailed from the river. As it
+walked slowly into the open and he saw how big it was he could scarcely
+believe his eyes. It seemed to be very fierce, for it approached the
+bait growling and snapping its jaws. As it drew near Running Fox saw a
+round white spot, half as large as his hand, directly behind its
+shoulder. It immediately fired the imagination of the superstitious
+young Delaware. He believed that Getanittowit had placed that mark upon
+the bear to guide the Delaware arrow.
+
+Running Fox had been so absorbed in watching the approach of the giant
+that for the moment he had forgotten all about the mother bear and her
+cubs. Now he heard her growling and gnashing her teeth. He had expected
+to see her dash away at the first sight of the intruder, but she showed
+no such intention. Instead she gave every evidence of disputing the
+right of ownership which the big bear apparently intended to assert.
+Running Fox looked upon her with admiration as she stood there snapping
+her jaws, and growling defiance at the huge brute that threatened her.
+For a few moments the big bear stood watching her in surprise. He seemed
+puzzled by her unexpected show of resistance. Then it roused his
+fighting spirit, and he rushed forward roaring furiously.
+
+As the cubs dashed for the timber, squealing with terror, the mother
+bear prepared to meet the attack. She appeared scarcely more than half
+the size of the monster that had attacked her, and yet she seemed quite
+as fierce and eager to fight as he. When the big bear came within range
+she rushed at him, and he reared and attempted to fall upon her. She was
+too quick, however, and as he crashed down she rushed in and closed her
+jaws upon a hind leg. Wheeling with the agility of a panther, he snapped
+viciously at her neck, but she released her hold and jumped tuck in time
+to save herself. Then he rushed at her in blind fury, and knocked her
+off her feet. Turning upon her back, she clawed him like a wildcat.
+Snarling, biting and tearing, the maddened beasts fought with a fury
+that meant destruction to the vanquished. It soon became evident that
+the mother bear was doomed to defeat. The tremendous bulk and strength
+of her antagonist made him invincible. He was inflicting terrible
+punishment upon his courageous foe, and it seemed only a matter of
+moments before he would have her completely at his mercy.
+
+However, it was at that stage of the encounter that Running Fox joined
+in the fray. Completely carried away by the fierceness of the fight, the
+lad jumped to his feet and shot his arrow at the big bear. In his
+excitement, however, he missed his aim, and the arrow struck about a
+hand-width above the white patch behind the shoulder. The bear twisted
+about and snapped off the shaft close to its body. Then both bears
+caught sight of him, and immediately ceased fighting. For a moment, as
+they stood glaring at him and snarling, it looked as if they intended to
+unite in attacking their common enemy. Then, as Running Fox drove a
+second arrow into the body of the giant, the latter rushed forward
+alone. At that instant the cubs began whimpering at the edge of the
+forest, and the mother bear, weak and suffering from a score of ugly
+wounds, ambled painfully off to join them. As the great bear came
+roaring down upon him the young Delaware realized that he was fighting
+for his life, and the thought steadied him. Twice more he sent his
+arrows tearing into the great muscular body, but they seemed to have
+little effect. The infuriated bear stopped just long enough to snap at
+the feathered shafts, and then it made a final rush at its foe. However,
+during that momentary delay Running Fox had fitted another arrow to his
+bow. He held it until the bear was only a few paces away, and then, as
+it rose unsteadily upon its hind legs, he uttered the shrill Delaware
+war-cry and drove the arrow deep between its fore legs. The giant
+crashed to the ground, and the excited lad immediately rushed forward to
+strike it with his war-club. At that moment, however, the bear suddenly
+recovered and struggled to its feet. The surprised young hunter almost
+collided with it. It struck savagely at him, but he jumped aside, and
+shot an arrow into the fatal mark behind the shoulder. It finished the
+fight. The bear sank slowly to the ground, and lay still. This time,
+however, Running Fox was more cautious, and he remained at a safe
+distance until the last signs of life had vanished. Then he ran eagerly
+forward and began to cut off the great curved claws.
+
+By the time Running Fox had finished his task darkness had already
+fallen, and as he was a considerable distance from the river he
+determined to remain where he was until daylight. Then he suddenly
+thought of the wounded mother bear. He feared that she was too badly
+hurt to travel far away, and he had already seen enough of her temper to
+make him cautious about risking an encounter in the dark. He left the
+plateau, therefore, and spent the night farther down the ravine.
+
+
+
+
+                  CHAPTER IV—IN THE GRIP OF THE RAPIDS
+
+
+The sun was already above the tree-tops when Running Fox finally
+rejoined Spotted Deer at the river. They seated themselves on a fallen
+tree, and Running Fox showed his trophies and described his encounter
+with the bear. When Spotted Deer heard about the peculiar white patch on
+the bear’s shoulder he suggested that it might have been caused by a
+former arrow wound. Running Fox scoffed at the idea, however, and
+insisted that the mark had been placed there by Getanittowit.
+
+“Yes, I believe that must be the way of it,” Spotted Deer agreed,
+finally.
+
+Running Fox said that they must eat the heart of the bear to comply with
+the instructions which he had received in his dream. They kindled a tiny
+fire, and broiled the meat on a willow branch. Then, after Running Fox
+had sung several medicine-songs to pacify the spirit of the bear, the
+superstitious young warriors divided the precious trophy and ate it with
+solemn ceremony.
+
+“Now I will tell you something,” said Spotted Deer. “After you went away
+I began to look around. I walked along beside the water. Pretty soon I
+heard a loud noise. Then I came to a place where the water goes very
+fast. It makes a great noise and jumps up and down. Yes, it looks very
+mad. I do not like that place. I believe the Bad Water Spirits live
+there. I have heard my father tell about them. He says that they are
+very fierce, and are always fighting down there under the water. Yes,
+that is what makes the commotion. My father has told me that when any
+one falls into such a place he is broken against the rocks, and eaten by
+those Bad Water Spirits.”
+
+“Yes, that is so, I have heard about it,” declared Running Fox.
+
+“Well, I stood there a long time watching that place,” continued Spotted
+Deer. “Then I went ahead. Pretty soon I saw a long strip of woods out
+there in the middle of the water. I heard many birds singing in the
+trees, and I stopped to listen. Then I saw some big rocks sticking out
+of the water. As I was looking at them I saw a very big fish jumping
+along between the rocks and the woods. Pretty soon I saw another. My
+eyes told me that it was Schawanammek, the great sturgeon. Well, I kept
+watching and I saw many of those big fish passing along. Then I saw how
+they came to be in that place. The water was very swift all around that
+strip of land, but between the rocks and the woods it was not so bad.
+Well, when I saw those big fish I wanted to spear some of them with my
+arrows. I said, ‘Hi, I will swim out to that place and kill some of
+those fish.’ Then I saw how swift the water was, and I heard the noise
+of that bad place below. Well, I began to think about it. I said, ‘I
+will wait until Running Fox comes back, and then we will talk about it.’
+Now we will go and see it.”
+
+“Yes, let us go,” proposed Running Fox, as his eyes lighted with
+enthusiasm.
+
+As the lads hurried along the river they soon heard the sullen roar of
+the rapids, and their hearts bounded at the sound. Then they came upon
+the long stretch of tossing white-caps, and they stopped and looked with
+superstitious awe upon the wild tumult of the waters. It was a
+terrifying spectacle. As Spotted Deer had said, the river appeared to
+have been roused into a fury. It raged past in great surging waves that
+crashed against the rocks and sent drenching showers of spray high into
+the air. In the calmer reaches the water whirled down into seething
+black pools which sucked down into their dismal depths whatever the
+torrent tossed into them. The Delawares shuddered as they looked upon
+them, for they seemed like doors to that weird underwater world where
+the Bad Water Spirits were supposed to dwell.
+
+“That is a bad place,” Banning Fox said, solemnly.
+
+“Come, let us hurry away,” proposed Spotted Deer.
+
+A short distance beyond the head of the rapids they came opposite the
+wooded island which Spotted Deer had described. They had not watched it
+many moments before they saw a great fish jump from the water between
+the rocks and the shore.
+
+“See, there is Schawanammek!” Spotted Deer cried, excitedly.
+
+“Yes, I saw him,” replied Running Fox. “Look, there goes another.”
+
+They watched several large sturgeon fight their way through the narrow
+channel that separated the rocks from the island.
+
+“Well, now you see how it is,” said Spotted Deer. “Do you feel strong
+enough to swim out there and kill some of those fish?”
+
+For some moments Running Fox continued to study the water in silence.
+The river was smooth but swift at that spot, and the head of the rapids
+was dangerously near. Their angry roar sounded an ominous warning, and
+Running Fox hesitated. He realized that the adventure was filled with
+peril, and wondered whether he ought to risk himself for the mere sport
+of killing Schawanammek. It seemed foolhardy for one bound upon an
+important mission to take unnecessary chances. However, as the great
+fish continued to show themselves Running Fox began to waver. Then he
+suddenly realized that Spotted Deer was awaiting his decision, and the
+latter’s proposal instantly seemed like a challenge. Running Fox
+believed that Spotted Deer might be testing his courage. The possibility
+made him reckless. Under those circumstances he would have tried to
+reach the island even though he knew that the attempt was certain to
+cost him his life.
+
+“Spotted Deer, I am going to swim out to that place, and kill some of
+those fish,” declared Running Fox. “Will you go with me?”
+
+“Yes, I will go,” Spotted Deer replied, quietly.
+
+“It will be a hard thing to do,” Running Fox warned him. “That water is
+very strong. It will carry us along very fast. We must go farther ahead,
+before we start to swim. If we get to that place perhaps we cannot get
+away again. I do not know how it will be. Well, I am going to do this
+thing no matter how it comes out.”
+
+They walked along the shore until they were several bow-shots above the
+island. Then, after they had concealed their robes and moccasins in the
+bushes, they tied their bows and arrow-cases on their backs and waded
+into the water. As it reached their knees they began to feel its
+strength, Each stride forward made it more difficult to remain upon
+their feet. When they had waded in waist-deep they threw themselves
+forward and began to swim.
+
+Once started, the lads swam boldly toward the middle of the river. Each
+stroke took them into swifter water, and they soon realized the
+seriousness of their adventure. Still they had no thought of turning
+back. The river swept them along at startling speed, and they swam
+desperately to get in line with the island. As they neared it they were
+dismayed to see great boulders directly ahead of them. They knew that
+unless they could get beyond them they would be swept against them and
+destroyed.
+
+“Come, we must swim harder,” cried Running Fox.
+
+They redoubled their efforts. Every moment was precious. Running Fox was
+the stronger swimmer, and he began to fear for Spotted Deer who was
+several bow-lengths behind him. However, Spotted Deer saw his peril, and
+was struggling desperately to place himself beyond the path of the
+boulders. At last his efforts were successful, and he followed Running
+Fox to the head of the island. They found a shallow place where they
+managed to get upon their feet and scramble safely to the shore.
+
+“Hi, that was a hard fight,” panted Spotted Deer, as they sat down to
+recover from their exertions.
+
+“Spotted Deer, I see that we have done a foolish thing,” Running Fox
+said, soberly.
+
+“Are you thinking about those Bad Water Spirits?” inquired Spotted Deer,
+as he looked toward the rapids.
+
+“No, I am not thinking about those mysterious people, but I believe we
+have got ourselves into a trap,” declared Running Fox. “It was a hard
+fight to get to this place, but it will be harder to get away.”
+
+The idea sobered them. For the moment they forgot all about
+Schawanammek, the great sturgeon. As they watched the river sweeping
+past them, and heard the angry challenge of the rapids, they suddenly
+realized that they had placed themselves in a serious predicament.
+
+“Well, we have come here to kill some of those big fish,” said Running
+Fox, attempting to make light of the adventure.
+
+“Yes, let us go and find them,” proposed Spotted Deer.
+
+They moved carefully along the wooded shore of the island until they
+reached the narrow channel between the island and the boulders. The
+water was comparatively quiet at that place, and they were able to wade
+out to a large flat-topped rock upon which they seated themselves to
+watch for sturgeon. As they waited for the first big fish to appear they
+cast many uneasy glances toward the rapids. They appeared uncomfortably
+near the lower end of the island. The noise seemed much louder. The lads
+wondered whether they had underestimated the distance between the island
+and that long stretch of white-crested waves. Then a sturgeon entered
+the narrow channel, and all else was forgotten.
+
+“Hi, here comes Sehawanammek!” cried Spotted Deer, as he hastily
+prepared his bow.
+
+As the great fish swam past the rock Spotted Deer drove his arrow into
+it. It floundered helplessly for a moment or so, and Running Fox also
+sent an arrow into its body. Then, to the surprise of the excited young
+Delawares, the sturgeon turned and flashed down the channel with the
+current. A few moments afterward they saw it drifting helplessly into
+the rapids.
+
+“That is bad,” said Spotted Deer. “We have lost two good arrows, and
+Schawanammek has fooled us.”
+
+“Well, we have sent some good food to Gunammachk, the otter,” laughed
+Running Fox.
+
+It was some time before another sturgeon appeared, and that, too, would
+have been swept away by the river if Running Fox had not jumped
+recklessly into the water and seized it. Aided by Spotted Deer he
+dragged it to the island, and pulled it into the bushes.
+
+“Well, we have killed Schawanammek,” said Spotted Deer. “Now we must eat
+some of his flesh. Then we will be able to swim through the bad places
+like he does.”
+
+“Yes, I believe it will be a good thing to do,” agreed Running Fox.
+
+Having left their fire-sticks with their robes, the lads were compelled
+to eat the fish raw. Then they began to think about leaving the island.
+They had no desire to waste more arrows on such easy game.
+
+“Now we must get away from here,” said Running Fox.
+
+“I see that it will be a hard thing to do,” declared Spotted Deer. “I
+believe I was very foolish to talk about coming here. Now I have got you
+into a bad place. I do not like that.”
+
+“Spotted Deer, I came here because I wanted to show you that I was not
+afraid. It was a foolish thing to do. Perhaps those Bad Water Spirits
+will kill us. Then our people will say, ‘Running Fox was not sharp
+enough to escape from the Mohawks.’ I am sorry I came here.”
+
+They walked to the head of the island, and looked longingly toward the
+forest on the river bank. It seemed a long ways off, and the water
+looked very swift. Their task was to reach the shore before the current
+carried them into the rapids. They knew that to do that they would have
+to swim even harder and faster than they swam to reach the island.
+Running Fox believed that he might be equal to the task, but he had
+grave misgivings about Spotted Deer. The latter, however, felt quite as
+confident as Running Fox. Before they entered the water Running Fox sang
+several of the medicine-songs which old Sky Dog had taught him for just
+such emergencies. Then, having asked Getanittowit to help them, the lads
+began their perilous battle with the river.
+
+It was impossible to make any headway directly against the current, and
+the lads swam at a sharp angle but with their faces turned up the river.
+They had not gone far, however, before they saw that they were
+exhausting themselves without gaining enough to make the effort worth
+while. Then Running Fox turned and swam directly across the current. He
+found himself sweeping rapidly down the river, and he had grave doubts
+of reaching the shore before he drifted into the rapids. Each moment he
+heard their angry roar growing louder in his ears, and it nerved him to
+greater efforts. Calling upon Spotted Deer to increase his exertions
+Running Fox began a furious fight against the current. Strive as he
+might, however, he was unable to stay his mad flight down the river. The
+rapids were now only half as far away as they were when he started, and
+Running Fox began to lose heart. He had gone only a third of the
+distance between the shore and the island and each bow-length he drifted
+found him in rougher water. It suddenly dawned on him that it would be
+impossible to escape the rapids. For a moment the thought overwhelmed
+him, and he was on the point of surrendering. Then he heard a wild
+despairing cry behind him. Looking over his shoulder, he saw Spotted
+Deer turning back toward the island. Running Fox knew at once that the
+exhausted lad would never reach his goal. Twisting about he swam with
+the current to intercept Spotted Deer in his wild plunge down the river.
+
+“Come, Spotted Deer, show your courage!” cried Running Fox.
+
+The challenge roused Spotted Deer to heroic efforts. He fought just long
+enough to enable Running Fox to get in line with him, and then he ceased
+struggling.
+
+“Come, follow me!” shouted Running Fox. “Do not waste yourself. Let the
+water carry you. Watch out for the bad places.”
+
+A moment later they were sweeping toward the rapids. Running Fox picked
+the route, and Spotted Deer tried to follow him. There was little chance
+to swim. All they could do was to keep themselves afloat, and try to
+dodge the rocks and whirlpools. It was a desperate chance, and the odds
+were all against them. However, it was the only chance for life and
+Running Fox had decided to take it. When they reached the head of the
+rapids they shot forward into a stifling smother of white-caps. Then
+they swirled down through the raging inferno of water at terrific speed.
+Monster waves surged over them, huge boulders flashed by within
+bow-length. Running Fox found it impossible to pick a route, and,
+terrified and bewildered, he confined his efforts to keeping his head
+above the surface and left the rest to chance. As for Spotted Deer, he
+lost sight of his companion as soon as they entered the rapids, and he,
+too, thought only of keeping from going down into the clutches of the
+Bad Water Spirits. Gasping, choking and struggling, the unfortunate lads
+were carried down the river. Once Running Fox crashed into a boulder,
+but fortunately it was a glancing blow and he escaped with nothing more
+serious than bruises. Spotted Deer drifted into one of the sucking black
+pools, and in some miraculous manner was whirled around the edge and
+thrown back into the current. There seemed no hope that either of the
+swimmers would escape with his life.
+
+Running Fox, however, finally reached the end of the rapids alive. When
+he found himself afloat in calm water he could scarcely believe his good
+fortune. His first thought was for Spotted Deer. He was nowhere in
+sight. What had become of him? There seemed but one answer. He had been
+pulled down by the Bad Water Spirits. Running Fox looked toward the
+rapids, and his eyes glowed savagely. Then he saw something bobbing down
+through the waves, and a great hope entered his heart.
+
+“Fight, Spotted Deer! Fight! I am here to help you!” screamed Running
+Fox, as he saw the form of his friend sweeping toward the end of the
+rapids.
+
+His words were useless, however, for Spotted Deer could not hear them.
+As his limp body finally shot into the still water and sank from sight,
+Running Fox dove after it and brought him to the surface. Then he swam
+painfully to the shore with him, and placed him tenderly on the beach.
+There was an ugly wound over his eye, and his limbs were bruised and
+swollen. Running Fox himself was bloody and bruised, but he gave no
+thought to his wounds. Bending frantically over his friend he worked
+feverishly to expel the water from his lungs. He had seen his people
+restore more than one unfortunate swimmer, and he had hopes of bringing
+Spotted Deer back to life. However, his efforts seemed in vain and he
+called hysterically upon Getanittowit for aid.
+
+“O Getanittowit, see what the Bad Water Spirits have done,” he cried. “O
+Getanittowit, take pity on me, and give me back my brother, Spotted
+Deer. See, Getanittowit, he is sleeping. O Getanittowit, take pity on
+him and wake him up.”
+
+Then he worked with renewed energy. Still Spotted Deer showed no signs
+of life. Running Fox was on the verge of collapse. He realized that he
+would soon be unable to continue his efforts. The thought roused him.
+Then, when he had given up hope, Spotted Deer sighed and opened his
+eyes. He stared stupidly at Running Fox, and again lapsed into
+unconsciousness. Still he was alive, and that was sufficient for Running
+Fox. His strength returned, and he continued his exertions until Spotted
+Deer regained consciousness. Then, as the latter smiled and whispered
+his name, Running Fox fell exhausted beside him.
+
+
+
+
+                            CHAPTER V—WOLVES
+
+
+The following day found the Delawares too stiff and sore from their
+battle with the rapids to proceed with their journey. They limped as far
+as the spot where they had hidden their robes, and made no attempt to go
+farther. Besides, they had lost a number of their arrows in the river,
+and they spent the day making others to replace them. Toward evening as
+Running Fox was stalking several grouse that had alighted in a tree, he
+suddenly came upon a number of tracks that immediately claimed his
+attention. Dropping to his knees he examined them with great care. Then
+he rose and hastened to tell Spotted Deer, whom he had left resting upon
+a couch of hemlock boughs.
+
+“Spotted Deer, if you feel strong enough you must rise and follow me,”
+said Running Fox. “I have found something to show you.”
+
+“I will go,” declared Spotted Deer, rising stiffly to his feet.
+
+They soon reached the spot where Running Fox had discovered the tracks,
+and Spotted Deer examined them with much interest.
+
+“This is strange,” he said after a few moments. “These tracks look like
+the tracks of big dogs. How did they get here? Are we near a camp?”
+
+“No, Spotted Deer, these are not dog tracks,” said Running Fox. “That is
+what I took them for when I first saw them. Then I knew different. These
+are the tracks of Timmeu, the wolf.”
+
+“It is true,” replied Spotted Deer.
+
+They noted that the tracks were several days old, and that the trail
+turned toward the north. It was also apparent that there had been a
+goodly number of wolves, for the lads saw tracks of various sizes. That
+night as they sat beside a small fire broiling the grouse which Running
+Fox had killed their thoughts turned to the wolf pack.
+
+“I have heard the hunters tell about those wolves,” said Running Fox.
+“They are very large and very fierce. They have fought with many of our
+people. My father killed some of them when he was hunting along the
+river.”
+
+“Why are they down in this country?” inquired Spotted Deer. “This is not
+the time for them to come down here. I have heard the hunters say that
+in the time of growing things they travel far beyond the country of the
+Mohawks.”
+
+“What you say is so,” replied Running Fox. “When it is cold our people
+have found them down near our village. I do not know how they come to be
+here now.”
+
+“Perhaps we shall see them,” Spotted Deer suggested, hopefully.
+
+“No, I do not believe it,” said Running Fox.
+
+The next day they resumed their journey at daylight. They had quite
+recovered from their trip through the rapids, and excepting a few minor
+cuts and bruises showed little evidence of the rough treatment which
+they had received from the river. They felt that they had escaped with a
+very light penalty for their foolishness, and they were very grateful to
+Getanittowit. However, they agreed that they would be more careful in
+the future.
+
+“Pretty soon we will come to dangerous country,” said Spotted Deer, as
+they continued up the river.
+
+“Yes, we must keep a sharp watch for our enemies,” replied Running Fox.
+
+They traveled through a splendid forest of massive oaks and chestnuts,
+and they saw many signs of game. At one place they again saw wolf
+tracks, but they were many days old and the lads gave them little
+thought. Then they came upon a well-worn trail leading away from the
+river, and as it showed fresh deer tracks they determined to follow it.
+It soon led them to a shallow pool in the center of an open marshy
+swale. From the numberless footprints, and the manner in which the
+ground had been pawed, they knew at once that the place was a natural
+salt-lick. They also knew that animals of all sorts frequented such
+places, and as the day was less than half spent they determined to spend
+some time watching for game.
+
+“Perhaps we shall see some of the creatures that appeared in my dream,”
+said Running Fox.
+
+The wish was soon gratified, for they had barely concealed themselves at
+the edge of the woods when they heard something approaching. They
+watched closely, and in a few moments a splendid buck appeared on the
+border of the marsh.
+
+“Achtu,” whispered Spotted Deer.
+
+“Sh,” cautioned Running Fox, as he prepared an arrow.
+
+The wind was in their favor, and they had little fear of being
+discovered. The deer made a splendid picture as it stood silhouetted
+against the vivid green background of the forest. It was a big, graceful
+creature, with horns still sheathed in the soft moss-like covering which
+protects them until they complete their growth in the autumn. The buck
+spent some moments listening, and sniffing for signs of danger. Then,
+satisfied that all was well, he started toward the pool. At that moment,
+however, the wind veered and brought him the danger scent. For one
+fleeting instant he halted with his head raised in alarm. Then, having
+located the danger, he wheeled and sprang toward shelter. Two arrows
+sped after him. One flew high and stuck in a sapling, but the other
+buried itself in his side. Then with a great bound he disappeared into
+the woods. The lads heard him crashing away in mad flight, and they
+looked at each other with disgust.
+
+“That was bad work,” said Running Fox. “I was not ready. The wind fooled
+us.”
+
+“My arrow is sticking in that tree,” laughed Spotted Deer.
+
+“Well, we must follow him,” declared Running Fox. “My arrow struck too
+far back, but perhaps it will make him lie down.”
+
+They hastened to the spot where the buck had disappeared, and found a
+number of large red splashes upon the leaves. It was evident that the
+deer had been hard hit, and they started hopefully on the trail. The
+buck was traveling in great bounds, and bleeding freely. It was not
+long, however, before they noticed that he was slackening his speed.
+
+“We will soon come up with him,” said Running Fox.
+
+Both lads were well experienced in the art of deer hunting, and they
+instantly recognized the unmistakable signs that promised an early
+collapse. They hurried along the trail, therefore, with high hopes of
+overtaking their quarry before the end of the day. The tracks led them
+into a vast hemlock swamp, and they advanced with great caution, for it
+looked like an ideal hiding place for the wounded buck. They soon saw
+that the deer had begun to walk, and at one place they saw that it had
+stopped as if preparing to lie down. It had gone on, however, and the
+lads hurried after it, keeping a sharp watch on all sides lest it should
+suddenly spring from cover and escape. As they penetrated into the
+gloomy depths of the swamp they saw many fresh tracks of lynx, and foxes
+and rabbits, but they paid little attention to them for they knew from
+experience that it was only by constant vigilance that they could hope
+to overtake and surprise the animal they sought.
+
+“See, he is growing weak,” said Running Fox, as he pointed to a place in
+the trail which indicated that the buck had stumbled awkwardly over a
+log that lay in his path.
+
+Then they saw him lying under a spruce a short distance ahead of them.
+The buck saw them at the same instant, and struggled to his feet.
+Running Fox shot his arrow and scored another hit, but as Spotted Deer
+released his bow-string the buck dashed between the trees and vanished
+from sight.
+
+“He will not run so far this time,” prophesied Running Fox.
+
+The trail turned off at a sharp angle, and soon brought them to the edge
+of the swamp. They followed it through the woods to a pretty woodland
+stream, and there they found the buck lying dead beside the water.
+
+“Well, I have done what the great medicine deer told me to do,” said
+Running Fox.
+
+“It is good,” replied Spotted Deer.
+
+When they finished skinning and quartering the deer the twilight shadows
+were falling upon the forest, and they decided to spend the night beside
+the stream. As they were some distance from the river, they believed it
+might be safe to make a tiny fire and dry some of the meat to take with
+them. They worked at the task until long after darkness had fallen.
+Then, as they wrapped themselves in their robes, and were preparing to
+sleep, Spotted Deer suddenly sat up and listened anxiously.
+
+“What is that?” he asked Running Fox.
+
+For a moment or so they heard only the gentle murmuring of the breeze
+through the tree-tops. Then, far away in the night, they heard a sound
+that thrilled them. It was the hunting cry of the wolf-pack. They had
+heard it more than once in the winter near the Delaware village, and
+they recognized it immediately.
+
+“Timmeu has found the blood trail,” said Running Fox.
+
+The sounds came from somewhere beyond the swamp, and the lads had little
+doubt that the wolves were following the trail of the wounded buck. The
+thought stirred them, for they believed that they were about to have an
+encounter with the savage brutes about which they had heard so many
+wonderful tales. The sounds soon united in a wild babel that grew louder
+and more distinct each moment.
+
+“They are coming fast,” said Spotted Deer.
+
+“Well, we will wait for them,” declared Running Fox. “Come, we will
+bring in some brush for the fire, so that we can see them.”
+
+They hurried to gather several armfuls of dry wood. Then they raked
+together the embers of their fire, and fanned them into a flame. By that
+time it was evident that the wolves were almost through the swamp. They
+were making a great din, and it seemed as if there were many animals in
+the pack. The eyes of the Delawares flashed as the wild baying drew
+nearer.
+
+“Now they are getting close,” cried Spotted Deer.
+
+“Yes, they have come out of the swamp,” replied Running Fox.
+
+The lads had heard enough about that famous pack to feel sure that they
+would be attacked. Still the possibility failed to alarm them. They felt
+confident that they would be able to defend themselves, and they were
+eager for the fight. Then, as they waited anxiously for the wolves to
+appear, the commotion suddenly ceased.
+
+“Perhaps the fire has frightened them away,” Spotted Deer said,
+regretfully.
+
+“No, I do not believe it,” replied Running Fox. “Timmeu is very
+cautious. Perhaps they saw our fire. Perhaps they found the man scent.
+They are sneaking up to have a look at us. I have heard my father tell
+how they do that. We must keep a sharp watch.”
+
+They listened anxiously, and peered eagerly into the darkness in the
+hope of locating the wolves. They felt quite certain that the wily
+brutes were close at hand endeavoring to learn the strength of their
+enemies before exposing themselves. For a long time, however, the alert
+young hunters could find no evidence of them. Then they heard a snarl
+almost in front of them. A moment afterward a pair of shining green eyes
+flashed in the darkness. The next instant they were gone.
+
+“Come, we must put some brush on the fire,” said Running Fox.
+
+As the flames flared up and threw a circle of yellow light some distance
+into the woods, the lads fitted arrows to their bows and watched for a
+chance at the wolves. However, it appeared that those crafty beasts were
+wise enough to keep beyond the glow. The Delawares heard them trotting
+about through the undergrowth, but they were unable to see them. The
+caution displayed by the wolves seemed like cowardice to the eager lads
+who waited impatiently for them to attack, and they began to doubt some
+of the stories they had heard concerning their ferocity.
+
+“These animals are not brave,” sneered Spotted Deer. “Come, let us run
+out and chase them away.”
+
+“That would be a foolish thing to do,” cautioned Running Fox. “We must
+not take any chances. I believe what we have heard is true. Perhaps they
+are getting ready to make a big fight. Listen. Do you hear that? It is
+their war-cry. Now we must be ready.”
+
+A long, quavering howl sounded through the night. It was the rallying
+cry, and it was immediately answered by a wild din from the pack. It was
+evident that the wolves were growing bolder. They trotted about at the
+edge of the firelight, and the lads caught fleeting glimpses of dim,
+shadowy forms slinking through the shadows.
+
+“Perhaps they will get brave enough to fight,” laughed Spotted Deer.
+
+“They will fight,” Running Fox assured him.
+
+The carcass of the deer was between the lads and the wolves, and it
+appeared that the latter were preparing to fight for possession of it.
+Still, it was some time before they grew hold enough to expose
+themselves in the firelight. At last, however, one great wolf more
+reckless than its companions rushed toward the prize. As it came into
+the glow Spotted Deer shot his arrow, and the wolf rolled into the
+hushes, howling dismally. Elated at his success, Spotted Deer raised his
+voice in the Delaware war-cry.
+
+“That was a bad thing to do,” said Running Fox. “Perhaps that will reach
+the ears of an enemy.”
+
+“It is true, Running Fox, I was very foolish,” Spotted Deer
+acknowledged, guiltily.
+
+At that instant the wolves charged in a body, and the lads saw that they
+would have all the fighting they desired. They killed several of the
+leaders, and for a moment the others hesitated. Then they divided and
+formed a circle, and the Delawares realized that they had been
+surrounded. Once roused to the attack, the wolves showed little fear,
+and the lads soon found themselves engaged in a desperate encounter.
+Standing back to back to prevent being attacked from the rear, they
+fought furiously to keep the ferocious animals from reaching them. More
+than one wolf was stopped in mid-air as it leaped forward to drag them
+to the ground. Once Running Fox was compelled to use his war-club to
+crush the skull of a wolf that had eluded his arrow. A moment later he
+heard a warning cry from Spotted Deer, and wheeling about he saw the
+latter borne to earth by a huge wolf that had two arrows sticking in its
+side. Running Fox drove a third arrow into the fatal spot behind the
+shoulder, and Spotted Deer leaped to his feet unharmed. Then the wolves
+suddenly became demoralized, and retreated into the shadows. Spotted
+Deer was eager to follow them, but Running Fox cautioned against it.
+
+“We have had a hard fight, but we have come out of it,” said Running
+Fox. “If we follow the wolves into the darkness we may be torn to
+pieces.”
+
+“Perhaps that is so,” agreed Spotted Deer.
+
+They piled more brush on the fire, and kept a sharp watch for another
+attack. However, as the time passed and the wolves failed to appear, the
+lads believed that they had skulked off. Still it was a long time before
+they dared to leave the fire to recover their arrows from the bodies of
+the wolves they had killed. While they were engaged in the task they
+heard savage snarls coming from the darkness, and saw the flash of angry
+eyes. They realized, therefore, that they were in constant danger of
+attack by the wounded wolves that had been unable to retreat with the
+pack.
+
+“This is dangerous work,” said Running Fox. “I believe the best thing to
+do would be to wait until the light comes.”
+
+He had barely uttered the warning, however, when a great black form
+rushed from behind a rock and attacked him. It snapped savagely at his
+legs, but he jumped aside in time to avoid the cruel white fangs. Then
+he wheeled at bay. He saw the hateful green eyes glaring at him through
+the night, and he aimed his arrow a short distance below them. As he
+released the bow-string the wolf attempted to spring at him, but the
+arrow plunged deep into its chest and ended its life. After that narrow
+escape the lads decided to withdraw to the fire. They gathered enough
+wood to last them through the night, and planned to take turns watching
+until daylight.
+
+
+
+
+                    CHAPTER VI—A PROWLER IN THE DARK
+
+
+The night passed without further attack, and at dawn the lads scouted
+carefully about the scene of the battle and found the bodies of twelve
+large timber wolves. They found another wounded wolf hiding under the
+top of a fallen tree, and they rushed upon it and killed it with their
+war-clubs. Well pleased with their victory, the young Delawares spent
+some time chanting war-songs and dancing about the bodies of their
+victims. Then they broke off the tusks of the largest wolves as trophies
+to be proudly exhibited when they finally returned to the Delaware
+village.
+
+On the way back to the river Running Fox saw a small dark animal
+bounding along ahead of him. He immediately ran in pursuit of it, and as
+it flashed up the trunk of a tree he saw that it was, as he had guessed,
+a black squirrel. The squirrel hid on one side of the tree, and as
+Running Fox moved cautiously about the tree-trunk the crafty little
+creature moved with him, so that he was unable to surprise it. At last,
+however, Running Fox took his bow and stirred the leaves on the opposite
+side of the tree. It was an old hunting trick which he had learned from
+his father, and it proved entirely successful. Thinking that its pursuer
+was coming around on that side the bewildered squirrel edged around in
+full view of Running Fox. A moment afterward it fell at his feet with an
+arrow through its body.
+
+“Well, Wisawanik knows how to hide, but I fooled him,” laughed Running
+Fox, as he held up the prize. “See, Spotted Deer, I have killed a chief
+who wears the black robe. Yes, I have done what the medicine creatures
+told me to do.”
+
+Running Fox removed the black pelt with great care, and fastened it to
+his belt. Then they continued toward the river. As they neared the water
+they climbed to the top of a hardwood ridge to reconnoiter. They knew
+that they were almost at the end of the Delaware hunting grounds, and
+the thought made them cautious.
+
+“Pretty soon we will enter the country of our enemies,” said Running
+Fox. “Many of our people have been killed in that country. We must be
+very watchful.”
+
+“We will be as sharp as Woakus, the fox,” replied Spotted Deer.
+
+They were able to see a long way up and down the river from the top of
+the ridge, and they studied the water with great care. However, as they
+failed to discover anything to arouse their suspicions, they soon
+resumed their way into the north. The day was more than half gone when
+Running Fox suddenly stopped, and pointed to a high rocky cliff on the
+opposite side of the river, and then to a massive dead pine directly
+ahead of them.
+
+“Do you see that high rocky place over there?” he inquired, turning to
+Spotted Deer.
+
+“Yes, I see it,” replied Spotted Deer.
+
+“Do you see that big tree ahead of us?”
+
+“Yes, I see it.”
+
+“Well, we have reached the beginning of the great Iroquois hunting
+grounds,” declared Running Fox. “It begins over there on that side where
+you see those rocks, and it begins on this side where you see that big
+tree ahead of us. Do you know anything about those rocks?”
+
+“No, I do not know about them,” replied Spotted Deer.
+
+“Well, I will tell you about something that happened there,” said
+Running Fox. “I will tell it just as my father told it to me. Our people
+call that place Laktschellan, which means the-jumping-over-place. Now I
+will tell you how it got that name. A long time ago a Delaware hunter
+was chased up on those rocks by some Mohawks. Well, when they saw him up
+there they began to laugh because they thought he could not get away.
+Pretty soon they heard him calling down to them. He told them that he
+was going to jump down into the water. Well, when they heard that they
+began to laugh some more, because they thought he would surely be
+killed. Then some of the Mohawks began to climb up the rocks. When the
+Delaware saw them coming he gave a loud shout and jumped away from the
+rocks. He made a great noise when he fell into the water, and a white
+cloud flew high up into the air. Well, the Mohawks began to watch the
+water. They watched a long time, but he never appeared. Then they
+thought he was dead. Some of them began to jump into the water to find
+his body. Well, while they were doing that the Delaware was hiding in
+the bushes a little way off. He was laughing about how he had fooled the
+Mohawks. He waited there until the Mohawks got tired and went away. Then
+he ran to the Delaware camp, and told what he had done. The name of that
+brave man was Striking Hawk, and he lived a very long time ago.”
+
+“That is a good thing to know about,” declared Spotted Deer. “Whenever I
+pass that place I will always think about that brave hunter.”
+
+A few moments afterwards the lads entered the hunting grounds of their
+foes. The real war-journey had actually begun. The thought thrilled
+them. Still they were serious and thoughtful. They knew that many foes
+lurked in the vast wilderness which they were about to explore, and they
+realized the difficulty of avoiding them. Besides the Mohawks there were
+several other tribes of the great Iroquois nation who wandered into that
+country to hunt and fish with their tribesmen. These visitors were
+mostly Oneidas and Onondagas, whose villages were comparatively near the
+Mohawks, but the fierce Cayugas and the still fiercer Senecas
+occasionally came from the lakes and mountains far away toward the
+setting sun. Then there were also the Shawnees, who frequently ventured
+into the Iroquois country in large numbers. Such an array of enemies
+might have made the most courageous warrior hesitate about entering that
+perilous region, and the young Delawares knew that they must keep
+constantly alert to their danger if they hoped to escape.
+
+The lads continued along the river until near the end of the day, and
+then they turned deeper into the forest to find a safe hiding place in
+which to spend the night. They were making their way carefully over a
+rocky piece of ground covered with blueberry bushes, when they heard a
+loud buzzing sound close beside them.
+
+“Hi, that is Wischalowe, the Frightener,” cried Running Fox.
+
+They recognized the sound as the angry buzzing of a rattlesnake. It
+seemed to be in a dense thicket of blueberry bushes, The lads realized
+that they must approach it with caution, for they knew that its bite was
+very deadly. Running Fox picked up several stones, and advanced
+carefully into the thicket. When he came near the sound he stopped and
+looked for the snake. At last he saw it several bow-lengths ahead of
+him. It was coiled to strike.
+
+“Hi, Wischalowe, I have found you,” cried Running Fox. “You look very
+ugly. Yes, you are called ‘The Frightener.’ Well, I am not afraid of
+you. Your war-cry does not frighten me. I have killed some of your
+people. Now I am going to kill you. But I am going to give you a chance
+to fight. Come, let me see how brave you are.”
+
+Running Fox advanced directly toward the angry snake. He parted the
+bushes carefully with his bow, and walked almost within bow-length. Then
+he stopped, and continued to taunt Wischalowe. However, the rattlesnake
+made no attempt to strike, and Running Fox tossed one of the stones
+within a hand-breadth of it. The snake instantly lowered its head and
+flattened its body against the ground—it was evidently about to strike.
+Running Fox advanced a step nearer, and the snake uncoiled two-thirds of
+its body and struck at him. He saw the ugly open mouth and the deadly
+fangs as he sprang aside.
+
+“Well, Wischalowe, you are very slow, like an old man,” laughed Running
+Fox. “Yes, I see that you are very mad about it. You are making a great
+noise. Perhaps it would frighten the women and children. Is that how you
+got your name? Well, Wischalowe, this will be your last song. Now I am
+going to kill you.”
+
+However, as Running Fox threw the rock the snake struck, and he missed
+it. Then to his surprise the snake partially coiled and struck again. It
+was an unexpected maneuver, and the reckless young Delaware barely
+escaped. He struck savagely with his bow, and hit the reptile a stunning
+blow behind the head. Before it recovered he stooped and crushed it with
+his war-club. Then he cut the string of bony scales, or rattles, from,
+the end of its tail.
+
+“Well, that was an easy fight,” laughed Running Fox, as he rejoined
+Spotted Deer. “Wischalowe tried to frighten us, and now I have killed
+him.”
+
+“Wisehalowe was foolish,” replied Spotted Deer.
+
+At the end of the day they stopped for the night beside a splendid
+little woodland spring, in the midst of a wonderful forest of towering
+hemlocks. The trees were so large and stood so close together that
+perpetual twilight reigned beneath them. Night came swiftly after sunset
+in that dense stand of timber, and the lads missed the cheery glow of
+the little camp-fire, for they believed that it would be foolhardy to
+run the risk of lighting it. They sat close together in the darkness,
+therefore, conversing in low, guarded tones and listening anxiously at
+the slightest sound. However, the great wilderness was unusually still,
+and they heard only the night wind whispering softly in the tree-tops.
+
+“Schawanachen, the warm wind, is singing the sleep song,” said Running
+Fox.
+
+“It is a pretty song,” replied Spotted Deer. “Come, we will pile up some
+of this long grass, and let Schawanachen sing us to sleep.”
+
+They gathered several armfuls of the long feathery ferns that grew in
+great abundance at that spot, and made couches of them. Then they
+wrapped themselves in their robes and lay down to sleep.
+
+“Perhaps it would be a good thing for one of us to watch,” suggested
+Running Fox.
+
+“No, I do not believe we are in any danger here,” said Spotted Deer. “We
+have not seen or heard anything to trouble us.”
+
+“That is true,” agreed Running Fox. “Well, we will not do anything about
+it.”
+
+They had not been long asleep when Running Fox awakened with a feeling
+that all was not well. He raised himself cautiously upon his elbow, and
+spent many moments looking and listening for signs of danger. Spotted
+Deer was slumbering soundly, and Running Fox determined not to awaken
+him unless he discovered something to verify his uneasiness.
+
+“This is a strange thing,” Running Fox whispered to himself. “I do not
+see anything, and I do not hear anything, but I feel something wrong. I
+believe we are in some kind of danger. Well, I will watch.”
+
+For a long time, however, he found no reason for his suspicions. Still
+the peculiar premonition of danger persisted. It troubled him. He
+believed it was a warning from Getanittowit, and yet he did not know how
+to interpret it. Then he thought he heard something moving through the
+ferns. He held his breath to listen, but the silence was unbroken. At
+last, convinced that his fears were groundless, Running Fox again lay
+down to sleep. He had barely closed his eyes, however, when he was
+roused by the same stealthy sound in the ferns.
+
+“Now I know that something is wrong,” Running Fox told himself.
+
+As he sat up and stared anxiously into the night he again heard the
+gentle rustling of the ferns. For a moment he wondered if it might not
+be the wind. All was still, however, and even the murmurs in the
+tree-tops had died away. Running Fox felt that he was being watched. A
+few moments later his suspicions were verified, as a pair of glowing
+eyes shone from the darkness. Aware that they were threatened by some
+savage prowler of the wilderness, Running Fox leaned over and touched
+Spotted Deer.
+
+“Do not make any noise,” cautioned Running Fox, as Spotted Deer
+awakened.
+
+“What has happened?” Spotted Deer inquired, anxiously.
+
+“I do not know what it is, but something is watching us,” declared
+Running Fox. “Yes, I heard it, and I saw its eyes.”
+
+“Perhaps the wolves have followed us,” whispered Spotted Deer.
+
+“No, it is something different,” replied Running Fox. “Listen.”
+
+They heard something circling softly about them through the ferns. Then
+they caught the momentary flash of a pair of eyes. The next instant they
+vanished, and a twig snapped somewhere within bow-shot.
+
+“I believe it is Timmeu, the wolf,” declared Spotted Deer. “Perhaps he
+has come back to fight us.”
+
+“No, it is not Timmeu,” replied Running Fox. “The eyes are different,
+and this thing moves slower.”
+
+They heard a low growl, like that of an angry dog. Then they again saw
+the weird shining eyes watching them.
+
+“Perhaps some Evil Spirit lives in this place,” Spotted Deer suggested,
+uneasily.
+
+“No, I do not believe it,” Running Fox assured him. “I believe it is
+Quenischquney, the panther. Yes, it is the sound I heard in my dream.
+Now I will tell you what to do. I will shoot my arrow. Then if
+Quenisehquney jumps in to fight you must send your arrow into him. By
+that time I will be ready with another arrow.”
+
+“I am ready,” said Spotted Deer. “See, there are his eyes. He sounds
+mad.”
+
+Running Fox discharged his arrow. They heard it strike, and then a
+terrifying scream rang through the night. A moment later a long dark
+form crouched before them. They heard the tail swishing rapidly among
+the ferns, and read a warning in the flashing eyes.
+
+“Do something!” cried Running Fox, as he prepared another arrow.
+
+Spotted Deer had hesitated an instant too long, and as he released his
+bow-string the panther sprang. It missed him by less than a bow-length,
+and disappeared into the night. They heard it coughing and snarling, and
+thrashing about in the ferns. Then it suddenly became quiet.
+
+“It is dead,” said Spotted Deer.
+
+“Perhaps,” replied Running Fox. “Quenischquney is very cute, we must be
+careful.”
+
+They watched anxiously, but the eyes failed to appear. Then, as the
+silence continued, Running Fox began to grow uneasy. He feared that the
+panther might have sneaked away, and the possibility made him reckless.
+
+“I do not like this,” he told Spotted Deer. “Perhaps, as you say,
+Quenischquney is dead. But perhaps he has sneaked away. That would be
+very bad. I must follow him and kill him. Yes, I must take his claws,
+and wear them as the mysterious Medicine Creatures told me to do. If I
+do not obey them something bad may happen to us. Now I am going over
+there to find out if Quenischquney is dead.”
+
+“That is a very dangerous thing to do,” protested Spotted Deer.
+
+“Well, I cannot help it,” replied Running Fox. “I must not let
+Quenischquney get away.”
+
+“I will go with you,” proposed Spotted Deer.
+
+They waited some moments, watching and listening for a clue to the
+whereabouts of the wounded panther. Then, as the baffling silence
+continued, they advanced cautiously toward the place where they had last
+seen the glare of its eyes. They went forward very slowly, about a
+bow-length apart. It was very dark, and they realized that they must
+depend more upon their ears than their eyes to warn them of danger.
+After every third or fourth stride, therefore, they stopped to listen,
+while they peered anxiously on all sides of them for a tell-tale flash
+of those ugly green eyes. However, they neither heard or saw anything of
+the animal they sought.
+
+“I believe that fierce Quenischquney is dead,” declared Spotted Deer.
+
+“We must not be too sure,” Running Fox warned him.
+
+He had barely finished speaking when they heard a warning growl directly
+ahead of them. They stopped and watched for a chance to shoot their
+arrows. The growling continued, and they heard the ferns rustling, but
+they were unable to locate the panther. They knew it was close to them,
+but for some reason they were unable to discover its eyes. For a moment
+they were puzzled. Then Running Fox guessed the truth.
+
+“I know how it is,” he whispered, excitedly. “Quenischquney is crouching
+down in the high grass. I believe he is getting ready to jump.”
+
+“Shall I send an arrow over there where we hear him?” asked Spotted
+Deer.
+
+Quenischquney himself answered the question, for at that very instant he
+made his spring, and bore Spotted Deer to the ground. Running Fox saw a
+long black shadow pass before him, heard a short angry snarl, and then
+the quick startled voice of Spotted Deer. For an instant the suddenness
+of the attack bewildered him. He hesitated a moment to recover his wits,
+and then as Spotted Deer called to him he sprang to his assistance.
+
+“O Running Fox! Running Fox!” screamed Spotted Deer.
+
+“Use your knife!” cried Running Fox.
+
+The next instant he was upon the panther. He plunged his flint knife
+deep behind the shoulder.
+
+Then, as the infuriated beast turned upon him, he drove an arrow into
+its body. Quenischquney leaped, but crashed to the ground within a
+bow-length. For some moments he thrashed wildly about in the ferns,
+coughing and snarling furiously. Then he became still. The lads
+approached cautiously, and saw him lying quietly upon his side. Running
+Fox drove another arrow into him, but he failed to move. Then they went
+up to him, and saw that he was dead.
+
+“Did Quenischquney do much harm to you?” Running Fox asked Spotted Deer.
+“Come over here and let me look at you.”
+
+“No, Quenischquney did not harm me,” Spotted Deer replied, bravely. “I
+felt his claws, but I stuck my knife into his throat, and he could not
+bite me. Yes, I am bloody, but most of it came from Quenischquney. It is
+a good thing you were with me. If I had been alone I might have been
+killed.”
+
+Running Fox saw that Spotted Deer had escaped without serious injury. He
+had a number of painful gashes on his arms and the upper part of his
+body, but Running Fox hurried him to the spring and soon stopped the
+bleeding by soaking small pieces of sphagnum moss in the cold water and
+inserting it in the wounds.
+
+“Well, you will have some marks on your body to tell about when we get
+back to our people,” laughed Running Fox.
+
+“I will tell them how you killed Quenischquney,” replied Spotted Deer.
+
+As Spotted Deer declared that he felt little pain from his injuries,
+they returned to the dead panther and cut off the claws. Then they sang
+medicine-songs, and danced about the body of Quenischquney until well
+along toward the middle of the night.
+
+“Now we will stop,” Running Fox said, finally, “It will soon be light.
+Come, we will go back and lie down again.”
+
+“Yes, we can sleep easy, fierce Quenischquney will not trouble us now,”
+replied Spotted Deer.
+
+
+
+
+                    CHAPTER VII—THE MYSTERIOUS CANOE
+
+
+The Delawares had not gone far the following day before they came upon
+an inviting eddy in the river, and as the day was unusually warm they
+determined to loiter for a swim. The water was cool and refreshing, and
+they splashed about in great delight. Spotted Deer especially enjoyed
+it, for the cold water felt very soothing to the burning gashes he had
+received from the panther. In spite of their frolicking, however, the
+lads kept a sharp watch for foes. They soon saw the necessity of it, as
+Running Fox suddenly looked up the river and discovered something which
+caused them to scramble frantically to the shore.
+
+A bark canoe had suddenly appeared around a bend of the river, and was
+drifting slowly toward them. The lads watched it with great uneasiness.
+It appeared to be unoccupied and abandoned. Still the suspicious
+Delawares feared a trap. “Perhaps some one is lying down inside of it,”
+suggested Spotted Deer.
+
+“Well, we will soon be able to find out about that,” replied Running
+Fox.
+
+They studied the approaching canoe with great attention, but were unable
+to tell to what tribe it belonged. Running Fox had been well trained in
+the art of observing, and his sharp eyes soon told him enough to quiet
+his fears.
+
+“See, it sits high in the water,” he told Spotted Deer. “If any one was
+inside it would be low down and heavy.”
+
+“Yes, that is true,” agreed Spotted Deer. “But some one may be swimming
+on the other side of it.”
+
+“No, I do not believe it,” said Running Fox. “It does not tremble, and
+it leaves no trail.”
+
+Satisfied, therefore, that the mysterious canoe was deserted, the
+Delawares wondered how they might gain possession of it without exposing
+themselves to discovery. They feared that crafty foes might be watching
+from ambush, and they hesitated to show themselves.
+
+“See, it is moving toward land,” Running Fox whispered, excitedly.
+
+A short distance below them a narrow gravelly beach reached far out into
+the water, and they noticed that the canoe was drifting directly toward
+it. They watched eagerly until the canoe finally struck upon the
+projecting point of land. Then, as the canoe swung slowly about with the
+current, they realized that they must act quickly to secure it.
+
+“I will go out and catch it,” said Running Fox.
+
+He skulked through the bushes as cautiously as a fox. When he reached
+the spot where the canoe had struck he stopped to search the river for
+foes. Then he saw the canoe swinging stern foremost down the river. He
+realized that in another moment it would be beyond his reach. Throwing
+caution to the winds, Running Fox rushed boldly into the water and
+seized the prize. As he had guessed, it was unoccupied. As he drew it
+toward him it left a tell-tale mark in the gravel. However, he made no
+attempt to erase it, for he hoped that any one following on the trail
+would find it and be deceived. It made it appear that, having lodged for
+a time at that spot, the canoe had finally floated free and drifted down
+the river.
+
+Once in actual possession of the canoe, Running Fox signaled for Spotted
+Deer to join him. They waded with the prize until they found a safe
+hiding place, and then they dragged it into the bushes. They had found a
+long hickory bow and a buckskin quiver filled with arrows in the bottom
+of the canoe.
+
+“This is very strange,” said Running Fox, as he examined the weapons.
+
+The lads saw at once that they were different in pattern from their own,
+and they had little doubt that they were of Iroquois design. Still they
+were not sure. They stared at them in amazement. The whole affair was a
+great mystery. They would have given much to know how far the canoe had
+come, and how the weapons happened to be in it.
+
+“Whoever left these things in that canoe was very foolish,” said Spotted
+Deer.
+
+“Well, I see that he kept the paddle,” replied Running Fox.
+
+“That is true, I did not see that,” said Spotted Deer.
+
+At first the Delawares were inclined to keep the weapons, and hide the
+canoe in the woods until they returned down the river on their way to
+the Delaware camp. It would have been a splendid trophy, and they
+dreaded to lose it, but Running Fox finally decided to set it adrift.
+
+“This canoe has floated away, and some one will come down here looking
+for it,” he said. “If they do not find it, they will become suspicious.
+Perhaps they will look for our trail. We have a long journey to make,
+and we are in great danger. We will not take any chances. Come, we will
+keep the weapons, and give up the canoe.”
+
+“You are the leader, I will do as you say,” Spotted Deer said,
+resignedly. “But if some one comes after this canoe they will miss the
+weapons.”
+
+“We will fool them about that,” laughed Running Fox.
+
+They carried the canoe to the water, and as they set it adrift Running
+Fox overturned it with his foot. Spotted Deer laughed as he saw the
+reason for the wily bit of stratagem which would make the owner of the
+canoe believe that his weapons were somewhere at the bottom of the
+river. They watched until the canoe floated slowly from sight around a
+bend of the shore.
+
+“Now we must hide, and watch to see who comes after it,” said Running
+Fox.
+
+They concealed themselves in the bushes, and began to watch the river.
+All day they remained there, as alert and patient as a lynx waiting for
+prey. Nothing escaped them. Their eyes caught every movement, their ears
+heard every sound.
+
+“I do not believe any one will come,” said Spotted Deer, after they had
+watched a long time in vain.
+
+“We must wait,” Running Fox told him.
+
+Then, toward the end of the day, their patience was rewarded. They saw a
+second canoe coming swiftly down the river. They saw at once that it was
+similar in pattern to the one that had preceded it. It was guided by two
+sturdy paddlers, whom the lads recognized even at a distance as Mohawk
+warriors. It was not the first time that the young Delawares had seen
+those fierce fighters, for several had been captured and brought to the
+village by Delaware scouts. Now, however, they looked upon them with
+different emotions. The lads felt their hearts pounding wildly against
+their ribs as the Mohawks approached, but they had concealed themselves
+with great care and they had little fear of being discovered. At any
+rate there was no chance to retreat.
+
+“We must keep very quiet,” cautioned Running Fox.
+
+The Mohawks kept to the middle of the river, while they watched the
+shore for signs of the missing canoe. As they passed, the lads studied
+them closely. The warrior in the stern of the canoe was a powerful
+middle-aged man of threatening appearance, but his companion looked more
+youthful and pleasing of countenance. They turned the canoe toward the
+beach, and the Delawares wondered whether they would discover the mark
+in the gravel. They were not long left in doubt, for they saw the
+younger warrior pointing toward the spot, and talking excitedly to his
+companion. The latter seemed suspicious. It was apparent that he was
+watching the shore. Then he said something, and they moved slowly toward
+the beach. They spent some time studying the mark in the gravel, and the
+Delawares watched them in painful suspense. They wondered whether the
+crafty Mohawks would really be deceived by the stratagem of Running Fox.
+However, they soon saw that it had been successful, for the paddlers
+pushed out into the current and disappeared down the river.
+
+“We have fooled those warriors,” laughed Running Fox.
+
+“I could have sent an arrow into them,” said Spotted Deer.
+
+“That would have been very foolish,” Running Fox told him. “Perhaps you
+would not have killed them, and they would have gone back and told their
+people what had happened. No, we are in a dangerous country, and we must
+not let them know about us. If they see us it will be hard to get near
+their camp. The fox does not jump at the bear when he steals to his
+lodge for meat.”
+
+“That is true,” agreed Spotted Deer. “Well, I will be very cautious.”
+
+“Pretty soon those warriors will come back,” said Running Fox. “We must
+watch sharp.”
+
+As the evening shadows were settling upon the forest the Mohawks
+returned with the missing canoe. They passed close to the shore, and the
+Delawares had a splendid view of them. They saw that the faces of the
+canoemen were streaked with black.
+
+“Those warriors are painted for war,” said Running Fox, after the
+paddlers had passed from hearing.
+
+“Yes, I saw the black marks across their faces,” replied Spotted Deer.
+“Who are they going to fight?”
+
+“I do not know,” Running Fox declared, uneasily. “We must find out.
+Perhaps they are getting ready to fight our people. We will follow
+them.”
+
+They waited until they felt sure that the Mohawks were a safe distance
+ahead of them, and then they left their hiding place, and followed
+cautiously up the river. They soon came in sight of the canoes, and
+trailed them until darkness finally blotted them from sight. Then the
+Delawares were puzzled. They had expected the Mohawks to stop at the end
+of the day. The fact that they still continued their journey made the
+lads believe that they were either in a great hurry, or else were making
+toward some familiar camp-site near at hand. The latter possibility
+induced the Delawares to follow on the trail. They hurried along within
+sound of the water, straining their eyes to catch the warning flicker of
+a camp-fire. However, as the night wore on, and they failed to get any
+trace of the mysterious canoemen, the Delawares began to realize that
+they were exhausting themselves in vain.
+
+“It is foolish to keep going,” declared Running Fox. “Perhaps those
+warriors will not stop before it gets light. Perhaps they will stop, but
+if they do not make a fire we cannot find them. They are painted for
+war. Warriors on the war-trail do not make fires. If we try to go ahead,
+we may pass them. That would make things bad for us. I believe the best
+thing to do is to stop until it gets light.”
+
+“Yes, I believe it will be the best thing to do,” agreed Spotted Deer.
+
+They turned from the river, and reconnoitered carefully through the grim
+black wilderness in search of a safe stopping place for the night. They
+finally found suitable shelter in a thick stand of pines on the summit
+of a rocky knoll directly above the river.
+
+“This is a good place,” said Running Fox. “When it gets light we will be
+able to see a long ways along the water. Perhaps we will find the
+Mohawks.”
+
+They determined to keep a sharp watch until daylight, for they feared
+that their foes might be nearer than they supposed. It was agreed that
+one should remain on guard while the other slept. Spotted Deer said that
+he would take the first watch. He had not been long on guard when he
+heard the weird serenade of Gokhos, the owl. Acting upon the impulse of
+the moment he placed his hands to his mouth, and gave a perfect
+imitation of the call. Running Fox sprang up at the sound.
+
+“What was that?” he inquired, anxiously.
+
+“I am talking with Gokhos,” laughed Spotted Deer.
+
+“You are very foolish,” said Running Fox, as his eyes flashed angrily.
+“Warriors do not cry out like children when there are enemies about to
+hear. Perhaps what you heard was a signal. I have heard my father tell
+how the Mohawks use the voice of Gokhos to call one another. You have
+done a bad thing.”
+
+Spotted Deer accepted the rebuke in silence. He suddenly realized the
+peril of his act. It filled him with shame. He could offer no excuse.
+
+“Running Fox, I see that I have done a very foolish thing,” he said. “I
+did not think about it. Now I see that it may get us into trouble. I
+feel very bad.”
+
+“We will not talk any more about it,” said Running Fox.
+
+They listened anxiously, and in a few moments they heard the call of
+Gokhos again echoing through the forest. It seemed to come from farther
+up the river. The notes sounded perfectly natural, but Running Fox was
+suspicious.
+
+“I believe it is Gokhos,” said Spotted Deer.
+
+“Perhaps,” replied Running Fox.
+
+A short time afterward the cry was repeated nearer at hand, and Running
+Fox looked at Spotted Deer and smiled.
+
+“Perhaps Gokhos is coming to talk with you,” he said. “I believe it will
+be better to move away.”
+
+As they retreated cautiously into the night, the weird, mocking cry
+again came to them through the darkness. Running Fox strained his ears
+to find a flaw in it, but it sounded genuine. Still he was distrustful.
+
+“Well, perhaps it is only Gokhos,” he told Spotted Deer, “I do not hear
+anything wrong with it, but I do not feel right about it. We have seen
+the Mohawks. They were painted for war. We are in their country. We must
+not be too bold.”
+
+As he finished speaking they were surprised to hear Gokhos calling from
+somewhere down the river. For a moment it allayed their suspicions, for
+they realized that only Gokhos himself could have moved so rapidly. Then
+they heard the other cry farther to the northward, and their fears were
+strengthened.
+
+“Now I believe it is the Mohawks calling one another,” declared Running
+Fox. “We will stay here, and watch until it gets light.”
+
+
+
+
+                      CHAPTER VIII—A NARROW ESCAPE
+
+
+At daylight the lads continued along the ridge upon which they had spent
+the night, until they found a spot which offered them a long,
+unobstructed view of the river. Then they settled themselves to watch
+for their foes. The mysterious owl calls on the previous night had
+convinced them that some of the Mohawks were still down the river, and
+they hoped before long to see them. They waited patiently until half of
+the day had passed, but no one appeared.
+
+“Perhaps they are moving through the woods on foot,” suggested Spotted
+Deer.
+
+“Perhaps,” replied Running Fox. “We have watched a long time, but we
+have not seen any one. I believe the Mohawks have passed some other way.
+Come, we will go ahead.”
+
+They advanced through the forest with great caution, for they knew that
+they might come face to face with their foes at any moment. Watchful,
+and alert to their peril, therefore, the lads took every precaution.
+Nothing escaped their notice. They stopped suspiciously each time the
+wind stirred the leaves; they strained their ears to catch a warning in
+the most familiar sound. The fact that the Mohawk canoemen were painted
+for war suggested the possibility of a large war-party somewhere near at
+hand. The Delawares knew that under those circumstances many sharp-eyed
+scouts were roaming through the woods on all sides of them.
+
+Toward the end of the day the lads heard a wild turkey calling. It
+seemed to be somewhere on a ridge to the eastward, and they stopped to
+listen. It was a common sound in the woods about the Delaware camp, and
+under other circumstances they would have given little attention to it.
+However, with the owl calls fresh in their minds, the Delawares
+immediately became suspicious. Running Fox placed his finger across his
+lips, and looked warningly at Spotted Deer.
+
+“I will keep as still as Achpoques, the wood mouse,” laughed Spotted
+Deer, as he recalled his blunder with the owl calls.
+
+They listened some time before the call was repeated, and then they were
+unable to discover anything suspicious about it. Nevertheless they
+determined to wait until they heard it again. The next time, however,
+Running Fox thought he detected an unfamiliar note. He had hunted wild
+turkeys since he was old enough to pull a bowstring, and he was an
+expert at imitating their call.
+
+“I do not like that,” he told Spotted Deer. “No, I do not believe it is
+Gulukochsun.”
+
+“Well, we will listen again,” said Spotted Deer. “I did not hear
+anything wrong about it.”
+
+However, as the familiar gobble again rolled through the woods Running
+Fox was compelled to acknowledge that he found it entirely natural.
+Still he was not satisfied.
+
+“This is not the time when Gulukochsun sounds his war-cry,” he declared,
+suspiciously.
+
+“I have been thinking about that,” replied Spotted Deer.
+
+Then as they continued to listen they heard an answer. It sounded as if
+it came from the opposite side of the river. The lads looked at each
+other and nodded significantly. When they heard the call a second time
+they detected several strange notes that proclaimed it false. They felt
+certain that it came from a human throat.
+
+“Perhaps some hunter is trying to draw Gulukochsun over there,”
+suggested Spotted Deer.
+
+“No, I do not believe it,” said Running Fox. “A hunter would come over
+here to find Gulukochsun.”
+
+“Yes, that is true,” agreed Spotted Deer.
+
+The counterfeit call was soon answered, and then the gobbling ceased.
+The lads were filled with suspicion. They began to mistrust that both
+calls were false. They believed that Iroquois scouts were again
+exchanging signals.
+
+“Perhaps these are the same people who talked with the words of Gokhos,”
+said Spotted Deer.
+
+“Yes, that may be true,” replied Running Fox. “Well, I believe they are
+going to meet down there at the water. We will steal down there and have
+a look at them.”
+
+“That will be a dangerous thing; to do,” said Spotted Deer.
+
+“Yes, we must be very careful,” Running Fox told him.
+
+Then they began a daring advance toward the river. They believed that
+the scout whom they had heard first was still somewhere behind them, and
+they hoped to reach the river ahead of him, They moved swiftly,
+therefore, watching and listening for the first warning of danger. When
+they finally got within easy bow-shot of the water they concealed
+themselves in a dense thicket of willows. Then they watched anxiously
+for their enemies to appear. It was not long before they again heard the
+turkey call on the other side of the river. A few moments after it had
+ceased, an answering gobble sounded from the woods directly back of
+them. It was so perfect that if they had heard it under any other
+circumstances they would have been entirely deceived.
+
+“Now watch sharp,” cautioned Running Fox.
+
+At that instant they saw a solitary warrior moving swiftly along in the
+shadow of the trees on the opposite shore. In a few moments he dragged a
+canoe from the bushes, and paddled rapidly across the river. He had
+barely landed before another warrior passed noiselessly within several
+bow-lengths of the concealed Delawares, and joined him at the edge of
+the water.
+
+“They are Mohawks,” whispered Running Fox.
+
+Spotted Deer was about to reply when one of the warriors suddenly turned
+and looked directly toward their hiding place. The lads felt quite sure
+that they had been discovered, and their hearts bounded wildly at the
+thought. Still it seemed impossible for the low whisper from Running Fox
+to have reached the figures at the edge of the water. However, after a
+moment or so the warrior had again turned to his companion, and the lads
+breathed easier. Then they heard a bird stirring about noisily in the
+undergrowth, and they understood why the warrior had looked toward their
+hiding place. They instantly realized the danger that threatened them,
+for both warriors were now looking intently toward the willows. The
+Delawares feared that in another moment their suspicious foes might
+decide to investigate the sound. Discovery seemed near at hand. They
+realized that they must do something to quiet the fears of their
+enemies. There was not a moment to spare. The lads looked anxiously into
+each other’s eyes. Then the bird resumed its noisy search for food. One
+of the warriors prepared to send an arrow into the willows. At that
+moment Running Fox discovered the bird scratching among the leaves. The
+bird saw him at almost the same instant, and as he moved cautiously it
+sounded an alarm and flew above the bushes. The Mohawk laughed and
+lowered his bow. The danger had passed.
+
+Spotted Deer started to say something, but Running Fox placed his finger
+across his lips and warned him to be still. Their narrow escape had made
+him doubly cautious, and he feared that the lightest whisper might reach
+the sensitive ears of those alert scouts. They were conversing
+earnestly, and although they talked in guarded tones the lads distinctly
+heard the low unintelligible hum of their voices. They listened eagerly
+for they would have given much to know what was being said. However, the
+Mohawks were talking too cautiously to give them a clue. Besides, the
+Delawares doubted that they would have understood the Iroquois dialect
+even if they had heard it. Once the warrior who had crossed the river
+swept his arm toward the west, and the lads believed that he was
+describing something of importance which he had discovered in that
+direction. The Delawares studied the two men closely. They saw at once
+that they were not the warriors whom they had seen the previous day.
+These Mohawks were both great stalwart men in the prime of life. Their
+faces, too, were painted black in token of war. It was evident that they
+were scouts searching the forest for signs of their foes. In a few
+moments they entered the canoe, and poled it rapidly up the river.
+
+“Come, we must follow them,” declared Running Fox. “I believe the
+Mohawks are gathering a great war-party. We must find out where they
+are.”
+
+Once the canoemen had disappeared around a long wooded arm of the shore,
+the Delawares left the willows, and hurried through the woods in pursuit
+of them. They kept a safe distance from the water for they feared that
+the crafty Mohawks might suddenly return on their trail to make sure
+that no one was following them. The lads had a vague idea that they were
+nearing the headwaters of the river, and they began to look for several
+prominent landmarks which had been described to them. Toward evening
+they saw the first of them, a great granite-topped mountain on the
+opposite side of the river. They had often heard it mentioned by the
+Delaware scouts, and they realized that they were close to the great
+Mohawk trail, which began at the headwaters of the river and extended
+many leagues into the north. They also knew that the Shawnees entered
+that region from the westward, and their trails, too, were to be found
+somewhere in the vast forest beyond the river. The young Delawares
+realized, therefore, that each stride was taking them into more perilous
+ground, and they advanced with great care.
+
+As the long evening shadows finally began to reach out over the water,
+the Delawares feared that their foes were again about to escape under
+cover of the darkness. The possibility made them more daring, and they
+hurried along closer to the river. They had not gone far, however, when
+they discovered the Mohawks moving slowly along near the shore. Just
+before dark they landed, and dragged the canoe into the shadows.
+
+“I believe they will stay at that place until it gets light,” said
+Running Fox.
+
+“We will watch for their fire,” said Spotted Deer.
+
+“They will not light a fire,” declared Running Fox. “Now I will tell you
+what to do. It would be foolish to go any nearer to them, before it gets
+light. We will stay where we are. When the light comes I will tell you
+something else.”
+
+“Well, you are the leader,” replied Spotted Deer. “I will listen to your
+words.”
+
+When it grew dark they crawled beneath the drooping branches of a large
+spruce. Then as the night wore on, and they heard nothing from their
+foes, they stole silently to the river. All was black, and still, and
+mysterious, and they were glad to return to their hiding place beneath
+the spruce.
+
+As the first gray hint of dawn appeared in the east Running Fox awakened
+Spotted Deer, and led the way to the river. They waded carefully into
+the water and swam to the opposite shore. Then they stole silently
+through the woods until they were opposite their enemies. Dropping to
+their hands and knees, they crawled into the fringe of bushes that lined
+the water. Then, as the light strengthened, and they peered eagerly
+between the branches, they saw three overturned canoes dimly outlined in
+the shadows on the other side of the river.
+
+“That is strange,” whispered Spotted Deer.
+
+“The Mohawks have found one another,” said Running Fox.
+
+A short time afterward they saw a lone figure at the edge of the forest.
+They felt certain it was one of the Mohawk scouts. He stood in the
+shadows watching the river. Then he hastened across the narrow beach,
+and dropped at the edge of the water to drink. As he rose he looked
+across the river, and the lads thought they recognized him.
+
+“He is one of the warriors who found the canoe,” said Spotted Deer.
+
+“Yes, now I see what has happened,” replied Running Fox. “When we heard
+the calls of Gokhos, then that warrior and his friend were talking with
+the warriors we followed here. Now they are all together. Pretty soon
+they will meet the war-party.”
+
+The Mohawk had already returned to the woods, and the lads watched
+anxiously. Then they saw four figures gather about the canoes. They had
+little difficulty in identifying them as the four scouts whom they had
+seen previously. The Delawares were somewhat puzzled, however, when the
+Mohawks carried two canoes to the water, and left the third lying at the
+edge of the woods. Then three of the warriors entered the two canoes and
+paddled up the river. The fourth Mohawk, whom the lads recognized as the
+younger of the two who had searched for the canoe, remained behind. He
+stood some moments looking after his companions, and when they passed
+from sight he turned up the beach and disappeared into the forest.
+
+“I believe the Mohawks have found some signs of the Shawnees,” declared
+Running Fox. “They have left that warrior to watch. It is bad. Now we
+cannot follow them. We must wait and see what he is going to do.”
+
+“Perhaps he will wait there until the war-party appears,” said Spotted
+Deer.
+
+The possibility disturbed them, for they knew in that event they would
+be in a serious predicament. It was a long time before their suspense
+was ended. Then the Mohawk carried his canoe to the water, and
+disappeared down the river. The Delawares had not expected that
+maneuver, and they were unable to guess a reason for it.
+
+“Perhaps the Mohawks have found the Shawnees, and that warrior has gone
+to watch them,” suggested Spotted Deer.
+
+“Perhaps,” replied Running Fox. “I do not like it. Perhaps there are
+more Mohawks behind us. Yes, the war-party may be moving the other way.”
+
+The thought alarmed them. As soon as the solitary warrior had passed
+from sight, therefore, the Delawares hurried up the river on the trail
+of his companions. When half of the day had passed they reached the
+headwaters of the river. They had failed to overtake the Mohawks, and
+they were somewhat at a loss to know just what to do.
+
+“It is bad,” declared Running Fox. “We have come to a dangerous place.
+We have lost sight of the Mohawks. We must be very careful until we find
+their trail.”
+
+“Perhaps they are watching this place,” said Spotted Deer.
+
+“Well, we will creep around as softly as Quenischquney, the panther,”
+replied Running Fox.
+
+They scouted cautiously about the headwaters of the river until they
+found a narrow trail leading toward the north. When they stooped and
+examined it they found evidence which convinced them that some one had
+passed over it that very day. They had little doubt that it was the
+three Mohawks whom they had followed up the river.
+
+“Perhaps this is the trail that leads to the great Mohawk camp,” said
+Spotted Deer.
+
+“No, my father told me different,” declared Running Fox. “This trail
+leads to a big lake. Beyond that there are no trails. It will be hard to
+find the Mohawk camp.”
+
+They were moving carefully along the trail when they were halted by the
+sound of voices directly ahead of them. It was evident that the speakers
+were almost upon them, and the startled lads darted into the bushes and
+dropped to the ground. In a few moments they saw two of the Mohawk
+canoemen returning along the trail. They were walking slowly and looking
+intently at the ground. It looked as if they had dropped something, and
+had come back to find it. The Delawares were on the verge of panic, for
+they believed that the sharp-eyed scouts would be almost sure to
+discover their trail. However, when the Mohawks passed by within
+bow-length of them the lads took hope. When they had gone from hearing,
+Running Fox sprang to his feet and called upon Spotted Deer to follow
+him.
+
+“Come, we must fool those warriors, and get a good start,” he said.
+
+They ran directly along the trail, being careful to leave plenty of
+tracks. They had not gone far, however, before they heard the shrill cry
+of Nianque, the lynx, ringing through the woods behind them.
+
+“That is a danger signal,” Running Fox declared, excitedly. “Those
+warriors have found our trail. Now we must run far back into the woods
+and hide.”
+
+They turned from the trail, and sped through the forest like frightened
+deer. Then the lynx cry again sounded from the trail, and in a few
+moments they heard it answered from the north. They knew that the
+warriors who had discovered their trail had warned their comrade, and
+they believed that they would soon be pursued.
+
+
+
+
+                     CHAPTER IX—FORCED INTO HIDING
+
+
+The Delawares had not gone far when they heard sounds which convinced
+them that the Mohawks were already searching for them. The thought
+spurred them to greater efforts, and they scrambled frantically to the
+top of a low hardwood ridge to reconnoiter. They saw what appeared to be
+a large spruce swamp directly ahead of them, and they determined to make
+it their hiding place.
+
+“If we reach that place it will be hard for the Mohawks to find us,”
+said Running Fox.
+
+As they started down the ridge, however, the piercing Mohawk war-cry
+rang in their ears, and an arrow hummed angrily between them. Spotted
+Deer instantly turned to fight, but Running Fox seized his arm and
+dragged him forward.
+
+“Run! If we stop we may be surrounded!” cried Running Fox.
+
+They tore through the undergrowth at top speed and another arrow flew
+harmlessly above their heads. As they ran Running Fox continued to
+shout, “Saganaga! Saganaga!” It was the name by which the Delawares were
+known to the Iroquois, and Spotted Deer could not guess his reason for
+proclaiming his identity. They heard the Mohawk yelling savagely
+somewhere behind them, and they knew that he was leading his comrades to
+the trail.
+
+“Let us wait, and kill that warrior,” proposed Spotted Deer.
+
+“Yes, yes, as soon as we get to the swamp,” replied Running Fox.
+
+However, as they neared the swamp they heard other cries still farther
+behind them, and they realized that more Mohawks had joined the chase.
+Then the cries and signals suddenly ceased, and the Delawares knew that
+their foes were hurrying along in silence in the hope of surprising
+them. The lads dared not slacken their pace, and when they finally
+reached the border of the swamp they were almost exhausted. Then they
+turned at bay, and waited in ambush to kill the Mohawk who had attacked
+them on the summit of the ridge.
+
+“How did that warrior come up with us so fast?” inquired Spotted Deer,
+
+“Well, I believe that warrior was there all the time,” declared Running
+Fox. “Perhaps he was traveling along that ridge when he heard the danger
+cry of his people. Then he stopped to listen. Pretty soon he heard us
+coming through there. Then he tried to kill us. I do not believe he
+knows who we are.”
+
+“Then why did you keep calling out ‘Saganaga’?” demanded Spotted Deer.
+“Now he will know that we are Delawares.”
+
+“No, he will not know it,” laughed Running Fox. “I called out that way
+to fool him. He will take us for Shawnees. Yes, he will say, ‘Hi, the
+frightened Shawanos took me for a Saganaga.’ Yes, he will tell his
+people about it. They will take us for the boastful Shawnees.”
+
+“Running Fox, you are very sharp,” said Spotted Deer. “Now I see that
+you have done a good thing. But we must kill that warrior who found us
+on the ridge. Yes, he will lead his people to this place, and perhaps
+they will find us.”
+
+“Well, I would like to kill him, but I do not believe he will rush ahead
+alone,” replied Running Fox. “Perhaps he was with a war-party. I believe
+the best thing we can do will be to go into this big swamp and hide.”
+
+They watched and listened a few moments longer, and then they retreated
+into the dreary depths of the swamp. Two-thirds of the day had passed,
+and they believed that it would be impossible for the Mohawks to find
+them before it grew dark. Then they hoped to steal away under cover of
+the night. However, the Mohawks seemed determined to transform the swamp
+into a trap, for instead of following the fugitives they scattered and
+surrounded their hiding place. At nightfall the Delawares heard them
+signaling on all sides of them, and their hearts filled with gloom.
+Running Fox began to fear that he had blundered.
+
+“Spotted Deer, I believe we have done a foolish thing,” he said,
+bitterly. “Yes, I believe we should have kept out of this place.”
+
+“The Mohawks cannot find us here,” Spotted Deer declared, confidently.
+
+“Well, I am not sure about it,” replied Running Fox. “But it will be
+hard to get away.”
+
+It was too late for regrets, however, and the Delawares determined to
+make the best of their predicament. When it grew dark, therefore, they
+began a cautions advance toward the edge of the swamp. They moved
+through the darkness as silently as phantoms. They had gone a
+considerable distance when Running Fox suddenly stopped and whispered a
+warning to Spotted Deer, who was following a bow-length behind him.
+
+“Listen, something is coming,” cautioned Running Fox.
+
+“Where is it?” inquired Spotted Deer.
+
+“Sh,” breathed Running Fox.
+
+Then, as they hastily prepared their arrows and stood there endeavoring
+to identify the sound, they heard stealthy footfalls somewhere ahead of
+them. They had little doubt that it was one of their foes. They wondered
+if it was the warrior who had surprised them on the ridge. A moment
+later a pair of great glassy eyes glowed in the darkness, and then they
+heard a frightened snort. The next instant a deer crashed off toward the
+border of the swamp.
+
+“It was only Achtu,” said Spotted Deer.
+
+“It is bad,” declared Running Fox. “If the Mohawks are watching they
+will hear Achtu. Then they will say, ‘Something has frightened that
+deer. Perhaps it was the people we are looking for.’ Yes, they will know
+where we are. We must turn and go a different way.”
+
+“Yes, I believe it would be a good thing to do,” agreed Spotted Deer.
+
+The lads immediately changed their course, and planned to leave the
+swamp farther to the west. They were moving cautiously in that direction
+when they heard the call of Gokhos, the owl. They felt quite sure it was
+a signal. In a few moments it was answered by the husky harking of
+Woakus, the fox. Both calls seemed to come from somewhere in the swamp,
+and the Delawares feared that the Mohawks had sent scouts to explore
+their hiding place.
+
+“The scouts have come to find us,” said Running Fox. “We will fool
+them.”
+
+They were almost at the border of the swamp when they were turned back
+by voices directly ahead of them. Then, as they retreated into the
+night, they again heard the short, quick yapping of Woakus, the fox.
+This time it seemed to be almost within bow-shot, and the lads realized
+their peril. They stopped and waited for the Mohawk scout to pass them.
+In a few moments they heard him. Then he seemed to stop, and the
+Delawares wondered if he had discovered them. Long, anxious moments
+passed while they stood there, with arrows ready, peering expectantly
+into the night. At last, however, they heard their foe moving toward the
+edge of the swamp, and they knew that for the moment at least they were
+safe.
+
+“We must go back to the place we came from,” whispered Running Fox. “The
+Mohawks are all around us. We cannot get away.”
+
+“We will hide until they go away,” said Spotted Deer.
+
+They began a slow, cautious retreat toward the middle of the swamp. They
+were stopped many times by mysterious sounds which often seemed within
+bow-length of them, but each time the danger passed, and they finally
+gained the depths of the swamp in safety. Then they concealed themselves
+in the dense top of a fallen hemlock, and determined to stay there until
+daylight.
+
+“Now we must find a better place,” said Running Fox, as the soft gray
+light of dawn penetrated their hiding place. “Pretty soon the Mohawks
+will come here to look for us. Then we must hide as close as Wisawanik,
+the squirrel.”
+
+“This is a good place,” replied Spotted Deer. “If we keep still it will
+be hard to see us in here.”
+
+“No, I do not like this place,” declared Running Fox. “The Mohawks will
+be sure to look into this tree-top. We must hide where they will not
+expect to find us.”
+
+“Where shall we go?” asked Spotted Deer.
+
+“Come, I will find a place,” Running Fox assured him.
+
+Running Fox led the way to a great black spruce with low sweeping
+branches. Then, as he began to climb, he asked Spotted Deer to remain
+upon the ground. When Running Fox finally settled himself well up toward
+the top of the tree, he called down to Spotted Deer and asked if he
+could see him.
+
+“No, I do not see anything of you,” replied Spotted Deer, after he had
+walked carefully about the tree.
+
+“That is good,” said Running Fox. “Now you must climb up here.”
+
+As Spotted Deer began to climb they heard the first Mohawk signal. It
+sounded a short distance south of them. In a few moments they heard
+other signals from the east, the west and the north.
+
+“The Mohawks have made a circle,” said Running Fox. “Pretty soon they
+will draw together. Well, I do not believe they will find anything in
+their trap.”
+
+“No, Wisawanik has told us how to hide, and we will fool them,” laughed
+Spotted Deer.
+
+It was a long time before the lads heard anything further from their
+foes. Then a flock of crows made a great commotion a short distance to
+the right of them, and the Delawares believed that the noisy birds had
+discovered one of the Mohawk scouts. They took delight in picturing the
+rage of the helpless Mohawk as he heard the crows proclaiming his
+advance to all within hearing distance of them.
+
+“Ahas is warning us,” whispered Running Fox. “We must watch sharp.”
+
+“Ahas is a good friend,” replied Spotted Deer.
+
+When they had watched a long time without seeing any one they decided
+that either Ahas had fooled them, or else the Mohawk had turned in some
+other direction. Then the noise began again, and this time the crows
+were much nearer. Peering carefully through the branches, the Delawares
+saw them circling about above the tree-tops. As-they watched them, and
+realized that the Mohawk scout might move directly toward their hiding
+place, the lads suddenly understood their peril.
+
+“I do not like that,” Running Fox said, uneasily. “If Ahas flies this
+way it will be bad. Yes, he will see us, and make a great noise. Then
+the Mohawks will know where to find us.”
+
+“That is true,” agreed Spotted Deer.
+
+They watched the crows with great anxiety. The birds were flying about
+in short circles, and making a great racket. Then some of the crows
+swung off, and flew directly toward the stand of spruces in which the
+Delawares had taken refuge.
+
+“Now we will see what is going to happen,” said Spotted Deer.
+
+“Keep very still,” cautioned Running Fox.
+
+As the crows approached their hiding place the Delawares huddled close
+to the trunk of the tree, and sat as motionless as statues. The crows
+passed so near that the lads distinctly heard the sound of their wings.
+They escaped discovery, however, and the thought gave them confidence.
+
+“See, those other birds are going away,” Spotted Deer whispered,
+excitedly, a few moments afterward.
+
+The crows had suddenly ceased their noise, and were flying off toward
+the opposite end of the swamp. The Delawares watched them with thankful
+hearts. They believed that Getanittowit had suddenly chased them away.
+However, the lads knew that the danger was far from over, for at that
+moment they heard a signal within bow-shot of their tree. A few moments
+afterward they heard an answer. Then they heard twigs snapping, and they
+looked at each other in alarm.
+
+“The Mohawks are here,” whispered Running Fox.
+
+They looked carefully down between the branches and saw a Mohawk warrior
+emerge from the shadows. He stopped within bow-length of the spruce, and
+the lads breathed fast with excitement. Then they heard him speak, and
+they saw that another Mohawk had joined him. The newcomer had approached
+so quietly that they had failed to hear him, and they realized how
+easily one of those soft-footed scouts might steal upon them under cover
+of the night. The two Mohawks exchanged a few words, and then they moved
+cautiously toward the top of the fallen hemlock. The lads trembled as
+they realized what would have happened if they had remained in that
+hiding place. The Mohawks stooped and looked carefully into the dense
+tangle of branches, and then they seated themselves upon the prostrate
+trunk. It was not long, however, before another signal sounded close at
+hand, and one of the warriors raised his hands to his mouth and imitated
+the gobble of the wild turkey. It brought an immediate response, and
+soon afterward a third warrior appeared. It looked as if the Mohawks had
+selected that very spot for a meeting place, and the alarmed Delawares
+feared the result. They knew that at any moment one of the keen-eyed
+scouts might decide to look into the tree-tops, and the possibility kept
+them in painful suspense. Signals were constantly being exchanged
+between the scouts who had met, and those who were still searching the
+swamp, and the crafty Delawares were careful to memorize the calls. When
+the signaling finally ceased the lads courted ten Mohawks sitting in
+council near the base of the spruce. They were stern, fierce looking
+men, and the Delawares could easily guess what their fate would be if
+they fell into their hands.
+
+Finally, after what seemed an eternity to the anxious lads in the
+tree-top, the Mohawks rose and prepared to leave. However, at the very
+moment when the Delawares were rejoicing in their good fortune, one of
+the scouts turned and looked toward the big spruce. The lads believed
+that in some mysterious way he had suddenly learned their whereabouts.
+Their hearts almost stopped beating at the thought. The Mohawk was still
+looking up at the tree, and saying something to one of his companions.
+That warrior, too, seemed to have discovered something of interest in
+the top of the spruce. The Delawares were almost afraid to breathe. They
+knew that the slightest move would betray them. Then as the moments
+passed, and the Mohawks showed no intention of attacking them, they
+began to hope that they had not been seen. Still the two Mohawks
+continued to talk, and watch the tree. The other scouts had already
+passed from sight.
+
+“Come, these warriors are alone, let us kill them before they tell their
+friends about us,” whispered Spotted Deer.
+
+“No, we must wait until we are sure they have found us,” cautioned
+Running Fox.
+
+A moment afterward they saw the wisdom of his advice, for the two
+Mohawks turned and disappeared after their comrades. The Delawares
+looked after them in wide-eyed astonishment. They could scarcely believe
+that they had gone.
+
+“See, the robe Wisawanik gave us hides us from our enemies,” said
+Running Fox. “Yes, Ahas flew over us, and could not find us. Then the
+boastful Mohawks looked into this tree, and could not see us.”
+
+“Perhaps the Mohawks have gone to tell their friends about us,”
+suggested Spotted Deer. “Perhaps they will come back.”
+
+“No, they would not leave us here to get away,” replied Running Fox. “I
+believe that warrior was looking at this great tree. Yes, I believe he
+was telling his friend something about it. Perhaps something happened to
+him at this place. I do not believe he saw us.”
+
+However, the lads watched anxiously for some time after the Mohawks had
+disappeared. More than once they thought they heard them returning, but
+as the time passed and they failed to appear the Delawares began to hope
+that they had actually left the swamp. They had little doubt that other
+Mohawks were stationed along the boundaries of the swamp, and they
+believed it would be folly to attempt to leave their hiding place before
+their foes had abandoned the search. They felt quite certain that the
+Mohawks would loiter along the edge of the swamp through the night,
+hoping that the fugitives would attempt to escape under cover of
+darkness. Therefore, the wily Delawares determined to remain in the
+swamp until the following day.
+
+“It is the best thing to do,” declared Running Fox. “If the Mohawks do
+not hear anything of us when it grows dark, then I believe they will
+give up the hunt. Yes, I believe they will go away before the next sun
+appears.”
+
+“You are a good leader,” Spotted Dear declared, loyally, “You have
+fooled the Mohawks. Now I believe we will get out of here.”
+
+
+
+
+                   CHAPTER X—SPOTTED DEER DISAPPEARS
+
+
+The night passed without alarm, and at daylight the Delawares began to
+listen for signals. As the time passed, and they neither saw nor heard
+anything of the Mohawks, they believed that they had finally abandoned
+the pursuit.
+
+“It is good,” declared Spotted Deer. “Now we will hurry away from here,”
+
+“No, we must wait a little longer,” Running Fox warned him. “I believe
+the Mohawks have gone away, but we must be sure. Perhaps they are
+keeping quiet to fool us. Yes, they may be waiting along the edge of the
+swamp.”
+
+“Well, we will stay here,” agreed Spotted Deer.
+
+They waited until the day was half gone, and then, having heard nothing
+to rouse their suspicions, they again moved cautiously toward the border
+of the swamp. As they neared it, they stopped and spent a long time
+listening and watching. The way seemed clear, however, and they
+determined to risk all on the chance. A few moments afterward they
+crossed the boundary of the swamp, and disappeared into the forest.
+
+“Now we are safe,” laughed Spotted Deer.
+
+“Well, we got out of that trap, but there is still great danger,”
+Running Fox warned him. “This country is filled with our enemies. We
+must keep watching.”
+
+Running Fox turned toward the west, as he believed that the Mohawks were
+somewhere to the eastward. Besides, if his enemies should discover his
+trail he hoped to mislead them into believing that he and Spotted Deer
+were Shawnees, for he knew that those people lived in the great
+wilderness to the westward. The Delawares continued to travel until long
+after darkness had fallen, and finally stopped in a dense forest of
+pines. They were greatly elated over their successful escape, but they
+were somewhat worried by the thought that the Mohawks might have learned
+their identity.
+
+“If they know who we are, it will be hard to get near their camp,” said
+Spotted Deer.
+
+“Yes, that is true,“ replied Running Fox. ”But I do not believe they
+know who we are. I believe they took us for Shawnee scouts.”
+
+The next day the Delawares turned toward the north. They had been told
+that the Mohawk village was somewhere within a day’s journey of a large
+woodland lake, and they climbed to all the high places to look for it.
+Their efforts were in vain, however, for the vast wilderness continued
+unbroken as far as they could see. The following day, therefore, Running
+Fox proposed that they should separate, and explore the country in
+different directions.
+
+“Yes, I believe it is the best thing to do,” said Spotted Deer.
+
+It was agreed that Spotted Deer should reconnoiter from a range of
+mountains farther to the westward, while Running Fox continued northward
+along the ridge of hills which they had followed from the headwaters of
+the river. They planned to meet at the end of the second day at the base
+of a large pine-clad mountain about a day’s journey toward the north.
+
+“Well, we are going away from each other,” said Running Fox. “We will be
+in great danger. We must not let the Mohawks catch us.”
+
+“We will watch out,” said Spotted Deer.
+
+They agreed that if either of them failed to appear at the meeting place
+at the appointed time the other was to wait there a full day longer.
+Then if his comrade failed to appear he was to go in search of him. The
+thought depressed them. They realized fully the peril of venturing alone
+through the stronghold of their foes, but they saw no other way of
+learning the location of the Mohawk camp. As Running Fox had said, it
+seemed to be the only thing to do, and they determined to make the best
+of it. Therefore, they parted without further ceremony, and hurried away
+on their mission.
+
+Early the second day, as Running Fox reconnoitered from the summit of a
+high mountain, he discovered what appeared to be a large body of water
+several days’ journey farther toward the north. He watched it a long
+time, and finally decided that it must be the lake of which he had
+heard. Then he examined the sky for a trace of smoke from the hidden
+Mohawk camp. Several times he thought he had found it, but each time it
+turned out to be clouds, and he finally decided that it would be useless
+to waste more time looking for it. Well pleased with his discovery, he
+hastened down the mountain and set out to meet Spotted Deer.
+
+As Running Fox drew near the meeting place he stopped to reconnoiter.
+Then, after he had circled carefully through the woods to make sure that
+no enemies were lurking in the vicinity, he continued toward the spot
+where he and Spotted Deer had planned to meet. Daylight had faded into
+dusk, and night was near at hand. They had agreed to meet before dark,
+and Running Fox felt quite sure that Spotted Deer was already at the
+meeting place. To make sure he whistled the plaintive notes of the
+white-throated sparrow. It was one of the signals which they had agreed
+upon, and Running Fox listened anxiously for the answer. When he had
+repeated the song many times without getting a reply he began to worry.
+Then he told himself that perhaps Spotted Deer was somewhere out of
+range of the signal. To make sure of reaching him, he imitated the
+shrill quavering cry of Quenischquney, the panther. It echoed through
+the woods with startling force, and Running Fox knew that if Spotted
+Deer were anywhere near he would be sure to hear it. Still it brought no
+response, and Running Fox was perplexed. Twice more he sent the
+startling shriek ringing through the wilderness, and each time he feared
+that sharp Mohawk ears might hear it, and detect the counterfeit. Still
+he saw no other way of learning whether Spotted Deer was in the
+vicinity. However, as time passed and he heard nothing from his friend
+he became alarmed. He wondered what had detained Spotted Deer. The
+question suggested many alarming possibilities, and Running Fox tried to
+drive them from his thoughts. He told himself that Spotted Deer would
+appear before the night passed, and soon after it grew dark he began to
+signal with the call of the little red owl. He called many times, but no
+response came out of the darkness. Then, when half of the night had
+passed, Running Fox began to lose hope. He feared that Spotted Deer had
+been killed or captured by the Mohawks, and the thought drove him to
+despair. His first impulse was to rush recklessly away in search of
+Spotted Deer. Then he suddenly remembered that he had agreed to wait a
+full day at the meeting place.
+
+Running Fox spent the following day in an agony of suspense. He neither
+saw or heard anything of Spotted Deer, and by the time night came the
+miserable lad had worried himself into a frenzy of despair. He had
+little doubt that Spotted Deer had fallen a victim to the Mohawks, and
+he began to blame himself for having sent him upon the expedition. Then
+his heart filled with anger, and he determined to search the wilderness
+until he had learned the fate of his friend. If Spotted Deer was a
+prisoner he vowed to rescue him, and if he had been killed he promised
+to avenge his death. Then, sleep being out of the question, Running Fox
+spent the night singing his medicine-songs and praying to Getanittowit
+for the safety of Spotted Deer.
+
+Day had barely dawned when Running Fox started away in search of his
+friend. He turned toward the west, and traveled at a pace that brought
+him to the rugged range of mountains which Spotted Deer had set out to
+explore, by midday. He climbed to the top of the ridge and continued
+toward the north. As he sped through the forest, the distracted lad kept
+a constant watch for the trail of Spotted Deer. However, he was unable
+to find the slightest clue, and at dark he abandoned the search with a
+heavy heart.
+
+Having failed to discover any evidence of his friend, Running Fox was in
+doubt as to just what to do. He still hoped that Spotted Deer might be
+safe, and in that case he believed that he would eventually return to
+the meeting place. Running Fox realized, therefore, that unless he, too,
+returned, Spotted Deer might go in search of him. He told himself that
+in that event they might never find each other. On the other hand if
+Spotted Deer had been captured each moment was precious, and Running Fox
+dreaded to think what might happen if he blundered into a wrong
+decision. At daylight, however, he determined to return to the place
+where they had agreed to meet.
+
+The day had ended when Running Fox finally arrived at the appointed
+rendezvous. He approached the spot with high hopes. At each stride he
+expected to hear the familiar signal from his friend. When he failed to
+hear it, he stopped and again whistled the notes of the white-throated
+sparrow. Then he waited, straining his ears for the reply. There was no
+answer, however, and Running Fox gave way to despair. He needed no
+further proof. He was sure that Spotted Deer had fallen into the hands
+of his foes. As he pictured his plight, Running Fox blamed himself for
+not continuing the search. He feared he had lost the chance of saving
+Spotted Deer. Running Fox knew only too well the hatred which the
+Mohawks held for his people, and he felt sure that they would lose
+little time in taking vengeance upon the unfortunate young captive. The
+thought drove him to distraction. He determined to return at once to the
+distant mountain range, and continue the search until he found the
+Mohawks and learned the fate of his friend. However, his strength was
+unequal to the task, for two days of forced traveling had completely
+exhausted him. He realized, therefore, that it would be folly to attempt
+to do anything further until he had recovered from his exertions.
+
+Night had already closed down, and the disconsolate young warrior threw
+himself upon the ground, and moaned out his grief for his friend. At
+intervals he roused himself, and sat up to listen. More than once he
+fancied he heard a cautious footfall near at hand, or a faint signal
+farther away, and his heart bounded wildly. Each, time, however, his
+imagination played him false, and his hope gave way to deeper despair.
+At other times he imitated the call of the little red owl. It was a
+favorite signal which he and Spotted Deer had used since their first
+hunting expedition, and his heart ached as it went unanswered. Then his
+tortured brain finally sought relief in sleep.
+
+The sun was shining when Running Fox awakened. As he opened his eyes,
+and sat up, he exclaimed with surprise. Spotted Deer was seated within
+bow-length of him.
+
+“Yes, I am here,” laughed Spotted Deer, as Running Fox continued to
+stare at him in speechless amazement.
+
+“I cannot believe what I see,” stammered Running Fox, as he moved over
+to Spotted Deer and seized his hand. “Well, now I see that you are not a
+ghost. How did you get here?”
+
+“I came to this place while it was dark,” explained Spotted Deer. “Then
+I gave the call of the little red owl. I did that many times, but no one
+answered. Then I moved around looking for you. At last I found you. At
+first I was frightened, for I thought you were dead. When you did not
+move I touched you. You did not feel it. Then I shook you. You did not
+feel that either. Then I got frightened again. Well, I stooped over and
+listened. I heard your breath. That made me feel good. Then I said, ‘I
+will sit here beside him, and pretty soon he will open his eyes and see
+me.’ Well, you kept on sleeping, and pretty soon I fell asleep. When it
+grew light I opened my eyes. Then I waited. Now you see me.”
+
+Running Fox spent some moments in silent meditation. He was greatly
+disturbed at what Spotted Deer had told him. He realized that utter
+exhaustion had placed him at the mercy of any foe who might have
+happened along. The thought worried him. He felt ashamed of his
+weakness.
+
+“Spotted Deer, I see you here alive—it is enough,” Running Fox
+declared, warmly. “I believed that the Mohawks had caught you. Now I see
+that you have escaped. I am feeling good again. But I must tell you that
+I am troubled about something else. You say that you came up and took
+hold of me. That is bad. A good war-leader would not let that happen. I
+do not know how it happened, but I feel bad about it.”
+
+“Running Fox, you must not talk that way,” replied Spotted Deer.
+“Perhaps it will never happen again. You were very tired.”
+
+Then Running Fox told of his exhausting search to find him, and Spotted
+Deer instantly understood the reason for the helpless condition in which
+he had found him.
+
+“Now I see how it happened,” said Spotted Deer. “If you were not very
+strong you would have been dead. Yes, if you were not a good war-leader
+you would not have come back here. We will not talk any more about it.”
+
+“Well, what did you find?” inquired Running Fox.
+
+“I found a big war-party,” declared Spotted Deer.
+
+“Tell about it,” Running Fox said, eagerly.
+
+“Well, after I went away from here I went right to those mountains where
+you tried to find me,” said Spotted Deer. “I could not see any water so
+I kept going ahead. Soon after the second sun I heard some signals. Then
+I heard some more. That made me very cautious. Well, pretty soon I found
+an old trail. It turned back this way. Then I hid myself between some
+rocks, and began to watch. After a long time I heard some one coming.
+Then two warriors went by very fast. I could not see what they looked
+like. Well, I kept watching, and pretty soon I heard many voices. Then I
+saw that those people were not following the trail. They passed behind
+me. I followed them. When the next sun came I saw that they were moving
+toward The-Place-Where-The-Cold-Comes-From. Then I climbed a high hill,
+and saw a big piece of water. It was about two suns’ travel ahead of
+those people. Then I said, ‘Hi, they are Mohawks, and their village is
+near that water.’ Well, I found out what I wished to know. Then I came
+here.”
+
+When Spotted Deer finished speaking Running Fox remained silent. He
+seemed to be thinking about what Spotted Deer had told him. The latter
+watched him closely. He wondered if he had displeased him by remaining
+away so long.
+
+“Well, Running Fox, how do you feel about it?” asked Spotted Deer.
+
+“You say that you have found out what you wished to know,” replied
+Running Fox. “I am not sure about that. I, too, saw that piece of water.
+I came back to tell about it. I did not see any signs of the Mohawk
+village. Perhaps it is near some other piece of water. You say that you
+could not tell who those warriors are. Then how do you know that they
+are Mohawks? We must not be too sure about that. There is only one way
+to find out. We must catch up with them. Spotted Deer, I am not saying
+anything against what you have done. This is our first war-trail. You
+found those people. It was a good thing to do.”
+
+“Running Fox, you have spoken good words,” declared Spotted Deer. “Now I
+see that I did not find out enough about those people. Well, I will do
+whatever you tell me to do.”
+
+“We will go and find them,” replied Running Fox.
+
+
+
+
+                CHAPTER XI—A SKIRMISH WITH THE SHAWNEES
+
+
+The Delawares immediately set out to find the distant lake, and learn
+the identity of the people whom Spotted Deer had seen. They followed the
+route which Running Fox had taken several days before, and late the
+second day they climbed to the top of the high mountain from which he
+had discovered the lake. They judged that the water was about two days’
+journey away.
+
+“Does that look like the water you saw!” Running Fox asked Spotted Deer.
+
+“Yes, it is the same,” replied Spotted Deer.
+
+Then he turned toward the west, and pointed out the route which the
+unknown war-party had followed.
+
+“Well, if they did not turn off some other way they must be at the water
+by now,” declared Running Fox. “It would be foolish, to try to catch up
+with them. We must go ahead carefully, and see if we can find their
+camp.”
+
+“Yes, that is how I feel about it,” agreed Spotted Deer.
+
+They spent the night on the mountain-top, and at dawn resumed their
+journey toward the lake. Later in the day, as they were making their way
+through a dense swamp, they heard a harsh cry over their heads. Looking
+up they saw a large bald eagle circling slowly above the tree-tops.
+Running Fox immediately became excited.
+
+“See, there is Woapalanne!” he cried. “That means a fight. Yes, I saw
+him flying around like that before I had the battle with the bear. Do
+you hear him calling? Well, that is the war-cry of his people. Spotted
+Deer, I believe we are going into some kind of danger.”
+
+“Well, I do not know about those things, but I believe that what you say
+is true,” said Spotted Deer.
+
+They watched the eagle with gloomy forebodings, and as it chanced to
+disappear into the north their suspicions were strengthened. Running Fox
+felt confident that they were about to have an encounter with their
+foes.
+
+“We must keep together, and watch sharp,” he warned Spotted Deer.
+
+At the end of the following day they reached the lake. Having seen
+nothing of the roving company of warriors that Spotted Deer had
+encountered, the lads wondered whether they were encamped somewhere
+along the shore of the lake. They determined to take every precaution,
+and instead of advancing directly to the lake they stopped on the top of
+a low ridge some distance back from the water.
+
+“We will wait here until it gets dark,” said Running Fox. “Then we will
+crawl down there, and see if we can find out anything.”
+
+The lake was large, and the Delawares had little doubt that it was the
+body of water for which they had been cautioned to watch. They wondered
+where the Mohawk camp was located. They believed it was somewhere toward
+the north. Still they saw no evidence of it. They searched the sky until
+dark, but were unable to find a trace of smoke. Then, as night finally
+shut down, they determined to go to the shore of the lake to search for
+the war-party.
+
+The Delawares stole down through the silent black woods as softly and as
+cautiously as Woakus, the fox. When they reached the edge of the water
+they immediately sat down to watch and listen. They had little hope of
+finding the telltale gleam from a camp-fire, for they knew that if the
+Mohawks were actually on the war-trail they would not dare to expose
+themselves in that manner, even in the heart of their own stronghold.
+Therefore, when the lads found nothing to alarm them, they advanced
+carefully along the shore of the lake. They had gone some distance when
+they were astonished to see the light of a fire shining out over the
+water. It was far ahead of them near the other end of the lake, and for
+some moments the Delawares watched it in silence.
+
+“It must be that those warriors have stopped there,” said Spotted Deer.
+
+“It is mysterious,” replied Running Fox. “If those people are on the
+war-trail why do they make a fire?”
+
+The lads were unable to explain it. They had seen the Mohawks painted
+for war, and under those circumstances it seemed incredible that they
+would dare to make a fire. It appeared as if it must have been lighted
+by some one else. Still, that too seemed beyond belief. The Delawares
+realized that even a large war-party of enemies would scarcely be so
+bold in the domains of their foes. Then Spotted Deer suggested that it
+might be a company of warriors from one of the western villages of the
+Iroquois.
+
+“Yes, that may be true,” agreed Running Fox. “But there is something
+strange about it.”
+
+“What is it?” inquired Spotted Deer.
+
+“Well, these people may he Oneidas or Onondagas,” said Running Fox.
+“Perhaps they have come here to talk with their brothers, the Mohawks.
+Perhaps they do not know that the Mohawks are on the war-trail. Perhaps
+they have not seen any enemies on their journey. Well, if this water is
+near the Mohawk village, why did these people stop here? If they are the
+same people you saw, then they must have arrived here before the last
+sun appeared. Why did they wait here? If they had gone on they would be
+pretty close to the Mohawk camp by now.”
+
+“What you say is true,” replied Spotted Deer. “But I will tell you how
+it might be. I do not believe these people are Mohawks. I believe I was
+wrong about that. I believe that they are Oneidas or Onondagas. Perhaps
+they are Cayugas or Senecas from far away toward the place
+Where-The-Sun-Goes-To-Sleep. Well, perhaps they have made a long
+journey. Perhaps they want to rest. Perhaps the Mohawks do not know they
+are here. Then they must wait. Yes, they must send scouts to tell the
+Mohawks that they are coming to see them. Then the Mohawks will get
+ready a big feast. It is the proper way to do. I believe that is why we
+have found them here.”
+
+“Well, I see that it may be as you say,” said Running Fox. “But we will
+not find out about it by sitting here and talking. We see a fire. Well,
+we must creep up close, and find out who made it.”
+
+“I am ready,” declared Spotted Deer.
+
+They rose and began a daring advance along the edge of the lake. They
+moved with great caution, stopping frequently to listen for a warning of
+danger. However, the fire was a considerable distance ahead of them, and
+they believed that they would be comparatively safe until they got
+within bow-shot of it. Then they were startled by a loud splash in the
+river.
+
+“What was that?” Spotted Deer whispered, anxiously.
+
+“Sh,” cautioned Running Fox.
+
+They listened many moments but the silence was unbroken.
+
+“Perhaps it was some one paddling a canoe,” said Spotted Deer.
+
+“I believe it was a big fish,” replied Running Fox. “Perhaps it was
+Maschilamek, the trout.”
+
+Then, as they heard nothing more, they continued toward the fire. They
+had not gone far before they smelled smoke. They knew that the wind was
+in their favor. It gave them confidence, for they realized that there
+was less likelihood of being heard. A short time afterward they saw a
+small light flash across their path. A moment later it appeared at one
+side of them. Spotted Deer stopped.
+
+“It is only Sasappis, the fire-fly,” whispered Running Fox.
+
+“He is carrying his torch to frighten the witches out of the woods,”
+declared Spotted Deer. “My mother has told me about him. We must be
+careful not to harm him.”
+
+A short distance farther on they were halted by the deep ringing notes
+of the big horned owl. The call seemed to come from somewhere to the
+right of them. It was repeated three times in rapid succession, and the
+Delawares immediately became suspicious. A few moments afterward they
+heard another owl calling directly behind them. It was so near that they
+easily detected a number of false notes in it. They knew it was a
+signal, and their hearts filled with alarm.
+
+“We have run into a trap,” Running Fox whispered, savagely. “Come, we
+must get to the water. It is the only chance.”
+
+They were close upon the river, but as they turned to reach it they
+heard twigs snapping directly ahead of them. Then they realized that
+they had been surrounded, and that they must fight against heavy odds to
+save themselves. They saw now that the fire was a clever ruse of their
+enemies to draw their foes into an ambush. The lads had little doubt
+that they were again face to face with the hated Mohawks.
+
+“Stand still!” whispered Running Fox, as they heard some one passing
+through the bushes at the edge of the river. “It is dark, and they may
+go by us. Then we must rush into the water, and swim to the other side.”
+
+“Let us climb into a tree,” proposed Spotted Deer.
+
+“No, that would be foolish,” replied Running Fox. “These people have
+surrounded us. They are close. If we climb into a tree they will know
+where we have gone. Then they will wait until it gets light, and kill us
+like Wisawanik, the squirrel.”
+
+The next moment a piercing yell rang through the night, and the
+Delawares heard their foes rushing forward on all sides of them. For an
+instant they stood there, filled with panic. Then Running Fox recovered
+his wits, and took command.
+
+“Come, we must fight our way to the water!” he cried.
+
+Fitting arrows to their bows they hurried toward the river. They had not
+covered half of the distance, when two stalwart figures rose out of the
+darkness to oppose them. An arrow sped close to Running Fox, and the
+next instant his own arrow dropped his enemy to the ground. Turning to
+call Spotted Deer, he heard him thrashing about in the undergrowth.
+Rushing to his assistance, Running Fox found him fighting valiantly for
+his life. Running Fox drove an arrow between the shoulders of his
+assailant, and as the warrior rolled over the young Delaware stooped and
+peered eagerly into his face. He felt sure that he was not a Mohawk, but
+he was unable to identify him. Running Fox noted, however, that the
+warrior’s face was streaked with charcoal, in token of war. Then the
+lads heard their foes closing in upon them, and they realized that they
+must be off. As they sped toward the river they heard some one behind
+them shouting, “Mengwe! Mengwe!” at the top of his voice.
+
+“Now I know who these people are,” cried Running Fox. “That person
+behind us is shouting the Shawnee name for the Mohawks. Yes, this is a
+Shawnee war-party. They take us for Mohawks. It is good.”
+
+The Delawares reached the edge of the water in safety, and had waded in
+knee-deep when the first Shawnees appeared on the shore. Then, as an
+arrow hummed ominously above their heads, the lads plunged forward and
+swam furiously to escape from bow-shot. They heard the Shawnees rushing
+into the river in pursuit of them, and as soon as they reached deeper
+water the Delawares dove from sight. They rose to the surface within
+several bow-lengths of each other, far out in the river. They listened a
+moment to make sure that none of their foes were within reach of them,
+and then they turned and swam toward the opposite shore. They passed
+through the water as silently as Winingus, the mink, for they knew that
+sharp-eared foes were listening to catch the faintest sound. They heard
+a number of signals from the shore they had left, and once they thought
+they heard voices within bow-shot of them. It drove them to greater
+efforts, and they raced through the water at top speed. However, as they
+drew near the shore and found themselves in shallow water they moved
+more cautiously. They believed that, having lost sight of them in the
+darkness, their crafty foes were listening to hear them leave the water,
+and they determined to take every precaution against giving a clue.
+
+“We will swim ahead until we are a long ways above this place,” proposed
+Spotted Deer.
+
+“No, that would be a bad thing to do,” Running Fox told him. “If the
+Shawnees reach land they will travel faster than we can move through the
+water. Perhaps they will send scouts along the edge of the water. Then
+it would be hard to get into the woods. We will swim ahead a little
+ways, and then we will walk out.”
+
+They swam some distance farther, and then waded ashore. They waited a
+moment at the edge of the forest to listen for the Shawnees. The fire
+was still burning brightly on the opposite shore, and the Delawares
+smiled grimly as they realized how easily they had blundered into the
+trap that had been set for their enemies, the Mohawks. Then, as they
+feared that the Shawnee swimmers had reached land and begun to search
+for them, they turned and sped away into the night.
+
+
+
+
+                           CHAPTER XII—SMOKE
+
+
+Running Fox immediately took the lead, and turned toward the north. He
+believed that the Shawnees would hesitate to follow them far in that
+direction for fear of being led into an ambush. Besides, it was the only
+direction in which the Delawares could go without sacrificing their
+lead. It was not long, however, before they heard signals ringing
+through the night a short distance behind them.
+
+“The Shawnees are close, we must travel faster,” said Running Fox.
+
+Dawn was breaking when they reached the end of the lake. Having heard
+nothing further from their pursuers they believed that they had turned
+back. However, the fact that both the Mohawks and the Shawnees were
+painted for war kept them alert to their danger. They believed that a
+big battle was impending, and they felt sure that the wilderness was
+filled with hostile scouts. Shortly after sunrise, therefore, they
+stopped to rest, and hold a council-of-war.
+
+“I believe the best thing to do is to keep going ahead until the sun
+goes down,” declared Running Fox. “Then we will climb to a high place,
+and look for smoke. If we do not see it, then we must circle around.
+Yes, we must climb to all the high places, and look every way. I do not
+believe the Mohawk camp is beyond two suns’ journey away. Perhaps it is
+nearer.”
+
+“I do not see any other way to do,” replied Spotted Deer.
+
+They resumed their way into the north, keeping a sharp watch for their
+foes, and climbing to the tops of the ridges to search the sky for
+smoke. At the end of the day, however, they had seen nothing which would
+give them a clue to the location of the Mohawk camp.
+
+“Perhaps it is not near that water,” suggested Spotted Deer. “Perhaps we
+have gone the wrong way.”
+
+“No, I do not believe it,” said Running Fox,
+
+“I am thinking about something different. The Mohawks are at war with
+the Shawnees. Perhaps they are afraid to make fires.”
+
+“Then how can we find the camp?” inquired Spotted Deer.
+
+“I believe it will be a hard thing to do,” replied Running Fox. “We must
+ask Getanittowit to help us.”
+
+The following day they again decided to separate—Running Fox to make a
+half circle toward the east, while Spotted Deer made a similar detour
+toward the west. They agreed to meet at dark at a great spire-shaped
+rock on the summit of a low hill directly ahead of them.
+
+“No matter what you see, come back when it gets dark,” said Running Fox,
+
+“I will do as you tell me,” agreed Spotted Deer.
+
+Running Fox made his way toward a ridge of hills less than a half day’s
+journey to the eastward. He had traveled about two-thirds of the
+distance when he suddenly came upon the remains of a small fire. It had
+been made between two rocks, and cleverly concealed by a screen of
+brush. A few embers still glowed from the ashes, and it was evident that
+whoever had camped there had only recently departed. Running Fox circled
+carefully about the spot, trying to learn the identity of the firemaker.
+He found some tracks leading toward the east. However, he was only able
+to follow them a short distance, as the country was rough and rocky, and
+they soon disappeared. Running Fox believed that the crafty scout had
+purposely left a plain trail for a short distance to baffle his foes.
+The Delaware felt quite sure that farther on the unknown traveler had
+turned in another direction.
+
+“I must watch out for that person,” Running Fox told himself.
+
+He reached the ridge of hills a short time afterward, and looked
+anxiously toward the north for evidence of the Mohawk camp. The sky was
+clear and cloudless, however, and there was no trace of smoke. Running
+Fox felt troubled. He feared that the unexpected appearance of the
+Shawnees threatened the success of his expedition. Still he had no
+thought of turning back. Having made his boast to his father he
+determined to make it good, or sacrifice his life in the attempt.
+
+The day was well advanced, and Running Fox had about decided to leave
+the ridge and return to Spotted Deer, when he suddenly discovered a
+heavy column of smoke rising above the tree-tops a short distance south
+of him. It suggested many interesting possibilities, and Running Fox
+studied it closely. For a long time it puzzled him. He could scarcely
+believe that it came from the Mohawk camp. In the first place he felt
+sure that the camp was farther from the lake. Besides, there was but one
+dense column of smoke, while smoke from a village usually rose in
+several thin columns, or hovered above the camp in light hazy clouds.
+Running Fox decided, therefore, that the smoke which he saw must be a
+signal. The possibility quickened his interest. Then the smoke column
+began to waver and break. In a few moments he saw it separate into a
+number of puffs or clouds. They followed one another at short intervals,
+and Running Fox became convinced that some one was sending a message. He
+would have given much to have been able to read it. He searched the sky
+in all directions, hoping to see an answer but none appeared.
+
+“I believe some one is talking to the Mohawk camp,” said Running Fox.
+
+The Delaware realized that if his guess was true it was quite probable
+that the signal would go unanswered. He believed that it would be read
+by sharp-eyed sentinels who had been stationed on the high places to
+watch for it, but he felt sure that no tell-tale spiral of smoke would
+be permitted to betray the location of the village. If an answer were
+sent, Running Fox believed it would appear somewhere far away from the
+camp. Still, the mere sight of the signal filled him with hope, for he
+told himself that the Mohawk village was surely somewhere within sight.
+He waited until the smoke faded from the sky, and then as he saw nothing
+to indicate that the signal would be answered he hurried away to meet
+Spotted Deer.
+
+Darkness had already fallen when Running Fox approached the rock where
+he was to meet his friend. This time, however, his signal brought an
+immediate response, for Spotted Deer was waiting for him.
+
+“We have found each other—it is good,” said Spotted Deer.
+
+“It is good, my brother,” replied Running Fox. “Have you looked around?”
+
+“Yes, I have circled all around this hill; there is no one hiding here,”
+Spotted Deer assured him.
+
+“Then we will sit down and talk,” said Running Fox.
+
+Running Fox told what he had seen to the eastward, and Spotted Deer
+listened with great attention. The smoke particularly impressed him. He
+agreed with Running Fox that it must have been a signal. However,
+Spotted Deer was not so sure that it had anything to do with the camp.
+
+“Perhaps that smoke was sent up by the Shawnees,” he suggested. “Perhaps
+a Mohawk scout was talking with the war-party.”
+
+“Well, it may turn out that way, but I feel different about it,”
+insisted Running Fox. “Now you must tell me what you found out.”
+
+Spotted Deer said that he had gone a considerable distance toward the
+west without discovering any signs of his foes. Then he had climbed to
+the top of a mountain to reconnoiter. He had watched a long time when he
+finally saw what he believed was smoke far away toward the north. He had
+strained his eyes to make sure, but it faded from the sky before he
+could convince himself. Then he had set out to meet Running Fox.
+
+“That is what happened,” concluded Spotted Deer.
+
+“Well, we have not done much,” Running Fox declared, gloomily. “I
+believe the Mohawk camp is close. There is only one thing to do. We must
+keep moving around until we find it. We will wait here until the next
+sun comes. Then we will look around some more.”
+
+The following day they again scouted carefully through the woods in
+search of the Mohawk camp. This time, however, they remained together
+and turned toward the north. Running Fox felt convinced that the village
+was somewhere in that direction, and as he was the leader Spotted Deer
+was content to rely upon his judgment.
+
+“I believe there must be a trail going toward that camp,” declared
+Spotted Deer.
+
+“Well, I did not hear our people say anything about it,” replied Running
+Fox.
+
+Nevertheless they determined to keep a sharp watch for anything that
+looked like an opening through the forest. They continued toward the
+north for half of the day, and then Running Fox proposed that they
+should circle toward the west.
+
+“That will bring us near the place where you saw something that looked
+like smoke,” he told Spotted Deer.
+
+“Well, I am not sure about what I saw, but I believe it would be a good
+thing to go over there, and look around,” said Spotted Deer.
+
+Then for a long time they traveled in silence. Running Fox seemed moody
+and thoughtful, and Spotted Deer made no attempt to rouse him. The
+latter realized that a war-leader had many responsibilities, and he felt
+quite sure that Running Fox was meditating upon some plan for bringing
+success to his undertaking.
+
+“Spotted Deer, there are two things that trouble me,” Running Fox said,
+finally.
+
+Spotted Deer remained silent. He knew that it would not do to question a
+war-leader unless the latter chose to enlighten him.
+
+“First I am troubled because I have not found Gokhos, the great white
+Medicine Owl,” continued Running Fox. “If we had the skin of that
+mysterious bird I believe much good would come of it. But I am troubled
+about another thing. Yes, I am troubled about the Shawnees. They have
+come into this country to fight the Mohawks. It is a bad thing for us. I
+believe the Mohawks will keep many warriors around the village. Well,
+now I will tell you something different. I have set out to do this
+thing, and I am going through with it no matter what happens to me.”
+
+“Those are good words,” Spotted Deer declared, admiringly. “You will
+soon find Gokhos, the great white Medicine Owl, and then we will be able
+to do some great things. I am not thinking about the Shawnees——”
+
+“Stop!” Running Fox interrupted, excitedly. “I see smoke rising behind
+that ridge.”
+
+They saw a misty blue haze drifting above the top of a low ridge
+directly ahead of them.
+
+“That is the place I was looking at,” said Spotted Deer. “Yes, I know it
+by that big mountain over there.”
+
+“I believe we have found the Mohawk camp,” declared Running Fox. “We
+must watch sharp. If the village is on the other side of that ridge we
+are very close. Spotted Deer, I believe we are in great danger.”
+
+They immediately concealed themselves in the woods to watch. It was not
+long, however, before both of them agreed that the smoke came from the
+Mohawk camp. The thought filled them with joy. They believed that they
+were almost within sight of their goal, and they were eager to verify
+their hopes. However, Running Fox realized that it would be the height
+of folly to attempt to look over the ridge before dark. He had little
+doubt that, if the camp really was on the other side, the crafty Mohawks
+had stationed scouts along the crest of the ridge to guard the village
+against surprise. Therefore, he decided to wait until night came to his
+assistance.
+
+“We must stay here until it gets dark,” he told Spotted Deer. “Then we
+will creep up on that ridge, and find out if the camp is over there.”
+
+“I believe we will find it,” Spotted Deer replied, confidently.
+
+“Well, that smoke looks like camp smoke, but I am not sure about it,”
+said Running Fox.
+
+
+
+
+                         CHAPTER XIII—SURPRISED
+
+
+Shortly after dark the impatient young Delawares set out on their
+perilous search for the Mohawk camp. When they reached the base of the
+ridge they stopped to listen. Then, as they heard nothing to arouse
+their suspicions, they climbed carefully up the steep brushy slope. They
+were almost at the top when Running Fox thought he heard something
+moving through the bushes. They immediately dropped and lay close to the
+ground. They waited a long time, but nothing appeared. At last they
+decided that they had been needlessly alarmed, and they rose and
+continued up the ridge.
+
+Once on top the Delawares’ first thought was to look for the glow of the
+Mohawk fires. When they failed to find them they began to lose hope. It
+was evident that the Mohawk camp was not where they had expected to find
+it.
+
+“I do not see what I expected to find—it is bad,” whispered Spotted
+Deer.
+
+Running Fox made no reply. He appeared to be listening.
+
+“That smoke must have been another signal,” said Spotted Deer.
+
+Running Fox still continued silent. He sat with his bow across his
+knees, staring moodily into the night. Having been unable to draw him
+into conversation, Spotted Deer, too, subsided into silence and waited
+patiently for Running Fox to announce a plan of action.
+
+They sat there for a long time, and then they were suddenly roused by
+the sound of a dog barking somewhere near the spot where they had looked
+for the Mohawk camp. Running Fox instantly became alert. Cautioning
+Spotted Deer to silence, he listened eagerly. In a few moments the
+barking changed to sharp cries of pain, and it was evident that the
+animal had been cowed into silence. Then for a long time all was still.
+
+“Now I know what I came here to find out,” said Running Fox. “My ears
+have told me what my eyes could not see. Spotted Deer, the great Mohawk
+camp is down there where we heard that dog.”
+
+“Where are the fires?” demanded Spotted Deer.
+
+“Perhaps there are no fires,” replied Running Fox. “Perhaps they are
+hidden by the trees. Perhaps the camp is closed in by high stakes. I do
+not know how it comes that we cannot see the fires, but I believe the
+camp is there.”
+
+“Then we will go down there and find it,” Spotted Deer proposed,
+impulsively.
+
+“No, I have a different plan,” Running Fox told him. “I am going down
+there alone. I will look around. Then I will come back and tell you
+about it. You must wait here.”
+
+“Running Fox, that is not a good thing to do,” protested Spotted Deer.
+“I must go with you. Perhaps you will get into a fight down there. Yes,
+I must be there to help you.”
+
+“Spotted Deer, I am the leader,” Running Fox reminded him. “I am doing
+this thing because it is the best way to go about it. If we both go down
+there and get caught then there will be no chance to get away. If I go
+down there alone and get caught then you must get me out of it. I will
+not go into the camp without you, but I must go and look around. It is
+the only way to do. I will not talk any more about it.”
+
+“Running Fox, you say that you are the leader, it is true,” replied
+Spotted Deer. “Yes, I will do what you tell me to do. I believe it is
+the best way.”
+
+“That is good,” said Running Fox. “Now I will tell you something
+different. If anything had happens to me down there I will make the call
+of Quenischquney, the panther. If you hear that then you must come down
+there and do what you can. But perhaps you will get into danger. Then
+you must make the call of Quenisehquney. Then I will come to help you.
+Now I am going away.”
+
+“I will keep singing the sacred songs to help you,” said Spotted Deer.
+
+“Yes, that will be a good thing to do,” agreed Running Fox.
+
+A moment later he disappeared into the night. Running Fox moved down the
+ridge with great caution, for he felt quite sure that Mohawk sentinels
+were somewhere within bow-shot of him. He stopped many times to listen,
+but heard nothing to alarm him. When he reached the bottom of the ridge
+he turned directly toward the place where he had heard the dog barking.
+As he advanced he kept a sharp watch for the warning glow of the Mohawk
+fires. The forest was very dense, however, and as he believed that the
+Mohawk village might be walled about by a log stockade he had little
+hope of discovering the fires. Then he thought of a better plan.
+Moistening one of his fingers, he raised it above his head and learned
+that what little wind there was came from the north. As he was traveling
+almost due west, he made a wide detour to get the wind in his face. Soon
+afterward he saw the value of the wily maneuver, when the unmistakable
+odor of smoke was borne to his nostrils. It filled him with joy, for he
+realized that at last he had found an easy trail to the hostile camp.
+
+Running Fox followed the tell-tale smoke scent with the eager
+persistence of a famished wolf. As long as the breeze held steady he
+hurried along with little fear of going astray. However, when the wind
+weakened, or shifted, his task became more difficult. Under those
+conditions he invariably lost the trail, and was compelled to circle
+about until he found it. Thus he felt his way toward his goal, until at
+last he was halted by the familiar sounds from the camp itself. He
+stopped and raised his eyes to Getanittowit.
+
+“O Getanittowit, I have come near to the camp of my enemies, the proud
+and boastful Mohawks,” whispered Running Fox. “O Getanittowit, I am in
+great danger. O Getanittowit, make me as sharp as Woakus, the fox, and
+as brave as Machque, the bear. O Getanittowit, take pity on me and help
+me.”
+
+Having made this earnest appeal to Getanittowit, the Great One, the
+devout young Delaware resumed his daring advance toward the Mohawk camp.
+As he neared it the sounds increased, and he knew that the village
+contained many people, The thought made him more cautious, and he
+stopped to reconnoiter. Running Fox felt sure that he was within a few
+bow-shots of the village, and yet he could see no trace of it. He
+scouted cautiously through the woods looking for it, but although the
+sounds warned him that the camp was dangerously close at hand the night
+effectually hid it from his sight.
+
+“This comes of not following the advice of Gokhus, the Medicine Owl,”
+the superstitious young Delaware told himself. “Gokhus is the only one
+who can see through the dark. Yes, if I had the skin of the great white
+Medicine Owl I believe I would be able to see this camp.”
+
+Nevertheless he determined to continue looking for the Mohawk village.
+He knew that to come within sight of the camp he must run the risk of
+capture and death, but he felt little fear. He believed that
+Getanittowit would help him, and the assurance gave him courage. He
+advanced, therefore, with every faculty keenly alert, determined to
+actually see the hostile camp before he thought of turning back.
+
+Running Fox was moving slowly through the woods when he suddenly found
+himself on the edge of a large clearing. Corn and squashes were growing
+there, and the Delaware instantly realized that he had found the Mohawk
+camp. The thought set his heart beating wildly. Then he heard a number
+of persons chanting a song, and looking toward the sound he saw a long
+high, shadow stretching across one side of the clearing. He knew at once
+that it was a log stockade enclosing the camp. He saw a pale yellow glow
+above it, and he believed it came from the Mohawk fires.
+
+Having finally got within arrow-range of his goal, Running Fox shrank
+back into the shadows of the forest, and looked upon the great Mohawk
+camp with awe. For a moment or so it frightened him, and he found
+himself trembling with nervousness. It looked like a huge trap from
+which it would be hard to escape. The thought weakened his confidence.
+He heard a dog barking, and he wondered if it had caught his scent. He
+raised a moistened finger into the air to test the wind. It was in his
+favor, and he felt much relieved. A few moments afterward a small square
+of light appeared in the long black wall. Something black flashed across
+it, and then the light vanished into the night. Running Fox was
+perplexed. He wondered if it had been a signal of some sort. Perhaps he
+had been discovered. The possibility brought sweat to his brow. For an
+instant he thought of retreating. However, the very suggestion filled
+him with shame. He asked himself if Running Fox, the son of the great
+war-chief, Black Panther, were a coward.
+
+“No, I will not run away,” he whispered, savagely. “I will stay here,
+and see what is going to happen to me.”
+
+Then, as he continued to watch the grim black outline of the stockade,
+the square of light again appeared, and this time it was some moments
+before it vanished. In the meantime a number of dark objects had flashed
+across it. Running Fox was unable to explain it. It seemed as if it must
+be a signal to some one outside of the village. Still he could not
+understand how it was done. He knew that there was no fire outside of
+the stockade, else he would have seen the glare. Then where did the
+light come from, and what made it? For a long time Running Fox was
+unable to guess. At last, however, the truth flashed across his mind.
+
+“Hi, now I know about it,” he told himself.
+
+“There is a hole in that log wall. Yes, some one pulled something away,
+and made it open. Then some one moved something across that place. Then
+some one closed it up again, and made it dark. Pretty soon some one
+opened it again. Then some one moved something across that place many
+times. Perhaps it was a signal.”
+
+Having guessed that much, it was only a few moments until the
+sharp-witted young scout learned the full truth. He realized that the
+opening must have been an entrance or door into the village, and that
+the mysterious black objects which had momentarily shut out the light
+were people either entering or leaving the camp. That, however, was the
+only point about which he had any doubt. He would have given much to
+know whether the people who had passed through the opening were warriors
+returning from the war-trail, or scouts going out to look for the enemy.
+Then, as a great commotion suddenly broke out in the camp, Running Fox
+believed that the answer had been given by the Mohawks themselves.
+
+“Yes, I believe some warriors have come back from the fight with the
+Shawnees,” said Running Fox.
+
+Each moment the noise increased, and it was evident that a celebration
+of some sort was in progress. Then the glow above the stockade
+brightened, and Running Fox believed that the fires were being rekindled
+in preparation for some important ceremony. The thought pleased him, for
+he believed that with the Mohawks absorbed in celebrating a victory, it
+would be easier to approach the village. Having discovered the entrance
+into the camp, the reckless lad resolved to have at least one peep at
+his foes before he returned to Spotted Deer.
+
+Running Fox waited until the noise indicated that the celebration was
+well in progress, and then he moved toward the camp. He had carefully
+noted the location of the opening in the stockade, but he feared to
+approach it, for he knew that at any moment he might encounter some one
+leaving the village. He turned toward the end of the stockade,
+therefore, and was almost within leaping distance of the camp when he
+was halted by a challenge directly behind him. Acting upon the impulse
+of the moment, Running Fox stopped for an instant, and mumbled an
+unintelligible reply. Then, as the night hid the person who had hailed
+him, he tried to hurry away. He planned to dodge around the end of the
+stockade and dash into the woods. The ruse failed, however, for the
+suspicious Mohawk followed him. Aware that further attempts to deceive
+would be useless, Running Fox ran off at great speed. The Mohawk
+immediately raced after him, yelling at the top of his voice.
+
+As Running Fox dodged around the end of the stockade he crashed into two
+Mohawks who were running up at the call of their tribesman. The surprise
+was mutual, and all three fell to the ground. A moment afterward the
+young Delaware found himself lying helplessly upon his back with two
+stalwart warriors holding him down. As he attempted to shout a warning
+to Spotted Deer one of the Mohawks seized him by the throat and began to
+choke him unmercifully. However, Running Fox had no idea of
+surrendering. He fought with the fury of a wildcat until one of his foes
+struck him a stunning blow on the head with a war-club.
+
+When the lad regained his senses some moments later he found himself
+surrounded by a number of Mohawk warriors. His arms had been tightly
+bound behind him, and a heavy piece of buckskin had been tied over his
+mouth. As Running Fox opened his eyes, the warrior who had choked him
+kneeled and glared fiercely into his face. Then he seized him roughly by
+the shoulder, and motioned for him to rise. As the Delaware obeyed the
+Mohawks crowded excitedly about him, peering eagerly into his face, and
+threatening him with their weapons. Running Fox showed no fear, however,
+and in a few moments they ceased tormenting him and led him into the
+camp.
+
+The Mohawk village was lighted by several large fires, and Running Fox
+saw a great many people gathered in the center of the camp. They were
+mostly women and children, with a small company of old men and guards
+who had been left behind to protect the village when the warriors had
+rushed out at the cry of alarm. As Running Fox was led into the
+firelight the Mohawks quickly recognized him as a Delaware, and
+immediately began to taunt and abuse him. The old women and the boys
+were particularly vicious, and several of the latter ran up and began to
+beat him with sticks. The Delaware’s eyes flashed threateningly, but he
+knew better than to resist for he realized that it would only expose him
+to still harsher treatment from his tormentors.
+
+When Running Fox and his guards reached the center of the village they
+were beset by a great throng of people who seemed intent upon reaching
+the prisoner. They appeared so hostile that the Delaware feared they
+intended to kill him there and then. They surged wildly about him
+shouting their war-cries, and striking at him over the shoulders of his
+guards. The latter were struggling valiantly to protect him, but it
+looked as if they would be overpowered at any moment. At the height of
+the tumult, however, Running Fox saw several warriors hurrying forward
+from the other end of the camp. As they approached, the foremost warrior
+called out, and at the sound of his voice the Mohawks immediately fell
+back. It was evident that the warrior was a man of great authority, and
+Running Fox wondered if it could be Standing Wolf, the famous Mohawk
+war-chief.
+
+A few moments afterward the Mohawk stood before him. He was a tall,
+broad-shouldered man of middle age, with a cruel face and restless black
+eyes. For a moment Running Fox felt afraid of him. Then, as the Mohawk
+looked searchingly into his face, the lad suddenly remembered that he
+must uphold the honor of his tribe. He raised his head and met the
+challenge unflinchingly. They gazed steadily at each other for several
+moments, and the vast assemblage of Mohawks watched them in silence.
+Then the Mohawk laughed scornfully, and turned to his people. He
+addressed them in a few sharp sentences, and his words were received
+with what seemed to be expressions of approval. At any rate the Mohawks
+made no further demonstrations against the prisoner, and Running Fox
+wondered whether the warrior had spoken in his behalf. It seemed too
+much to expect, however, and the young Delaware feared that his relief
+was only the prelude to a more trying ordeal yet in store for him. Then
+he saw the man whom he took to be Standing Wolf, talking to the three
+warriors whom Running Fox had encountered outside of the camp. A moment
+later one of them approached him, and untied the buckskin bandage which
+had been placed over his mouth. For an instant Running Fox was tempted
+to shout a warning to Spotted Deer. Upon second thought, however, he
+abandoned the idea. He doubted that Spotted Deer would hear it, and
+besides, he believed it would be foolish to acquaint the Mohawks with
+the fact that he had a companion. In the meantime the Mohawk leader had
+again approached him. Running Fox was greatly astounded to hear him
+speak in the Delaware dialect.
+
+“Do the boastful Delawares send boys to fight their enemies?” he
+inquired, sarcastically.
+
+Running Fox made no reply.
+
+“Well, do Delaware children remain silent when they are spoken to?” the
+Mohawk demanded, angrily. “I do not like that. When Standing Wolf speaks
+he must be answered. Come, speak fast or I will teach you how to obey.”
+
+“I will answer you,” Running Fox said, angrily. “Standing Wolf, you have
+asked me something. Well, I will tell you what you wish to know. My
+people keep their men to fight the brave Shawnees. My people send their
+boys to kill the Mohawks.”
+
+It was a reckless speech, and Running Fox immediately realized that he
+had sealed his doom as he looked into the angry eyes of Standing Wolf.
+For a moment the great Mohawk war-chief looked upon him in unconcealed
+amazement. Then he mumbled something, and advanced threateningly.
+Running Fox showed no signs of weakening, however, and Standing Wolf
+struck him a stinging blow across the mouth. It was the signal for a
+wild outbreak from the onlookers, for they realized that their famous
+war-chief had been insulted by a mere lad. The thought drove them into a
+frenzy, and only the prompt interference of Standing Wolf himself saved
+the Delaware from instant torture and death. When he had quieted the
+people, the Mohawk chief called several trusted warriors to lead Running
+Fox away.
+
+The unhappy lad was taken to a square bark lodge or shack. It contained
+a single room or compartment, and appeared dark and uninhabited. Once
+inside the building, the Mohawks threw Running Fox to the ground and
+bound his feet, which until that moment had been free. Then they left
+him.
+
+The two guards had barely gone from hearing when Running Fox heard
+something stirring over in a corner of the lodge. However, darkness made
+it impossible to tell what it was. He listened anxiously, and finally
+thought he heard some one chanting a medicine-song. It was low and
+indistinct, but still there was something about it that sounded
+familiar. A few moments later Running Fox identified it as one of the
+songs which he had learned from old Sky Dog, the Delaware medicine-man.
+Then the startling truth suddenly confronted him.
+
+“Spotted Deer!” Running Fox cried in a tense whisper.
+
+“Yes, Running Fox, I am here,” replied Spotted Deer. “This is very bad.
+Now I know that there is no chance for us.”
+
+
+
+
+                        CHAPTER XIV—ANXIOUS DAYS
+
+
+Spotted Deer said that he had been surprised and captured soon after
+Running Fox left him. At first the Mohawks mistook him for a Shawnee,
+and his appearance in the camp was the occasion for a wild commotion. He
+was taken to the center of the village and tied to the torture stake.
+Then the Mohawks suddenly discovered that he was a Delaware. They seemed
+greatly surprised, and it was evident that they feared the presence of a
+Delaware war-party somewhere near the camp. Thinking to frighten the
+young captive into telling them what they wished to know, Standing Wolf
+threatened him with all sorts of terrible tortures if he refused to give
+the information they desired. However, Spotted Deer scorned the threats,
+and the Mohawks were unable to make him talk. At last they unbound him,
+and threw him into the lodge in which Running Fox so unexpectedly found
+him.
+
+“Now I have told you how I came here,” concluded Spotted Deer.
+
+“Well, I see that you could not help it, but it is very bad,” replied
+Running Fox.
+
+Then he related his own experiences. When he told how he had defied the
+great Mohawk war-chief, Spotted Deer exclaimed in astonishment.
+
+“That was a foolish thing to do,” he declared.
+
+“Yes, I see that I did a bad thing,” acknowledged Running Fox. “I
+believe I will be killed, but you may live to get away and tell our
+people what they wish to know.”
+
+“No, Running Fox, I believe the Mohawks will kill me, too,” said Spotted
+Deer.
+
+At that moment Running Fox thought he heard some one moving cautiously
+away from the entrance of the lodge, and he feared that spies had been
+stationed there to listen. The Delawares immediately ceased talking.
+They lay there a long time listening, but all was still. The night-hush
+had fallen upon the camp, and it was evident that the Mohawks had
+retired to their lodges. However, the lads felt quite sure that the
+entrance to their own lodge was closely guarded. Still it seemed like an
+unnecessary precaution, for they had been so skillfully bound that they
+would have been unable to escape even if the way had been open.
+
+Left to their thoughts, the lads immediately began to speculate upon
+their chances. Running Fox believed that for himself at least death was
+inevitable, and he tried to become reconciled to the thought. However,
+his great fear was that by antagonizing the Mohawk chief he had also
+sealed the fate of Spotted Deer. The possibility filled him with
+despair. If only Spotted Deer might be spared to eventually learn and
+carry away the secret which had brought them to the Mohawk camp, Running
+Fox would have been willing to suffer and die without complaining. Now,
+however, he believed that his sacrifice would be in vain. The idea drove
+him into a frenzy. Carried away by emotion, he fought desperately to
+free himself from his bonds. His efforts were useless, however, and he
+soon saw the folly of wasting his strength, for the present escape
+seemed impossible.
+
+“It is no use to fight that way,” Spotted Deer told him. “No, we must
+wait until we get a better chance.”
+
+“That is true,” agreed Running Fox.
+
+The long night finally passed, and as day dawned the lads looked
+anxiously about the lodge to learn if they were guarded. They appeared
+to be alone, but they mistrusted that sharp-eared sentinels were just
+outside the entrance. However, the lads took advantage of their privacy
+to study the details of their prison. It was a square, one story
+structure about four bow-lengths high. It was made of slabs of bark
+which were held in place by two rows of upright saplings or poles. The
+roof, which was peaked, was also of bark, and had a small square opening
+in the center to let out the smoke of the camp-fire. The lads found
+themselves in a room about four bow-lengths square, with a shallow
+fire-pit in the middle, and low willow bunks or platforms along two
+sides. The lodge would have accommodated six or eight persons, and was
+similar in design and material to those erected by the Delawares. It
+showed no signs of recent occupancy.
+
+It was not long before the Delawares heard some one approaching. Their
+hearts quickened at the sound, for it suggested a number of disturbing
+possibilities. Then the robe which covered the doorway was drawn aside,
+and a warrior entered the lodge. He was a great powerful fellow, and he
+stared so fiercely at the captives that they felt quite sure he meant
+them no good. They returned his glances without wavering, and in a few
+moments he turned and called to some one outside. An aged woman answered
+the summons, and the lads saw that she brought food and water.
+
+The warrior kneeled and unbound their hands. Then the old woman placed
+meat and water before them, and hobbled away. The guard, however,
+instantly began to annoy them. Pointing at the bones and scraps of meat
+which had been set before them, he imitated the whining of a dog, and
+laughed boisterously. The Delawares knew that he was trying to make them
+understand that they had been fed with the leavings from the camp which
+ordinarily were given to the dogs. The lads gave no sign that they
+comprehended the insult. Realizing that refusal to eat the food might
+subject them to a brutal attack, they consumed it in sullen obedience.
+Then they looked expectantly toward the Mohawk. He was laughing and
+making significant gestures with his knife to make them realize the
+punishments that awaited them. They watched him without the slightest
+trace of emotion. Their indifference seemed to anger him, and he began
+to talk fiercely in the Mohawk dialect. The lads showed plainly that
+they did not understand his threats, and he suddenly seemed to realize
+that he was making himself ridiculous. A moment afterward he tied their
+hands behind them, and drew the buckskin thongs deep into the flesh.
+Then he laughed gleefully, and left the lodge.
+
+“That warrior is very fierce,” said Spotted Deer, as the footfalls died
+away.
+
+“Well, he did not frighten us,” boasted Running Fox.
+
+“That made him mad,” laughed Spotted Deer.
+
+It was not long before they began to feel the effects of his cruelty.
+The tight buckskin thongs ate slowly into their flesh, and caused them
+great agony. However, they bore it in silence. Each knew what the other
+was enduring, but neither of them was willing to acknowledge that the
+Mohawk had made him suffer.
+
+As the day progressed they heard considerable noise and confusion in the
+camp, and they believed that the Mohawks were preparing for some
+important ceremony. The thought filled them with gloomy premonitions.
+Running Fox, especially, read a warning in the sounds. He knew that his
+bold defiance of the famous war-chief would not be permitted to pass
+unpunished, and he feared that at any moment he would be called out to
+pay the penalty. He had heard many stories about the awful tortures
+which the Mohawks inflicted upon their prisoners, and he wondered if he
+were about to experience them. The possibility tried his nerve.
+
+“Running Fox, what I hear makes me feel bad,” Spotted Deer said,
+uneasily. “Perhaps the Mohawks are getting ready to kill us.”
+
+“We must be brave,” Running Fox told him.
+
+Soon afterward several fierce looking warriors entered the lodge, and
+stared at the captives. However, they made no attempt to annoy them, and
+left without speaking. The lads were at a loss to explain the visit.
+Then other warriors came, and several women and children. As none of the
+visitors showed any inclination to harm them, the Delawares felt
+somewhat reassured. They knew that the Iroquois tribes often adopted
+young warriors whom they captured, and they wondered if they, too, were
+to be spared. The thought gave them hope, for while they would not have
+thought of pledging allegiance to their foes, still they believed that
+they might be able to turn the opportunity to good advantage.
+
+“Yes, we will fool the Mohawks until we find a chance to get away,”
+whispered Spotted Deer.
+
+“They are sharp,” Running Fox warned him.
+
+Then they heard criers going about the camp calling the people to
+assemble. Their fears immediately returned. They listened anxiously as
+the Mohawks began to sing, and shout their war-cries. Then the noise
+suddenly ceased. The Delawares heard some one talking excitedly. They
+thought they recognized the voice of Standing Wolf, the Mohawk
+war-chief. At the end of the talk a great shout went up from the camp.
+
+“I do not like that,” said Running Fox. “I believe some one is turning
+the Mohawks against us.”
+
+“Perhaps they are talking about something different,” Spotted Deer
+replied, hopefully. “Perhaps a war-party is going out to fight the
+Shawnees.”
+
+“No, I do not believe it,” said Running Fox. “Spotted Deer, I believe we
+will soon be killed.”
+
+However, no one came to disturb them until the end of the day, and then
+the warrior and the old woman again entered the lodge with food and
+water. When the Mohawk unbound their wrists the lads found that they had
+temporarily lost the use of their arms. They made several attempts to
+reach the food that had been placed before them, but for some moments
+they were unable to raise their hands from their sides. The Mohawk
+seemed to take great delight in their discomfort. He jeered, and
+laughed, and insisted upon their eating the food. The lads feared that
+if they were unable to comply with his demands he would take away the
+food, and tell the Mohawks that they had refused it. They made heroic
+efforts, therefore, and finally succeeded in getting the food to their
+mouths. Then the guard again bound their wrists, and left them to
+suffer.
+
+As the evening shadows fell upon the camp the Delawares once more heard
+sounds of hustling activity. The Mohawks were breaking wood for fires,
+and the lads felt a vague premonition of danger. In a few moments they
+heard the crackling of the flames, and saw the light through the hole in
+the roof of the lodge. They waited in anxious suspense.
+
+“Pretty soon we will know what is going to happen to us,” said Running
+Fox. “Do you feel brave?”
+
+“I believe we are in great danger, but I am not afraid,” replied Spotted
+Deer.
+
+An ominous hush had fallen upon the camp. Then the covering was drawn
+from the doorway of the lodge, and three warriors entered. The lads knew
+at once that these men had been sent to get them, and they feared that
+their hour of trial was at hand. For a moment they weakened. Then as the
+Mohawks came toward them, they recovered their courage, and waited
+calmly to learn their fate.
+
+“Be brave,” said Running Fox.
+
+“I am a Delaware,” Spotted Deer replied, proudly.
+
+One of the Mohawks stooped and freed Running Fox from his bonds.
+
+Then they motioned for him to rise. It was evident that they had no
+intention of taking Spotted Deer. The latter struggled furiously to rise
+and accompany his friend, but the Mohawks laughed and pushed him back.
+
+“Keep still,” said Running Fox. “You must keep alive to finish this
+thing. I am not afraid to die. Tell my father those words.”
+
+Before he had finished speaking the Mohawks were leading him toward the
+door of the lodge. He walked with difficulty, however, for his legs had
+been so tightly bound that circulation had been entirely stopped. Each
+step was agony, but the courageous lad fought hard to conceal his
+suffering. As he was pushed roughly from the lodge he heard Spotted Deer
+frantically singing the medicine-songs which old Sky Dog had taught him.
+Running Fox wondered whether they would save him in the present
+emergency.
+
+Running Fox saw the Mohawks gathered about a great fire in the center of
+the camp. They greeted his appearance with a wild outburst of yells, and
+he realized that he could expect no mercy. His guards led him toward the
+fire, and stood him with his back against a stout stake, a short
+distance from the flames. Then Standing Wolf and a number of important
+looking warriors walked up to him. For some moments they stared at him
+in silence, and Running Fox looked fearlessly into their eyes. He knew
+only too well the severity of the punishment which was about to be
+inflicted upon him, but he determined to endure it without flinching. He
+felt that the honor of his tribe was at stake, and the thought gave him
+courage. The last trace of fear had left him, and he found himself calm
+and unafraid. In a few moments he heard the Mohawk chief addressing him
+in the Delaware tongue.
+
+“Well, you were very boastful when you came here; do you feel brave
+now?” demanded Standing Wolf.
+
+“A Delaware is always brave,” replied Running Fox.
+
+“Well, we will see about it,” Standing Wolf declared, warningly.
+
+He turned and spoke a few words to the warriors behind him, and Running
+Fox saw them smile contemptuously. Then Standing Wolf began to address
+the great throng of people who had gathered about the fire. His speech
+seemed to greatly excite them, and when he finished they began to shout,
+and jeer, and threaten the captive. However, Standing Wolf and his
+escort kept them in control. Then the chief spoke to the warriors who
+had brought Running Fox from the lodge, and they immediately bound the
+lad to the stake.
+
+“Young man, you are about to see how the Mohawks treat their enemies,”
+said Standing Wolf. “You, alone, are to blame for whatever happens to
+you. You are young, and I might have saved you. But you talked very
+boastful. Yes, you have made my heart black against you. Now you must
+pay for it.”
+
+Running Fox remained silent. There was nothing to say. He realized that
+he had blundered, and that the blunder was to cost him his life.
+
+Standing Wolf gave the signal, and a noisy company of women and boys
+formed about the prisoner, while the warriors looked on. Then several
+old men raised their voices in a weird chant, and the Mohawks began to
+dance about the post. Running Fox saw that they were armed with supple
+willow wands or whips, and he easily imagined what they intended to do
+with them. They beat him unmercifully, but he endured it without a
+tremor. Many diabolical old women tried to blind him by striking him
+across the eyes, but he foiled them by slightly raising his head so that
+the blows fell short. Standing Wolf and his warriors looked on with
+sullen indifference, and Running Fox wondered if they intended to have
+him beaten to death. Not until many of the women had exhausted
+themselves did the Mohawk chief finally interfere, and stop them. Then
+he again confronted the prisoner.
+
+“Have you any words now?” he inquired scornfully.
+
+Running Fox was covered with welts and gashes, but his eyes flashed as
+defiantly as ever. He ignored the taunt, and remained silent.
+
+“Well, I see that you are afraid to speak,” said Standing Wolf. “When
+your mouth is closed your ears must be open. Listen to what I am about
+to say. What you have just gone through is only the beginning of what is
+going to happen to you. The women and boys have beaten you. Now we will
+show you something different.”
+
+When Standing Wolf finished speaking he called to the warriors, and they
+formed a great circle about the prisoner. Most of them carried knives
+and war-clubs, but a few had bows and arrows. When they had taken their
+places Standing Wolf pointed at Running Fox, and spoke briefly in a
+fierce tone. What he said seemed to rouse the Mohawks to a fury, and as
+soon as he finished they began to dance wildly about the captive.
+
+“O Getanittowit, help me,” whispered Running Fox. “O Getanittowit, make
+me strong.”
+
+As they danced past the stake each warrior crouched and yelled fiercely
+into the ears of the erect young Delaware. Several struck him across the
+face with their open palms, but he gave no evidence that he felt the
+blows. Convinced that he was about to receive the full fury of the
+hatred which the Mohawks held for his people, Running Fox resolved to
+die like a hero. The Mohawks were rapidly rousing themselves into a
+frenzy. They had drawn their knives, and were making vicious passes
+within a few inches of his body. Some who carried war-clubs rushed
+forward and struck the post within a handbreadth of his head. Running
+Fox bore it all without flinching.
+
+Then Standing Wolf once more interrupted the proceedings. This time,
+however, he did not address the prisoner, but called several of his
+escort aside and began to talk earnestly. A number of fiendish old women
+immediately took advantage of the opportunity to attack the prisoner.
+They rushed upon him with their sticks, and began to beat him over the
+head and shoulders. Standing Wolf saw them, however, and promptly
+ordered them to stop. A moment or so afterward he spoke to the warriors.
+Running Fox watched him closely. He was unable to guess whether Standing
+Wolf was talking for or against him. The Mohawks received his words in
+silence, and the Delaware imagined he read disappointment in many of the
+faces. At the conclusion of the talk two warriors left the circle, and
+approached the prisoner. They stopped in front of him, and one drew his
+knife. He stood a moment staring fixedly into the eyes of Running Fox.
+The great crowd of Mohawks watched in ominous silence. Standing Wolf was
+standing with his arms folded across his breast, smiling grimly. Running
+Fox felt that his end was at hand, and he straightened proudly to
+receive the knife-thrust in his heart. A murmur of approval rose from
+the Mohawks. Many moments passed. Still the warrior hesitated to carry
+out his command. Running Fox felt himself weakening under the suspense.
+It was evident that the wily chief was hoping to break down his courage
+before he killed him. The thought gave the lad new strength. Having
+endured that far, he determined to maintain his nerve to the end. He
+waited, therefore, smiling scornfully into the eyes of the warrior who
+confronted him.
+
+Then the Mohawk darted forward to perform his mission, but instead of
+driving his knife into the heart of the prisoner he passed behind him,
+and severed the thongs which bound him to the stake. A moment afterward
+two guards led the astounded Delaware back to the lodge in which he had
+been imprisoned.
+
+“Well, my brother, Getanittowit has listened to the medicine-songs!”
+Spotted Deer cried, joyfully, as soon as the Mohawks had passed out. “I
+believed the Mohawks killed you, and I wanted to die. Now my heart is
+filled with songs. Tell me how you come to be alive.”
+
+“I cannot tell you that,” Running Fox said, confusedly. “I believed I
+would be dead by now, and here I am alive. It is very mysterious.”
+
+
+
+
+                 CHAPTER XV—A BATTLE WITH THE CHIPPEWAS
+
+
+For a long time the lads were kept in continual doubt as to whether they
+were to live or die. Then they unexpectedly found a friend in the young
+son of one of the Mohawk medicine-men, a man of great influence with
+Standing Wolf. From that time their uncertainty was set at rest. The
+young Mohawk made them understand that they were not to be killed. Some
+time later, when he had learned to express himself in the Delaware
+tongue, he told why Running Fox had been spared.
+
+The Mohawk said that Standing Wolf had determined to kill Running Fox,
+but the medicine-man interfered. The latter had had a dream concerning
+the youthful prisoners, and declared that a great calamity would fall
+upon the camp if they were put to death. At first Standing Wolf paid
+little attention to him, and prepared to carry out his revenge. However,
+at the very moment when Running Fox was tied to the torture stake
+misfortunes began to fall upon the camp. First an old man fell and broke
+his leg. Then a child of one of the women who was participating in the
+attack on Running Fox died suddenly while the mother was in the act of
+beating the prisoner. As a climax the medicine-bundle fell from its
+tripod in the sacred lodge, as the warriors were dancing about the
+stake. Word of the strange coincidences was instantly carried to the
+Mohawk chief, and when the alarmed medicine-man himself rushed up and
+told what had happened to the medicine-bundle even Standing Wolf became
+filled with superstitious awe, and immediately altered his decision
+regarding the fate of the captive.
+
+The Delawares showed great interest in the Mohawk medicine-bundle, and
+asked a number of questions concerning it. They asked in vain, however,
+for the young Mohawk only shook his head, and pretended to misunderstand
+them. Fearing that further questioning might arouse his suspicions, they
+immediately changed the topic of conversation.
+
+Although Standing Wolf had spared the lives of the Delawares, he used
+every means in his power to annoy and humiliate them. For a long time he
+compelled them to go about the village with their hands loosely bound
+behind them, so that they were powerless to save themselves from the
+attacks of the women and children whom he made no attempt to restrain.
+He also kept them on the verge of starvation, and fed them with the most
+unpalatable scraps from the camp. They were warned that if they
+approached nearer than a bow-shot to the doorway in the stockade they
+would be killed by the first person who saw them. As they were
+constantly watched, and the entrance to the camp was continually closed
+and barred with massive logs, the lads thought the warning quite
+unnecessary. Then as the days passed they were permitted to wander more
+freely about the village. However, they soon realized that to attempt to
+escape would be the height of folly. Therefore, they continued to
+cultivate their friendship with the son of the medicine-man in the hope
+of eventually learning the secret which had brought them upon their
+mission. With that once in their possession, they had implicit faith
+that Getanittowit himself would offer them an opportunity to escape from
+their foes.
+
+The Delawares had been in the Mohawk camp many days when Winaminge,
+The-Time-Of-Roasting-Ears, arrived. It was at that season that the
+Iroquois gathered together to celebrate the Green Corn Festival.
+Sometimes the various Iroquois tribes celebrated the occasion in their
+own village, and at other times they traveled to the villages of their
+nearest tribesmen. Upon this particular occasion, however, it was
+apparent that the Mohawks intended to observe the festival by
+themselves. The Delawares watched the preparations with interest, for
+they were similar to those which they had observed in their own tribe,
+and they hoped that before the four days’ celebration ended they might
+learn the secret for which they were risking themselves.
+
+In celebrating the Green Corn Festival the ceremonies were begun each
+day soon after dawn, and ended promptly at midday, or when the sun
+reached the meridian. It was a festival of thanksgiving to Ha-weu-ne-yu,
+the Great Spirit, for ripening the corn, beans and squashes. On the day
+before the celebration began, the entire tribe gathered in the center of
+the village to confess their wrong deeds, and promise to live better
+lives. Strips of white shells, or wampum, were passed from one to
+another, and each person held it while acknowledging his misdeeds, and
+pledging himself to a better life in the future. The wampum was believed
+to record and preserve each pledge. The women and even the older
+children were required to join in the ceremony. The Delawares, however,
+were barred from participating, or approaching within hearing distance.
+They looked on in respectful silence from the door of their lodge.
+
+“Well, we have made the vows,” the young Mohawk told them at the
+conclusion of the ceremony. “When the next sun comes we will begin the
+celebration.”
+
+The lads would have liked to ask him if the mysterious medicine-bundle
+would appear in the ceremony. They realized, however, that any reference
+to it might ruin all chance of learning what they wished to know.
+
+“Running Fox, I believe that these people are about to do a great
+thing,” said Spotted Deer. “I believe Standing Wolf and the medicine-men
+will have much to do with it. If we watch sharp perhaps we will find out
+something about the mysterious medicine-bundle that gives this great
+chief his power.”
+
+“Yes, that is true,” replied Running Fox. “But we must be very careful.
+The Mohawks are as cute as Sanquen, the weasel. If they find out what we
+are after it will be the end of us.”
+
+The Green Corn Festival began at dawn the following day. The Delawares
+were awakened by a number of criers, or couriers, who hurried through
+the camp calling the people from their lodges. As the lads reached the
+door of their lodge they saw the Mohawks gathering in the center of the
+village.
+
+“Come, let us go over there, and see what is going to happen,” proposed
+Spotted Deer.
+
+“Perhaps that will make the Mohawks mad,” suggested Running Fox.
+
+“Well, that may be true,” replied Spotted Deer. “But I am going to see
+how near I can get.”
+
+A moment afterward they were hurrying toward the center of the camp.
+They had not gone far, however, when they encountered a surly looking
+old woman who instantly challenged them. Pointing toward the lodge which
+they had just left she made them understand that they were to return at
+once. To be ordered about by a toothless old woman was a rather
+humiliating experience for the high tempered young Delawares, especially
+as they saw a number of warriors looking on with great amusement. For a
+moment, therefore, the lads held their ground. This drove the old woman
+into a wild rage, and she immediately seized a stick and began to beat
+them. Realizing that further resistance might lead to more serious
+consequences the Delawares began to walk slowly toward their lodge. The
+old woman was not satisfied, however, and she tried to make them run. A
+great crowd had gathered to watch her, and the Delawares heard much
+jeering and laughing at their expense. Carried away by anger, Spotted
+Deer suddenly wheeled and sprang at his tormentor, yelling so fiercely
+that the old woman dropped her stick and hobbled away as fast as she
+could go. The Mohawks were quick to see the humorous side of the
+incident, and laughed good naturedly.
+
+“I believe that old woman is a witch,” Running Fox declared, angrily,
+when they reached the lodge. “She made us look foolish. Some time I will
+kill many Mohawks to wipe that out of my heart.”
+
+“She made me very mad,” replied Spotted Deer. “Well, I frightened her,
+and now all the people are laughing about it. We must watch out. She
+will try to harm us.”
+
+Then their thoughts were diverted by the appearance of Standing Wolf and
+a number of the principal men of the tribe. They stood in the middle of
+the camp, and the Mohawks formed around them. There was a few moments of
+silence, and then the Mohawk chief addressed his people. The eyes of the
+Delawares glowed threateningly as they watched him, for he was a cruel,
+relentless foe whom they had learned to hate.
+
+“I would like to kill that man,” declared Spotted Deer.
+
+“I believe he bears a charmed life,” said Running Fox. “We must find out
+how he gets his power before we can kill him.”
+
+“When Standing Wolf had finished speaking he called the father of the
+lad who had befriended the Delawares, and the medicine-man approached
+with something wrapped in a small black bearskin. Then he drew off the
+robe, and presented Standing Wolf with what appeared to be a small
+bundle of bird and animal skins.
+
+“It is the mysterious medicine-bundle!” Spotted Deer whispered,
+excitedly.
+
+“Do not talk—watch,” Running Fox cautioned him.
+
+They saw Standing Wolf carefully unfasten the wrappings from the
+medicine-bundle, and remove a skin of the great white Medicine Owl. He
+held it before him, and raised his face toward the heavens. It was
+evident that he was chanting a sacred medicine-song. Then he turned
+toward the four principal points of the compass, and repeated the
+ceremony. The Delawares watched him with fascinated eyes. They believed
+that at last the secret of his power had been discovered. Gokhos, the
+mysterious white Medicine Owl, was his lucky talisman.
+
+“Now I know why Getanittowit put us in this camp,” said Running Fox.
+“Yes, I have seen the white robe of Gokhos, the Medicine Owl, and I will
+not go away without it.”
+
+“It is wrapped in the mysterious medicine-bundle,” Spotted Deer warned
+him. “Much harm may come to us if we open one of those bundles.”
+
+“No, I do not believe it,” replied Running Fox. “I must do as it
+appeared in my dream. Spotted Deer, if we get that mysterious white
+skin, I believe we will become as great as Standing Wolf.”
+
+The thought fired their imagination. They lost all further interest in
+the Green Corn Festival, and cared only to know into which lodge the
+medicine-man carried the sacred bundle. They watched patiently until the
+first day’s ceremony ended at midday. Then they sought to keep the
+medicine-man and his precious burden in sight, but in spite of their
+best efforts he eluded them in the great throng of Mohawks, and their
+long vigil ended in bitter disappointment.
+
+“I believe we will find it in the lodge of that medicine-man,” declared
+Spotted Deer.
+
+“No, I believe it is in the lodge of Standing Wolf,” said Running Fox.
+
+“Well, if that is true perhaps some bad Medicine Creatures will kill us
+if we go into the lodge,” Spotted Deer suggested, solemnly.
+
+“Well, I cannot help it,” replied Running Fox. “When I find out where
+the mysterious medicine-bundle hangs I am going in to get that skin.”
+
+“How will you get away?” inquired Spotted Deer.
+
+“When I have that big medicine thing I will be able to do anything,”
+Running Fox assured him.
+
+The Mohawks devoted the balance of the day to sports and games, and at
+dark they gathered for the great feast of succotash, which was made of
+corn, beans and squashes. The food was cooked in large clay urns, or
+bowls, and each member of the tribe helped himself. Before the people
+began to eat, however, one of the medicine-men started a weird,
+melancholy chant, and in a few moments the entire tribe united in a
+mighty chorus. It was a song of thanks to the Great Spirit, for
+supplying their wants. At the end of the simple ceremony, the Mohawks
+proceeded to enjoy themselves. The Delawares looked on with envious
+eyes, for in spite of the hilarity and good-will which prevailed at the
+feast the Mohawks showed no intention of sending any of the food to
+their captives. “Perhaps this would be a good time to look for the
+medicine-bundle,” suggested Spotted Deer. “The Mohawks are all together
+in the middle of the camp, and there will be no one to see us.”
+
+“No, we must not go now,” Running Fox told him. “If we leave this lodge
+they will know about It. When we go to look for the medicine-bundle we
+must know how we are going to get out of the camp.”
+
+The Green Corn Festival continued through the three following days, and
+each night the feast was resumed. The last night, however, was largely
+given up to a number of sacred dances which the Delawares were not
+permitted to see. While the dances were in progress the lads were bound,
+and confined in their lodge. An aged warrior sat in the doorway to
+prevent them from looking out.
+
+The following day the village was thrown into a turmoil by the return of
+several Mohawk hunters who said that a large war-party of Chippewas were
+approaching from the north. The Delawares learned the news from their
+friend, the son of the medicine-man. He said that the Mohawks expected
+the Chippewas to attack the village in revenge for the death of a number
+of Chippewa hunters whom the Mohawks had surprised and killed some time
+previously.
+
+“Yes, there will be a big fight,” declared the Mohawk. “The Chippewas
+are very fierce, but my people will kill them. My friends, I warn you to
+be very careful what you do. If you try to get away, or try to help the
+Chippewas, you will surely be killed.”
+
+The Delawares instantly realized the significance of his warning, and
+they determined to profit by it. They knew that it would be foolhardy to
+attempt to escape while the camp was besieged by enemies, for it was
+certain that the entrances and weak spots would be more closely guarded
+than ever. Besides, they had little doubt that if they should fall into
+the hands of the Chippewas the latter would mistake them for Mohawks,
+and kill them at once.
+
+“This thing is bad for us,” said Running Fox. “If this fight goes
+against the Mohawks they will believe that we have brought bad fortune
+upon them, and perhaps they will kill us. If the Chippewas break into
+the village they will kill us for Mohawks. We must do what we can to
+show the Mohawks that we have nothing to do with it.”
+
+The Delawares wisely remained in their lodge, therefore, while the
+Mohawks prepared for battle. Scouts were immediately sent out to locate
+the hostile war-party, while a great company of warriors assembled to
+defend the camp. Standing Wolf and a number of sub-chiefs and
+medicine-men hurried to the council-lodge.
+
+“Now perhaps we will see how this great chief gets his power,” said
+Spotted Deer.
+
+“We will try to watch him,” replied Running Fox.
+
+The day was almost ended when the lads saw the scouts enter the camp. A
+short time afterward the young Mohawk came to the lodge, and told the
+Delawares that the Mohawks expected the Chippewas to attack the village
+some time during the night or early dawn. He also boasted that his
+people had gained a notable victory over the Shawnees, and had sent
+them, fleeing toward their own boundaries in a wild panic.
+
+“The foolish Chippewas have come a long distance to get here, but we
+will soon chase them away,” declared the Mohawk lad.
+
+“Perhaps it will not be so easy,” suggested Spotted Deer.
+
+“You will see,” laughed the young Mohawk.
+
+The Delawares awaited the encounter with considerable impatience. They
+had been warned against leaving the lodge under penalty of death, and
+they realized that they would see little of the fight. However, they
+were determined to see as much as possible, and as soon as it grew dark
+they seated themselves in the doorway of the lodge. The camp was
+brightly illuminated to guard against the Chippewas scaling the stockade
+without being seen. Groups of warriors stood about the barred entrances,
+and others patrolled the inside of the stockade. Standing Wolf and
+several noted war-leaders stood in the center of the camp to give
+commands. The women and children, and even the dogs, were sheltered in
+the lodges.
+
+“See, those warriors are talking about us,” said Running Fox.
+
+Two of the warriors with Standing Wolf were looking toward the
+Delawares. In a few moments they spoke to the war-chief, and he, too,
+looked toward the Delawares.
+
+“We have done a bad thing to show ourselves,” Running Fox declared,
+uneasily.
+
+The next moment they saw Standing Wolf call one of the fighting men, and
+point at the lodge. The warrior at once turned and walked rapidly toward
+the Delawares.
+
+“Something is going to happen to us,” said Running Fox.
+
+“Come, we will move back into the lodge,” proposed Spotted Deer.
+
+“No!” cried Running Fox. “We will not be frightened into our den like
+rabbits. We have put ourselves here. Well, we will stay here and meet
+this man.”
+
+As the warrior approached them he began to talk fiercely, and point
+toward the interior of the lodge. The Delawares had little doubt about
+his meaning, and yet they made no attempt to comply with his commands. A
+moment later they realized their folly, for the Mohawk raised his bow
+and shot an arrow directly between them. It was a hint which they
+thought it well to accept, and they immediately withdrew into the lodge.
+The Mohawk entered after them, however, and proceeded to bind their
+hands and feet. Then, to make matters worse, he tied buckskin bandages
+over their eyes.
+
+“Well, we have got ourselves into this trouble,” Running Fox declared,
+savagely. “It was foolish to show ourselves to Standing Wolf. Now we
+will see nothing. If the Chippewas get into the camp we will be killed
+like Moskimus, the rabbit, when we find him in our traps.”
+
+“It is bad,” agreed Spotted Deer.
+
+They lay a long time listening for the sounds of battle. An unusual hush
+had fallen upon the camp, and it was evident that the Mohawks also were
+listening. Then the notes of Gokhos, the owl, sounded close outside the
+camp. In a few moments they heard the logs being drawn from the opening
+in the stockade.
+
+“One of the scouts has come into the camp to tell about something,” said
+Spotted Deer.
+
+“Listen!” cried Running Fox. “The Chippewas have come.”
+
+The melancholy howl of the timber wolf rang through the forest. It rose
+on four sides of the camp. Then a wild outburst of yells broke forth
+close to the stockade.
+
+“The fight has begun!” Spotted Deer cried, excitedly.
+
+For some time the Mohawks and their foes contented themselves with
+shouting defiance at one another. It was evident that the former felt
+quite secure behind their log stockade, and had no inclination to risk
+themselves in the open. It was not long, however, before the Delawares
+heard sounds which led them to believe that the Chippewas intended to
+force the fighting. They had apparently kindled fires on all side of the
+stockade in an effort to burn the village. The possibility was somewhat
+alarming to the helpless young captives in the deserted lodge. Once the
+stockade caught fire they knew that it would only be a question of
+moments before the dry bark lodge would be in flames. However, the noise
+from the camp indicated that the Mohawks were quick to realize the
+peril, and the Delawares had little doubt that they would rush out and
+attempt to extinguish the fires.
+
+“Listen, the Mohawks are on the outside of the camp!” Running Fox cried,
+a few moments later.
+
+The Delawares heard the fierce Mohawk war-cry ringing through the night
+on every side of the village, and they knew that a great fight was
+taking place on the other side of the stockade. The village was in wild
+disorder. The sounds of battle had alarmed the women and children, and
+roused the dogs, and all of them added their voices to the din. The camp
+was lighted by the lurid glare of the flames, while dense clouds of
+smoke rolled into the lodges. The Delawares feared that some of them had
+already been set on fire. Then somewhere on the opposite side of the
+village they heard sounds which set their hearts beating wildly.
+
+“I believe the Chippewas have got into the camp!” declared Spotted Deer.
+“We will see if the great Standing Wolf can drive them out.”
+
+However, in a few moments they heard the triumphant yells of the
+Mohawks, and they knew that the Chippewas had been forced out or
+overcome. The fight on the outside of the camp seemed to be raging in
+undiminished fury. Then there, too, the Mohawk war-cry echoed
+triumphantly through the night, and the Delawares believed that for the
+moment at least the Chippewas had been driven off.
+
+“Well, the Mohawks have won a big battle,” said Spotted Deer, as the
+sounds of conflict gradually subsided.
+
+“It is good,” declared Running Fox. “Perhaps it will help us. I believe
+the Chippewas have made a hole into the camp. Perhaps we will be able to
+crawl out.”
+
+Soon afterward they heard the Mohawk war-party entering the village in
+triumph. They marched noisily about the camp shouting, and singing their
+war-songs. The Delawares wondered whether they had brought in any
+prisoners. Then the young Mohawk entered the lodge, and saw the
+predicament of his friends.
+
+“Hi, my friends, my people have done what I told you about,” he cried,
+as he stooped and took the bandages from their eyes. “We have killed
+many Chippewas. All who escaped are running toward their lodges.
+Standing Wolf ran out and killed three Chippewas at one time. He is a
+great man. Perhaps this great victory will make his heart good toward
+you. Perhaps he will let you go. Now I will go, and talk with my father
+about it. Perhaps he will help you.”
+
+“You are a Mohawk, but you are a good friend,” Running Fox said, warmly.
+
+While the Delawares had little hope that the fierce Mohawk chief would
+relent and give them their liberty, still they realized that an appeal
+in their behalf from one of the powerful Mohawk medicine-men might go a
+long way toward gaining them sufficient freedom to enable them to
+escape.
+
+“See, they do not free our hands and feet,” said Spotted Deer. “I
+believe the Chippewas have made an opening into the camp.”
+
+“Well, we must try to do something,” declared Running Fox. “Pretty soon
+it will get light. Then perhaps we can look around, and see what has
+happened.”
+
+
+
+
+                         CHAPTER XVI—THE ESCAPE
+
+
+The following day the Delawares waited impatiently for an opportunity to
+venture into the village, and learn the result of the battle. However,
+the day was more than half gone before any one came to the lodge to free
+them. Then a warrior came, and unbound them. He made them understand
+that they might go into the camp, and partake of food.
+
+“This is bad,” said Running Fox, as they left the lodge. “The Mohawks
+kept us tied up until they closed up the place where the Chippewas got
+in. Now there is no chance to get out.”
+
+“Yes, I believe that is true,” agreed Spotted Deer.
+
+They found the Mohawks still jubilant over their victory. The lads
+realized, therefore, that it would be foolish to show themselves too
+prominently at that time. Many of the younger warriors seemed carried
+away by the glory of their first triumph, and the Delawares knew that
+they would be only too willing to find an excuse for attacking them. For
+some time the lads had been quite free from annoyance, and they had no
+desire to lose the privileges which their long stay in the Mohawk camp
+had brought them.
+
+“Those young men are very fierce,” said Running Fox. “We must be very
+cautious. I believe the best thing to do is to keep away from them.”
+
+“Yes, I am watching them,” replied Spotted Deer. “We will take some
+meat, and go back to the lodge.”
+
+The Delawares made their way toward the old woman who had brought their
+food. She was stirring something in a large clay urn which she had
+propped up among the embers of the cooking fire. When the lads reached
+her they stopped and waited expectantly. For some time the old woman
+took no notice of them. Then the warrior who had unbound them shouted
+some commands, and the woman immediately seized a forked stick and drew
+a piece of deer meat from the urn. She gave it to the Delawares, and
+motioned them away. Having learned the folly of opposing those irritable
+old scolds, the lads determined to move off at once.
+
+At that moment, however, some of the young Mohawks spied them, and ran
+forward shaking their weapons, and yelling fiercely. The Delawares
+immediately stopped and stood at bay. The Mohawks rushed up to them, and
+tore the meat from the grasp of Spotted Deer. They threw it upon the
+ground, and kicked it about in the dirt. Then one who appeared to be the
+leader picked it up, and offered it to Spotted Deer. Before Running Fox
+could warn him, Spotted Deer seized the meat and hurled it into the face
+of the young Mohawk.
+
+The next instant the enraged Mohawk and Spotted Deer were glaring
+furiously into each other’s eyes. The Mohawk was only a lad, but he
+looked considerably older and stronger than the Delaware. However,
+Spotted Deer showed no fear of him. For a moment it looked as if the
+friends of the Mohawk were about to take the matter out of his hands by
+annihilating both of the Delawares. The one who had been insulted,
+however, warned them against interfering. It was plain that he intended
+to avenge the affront without assistance. His friends held back,
+therefore, watching Running Fox. The latter realized that Spotted Deer
+must settle the matter alone, but he determined to rush into the fight
+at the first hint of the Mohawks reinforcing their tribesman.
+
+Word of the impending battle had already been shouted through the camp,
+and the Mohawks were running toward the spot from all parts of the
+village. They formed a square about Spotted Deer and his adversary, but
+showed no inclination to interfere with either of them. Running Fox
+stood several bow-lengths from his friend, staring defiantly at the
+young Mohawks.
+
+For some moments the young warriors continued to glare at each other.
+Each appeared to be trying to frighten the other, but neither seemed
+much alarmed. Then, as his people urged him on, the Mohawk crouched and
+began to circle about Spotted Deer, with his war-club in his hand. The
+Delaware straightened and opened his palms, as he smiled scornfully at
+his foe. For a moment the Mohawk hesitated. Then he accepted the
+challenge, and threw down his weapon. A murmur of approval ran through
+the Mohawks. Running Fox felt greatly relieved.
+
+The Mohawk continued to circle cautiously about Spotted Deer, looking
+for an opening. The Delaware, however, was equally alert, and kept
+turning slowly with his eyes fixed on those of his foe. Several times
+the Mohawk crouched and pretended he was about to spring in, but each
+time he found Spotted Deer ready for him. Then for many moments they
+circled, and dodged, and tried for an advantage, while the Mohawks
+shouted encouragement to their young tribesman, and Running Fox prayed
+silently to Getanittowit for the success of Spotted Deer.
+
+Then the Mohawk thought he saw a chance, and sprang forward with the
+agility and strength of a young panther. However, Spotted Deer had
+anticipated the attack, and jumped back in time to escape being caught.
+He wheeled about, and sought to catch his foe, but the Mohawk had
+already recovered himself and resumed his position of defense. Both lads
+had given a wonderful exhibition of quickness, and the Mohawks yelled
+their delight. They began to realize that the Delaware was no mean
+adversary for his older and larger opponent, and the prospect of a
+desperate encounter filled them with enthusiasm.
+
+In the meantime Running Fox had remained an impassive spectator. He
+never for an instant appeared to lose control of himself. To all
+appearances he was absolutely confident about the outcome of the battle.
+However, had the Mohawks been able to read his thoughts they would have
+learned the true state of his feelings. He knew that the impulsive act
+of Spotted Deer had placed them in a desperate situation, and he foresaw
+serious consequences. If the young Mohawk should win the encounter,
+Running Fox realized that they would be made to suffer all sorts of
+indignities from the younger members of the tribe. On the other hand, if
+Spotted Deer should vanquish his rival it was equally certain that the
+Mohawks would find some way of avenging the defeat. Running Fox waited,
+therefore, prepared to act when the emergency presented itself.
+
+Spotted Deer was quick to realize that the advantage rested with his
+adversary, and he made no attempt to force the fighting. He had been
+thoroughly trained in the art of wrestling, and he determined to remain
+on the defensive until he had provoked the young Mohawk into exposing
+himself. The latter, however, appeared to have been equally well
+schooled in that particular style of combat, and he, too, seemed intent
+upon waiting for an advantage that would give him an easy victory. For a
+long time he tried to trick the Delaware by jumping forward as though he
+were about to grapple with him. It appeared to be a favorite ruse, and
+he seemed considerably surprised when Spotted Deer refused to be
+deceived. Then the latter began to laugh at him. It was a daring bit of
+effrontery which instantly roused the anger of the Mohawk and his
+tribesmen. The result was exactly what Spotted Deer wished it to be, for
+the infuriated young Mohawk immediately lost control of himself.
+Throwing aside his caution, he rushed recklessly upon his foe.
+
+The Mohawk sprang toward Spotted Deer in an effort to seize him by the
+throat. Spotted Deer dodged and tripped him. Then as the Mohawk stumbled
+forward the Delaware sprang upon him, and bore him to the ground. The
+next moment Spotted Deer found himself upon his back with his foe
+striving to throttle him. Aware that he was battling for his life, the
+Delaware fought with the fury of a wildcat. After a few moments of
+desperate fighting he managed to wriggle free, and rise to his knees.
+Then the Mohawk again forced him to the ground. This time, however,
+Spotted Deer found an opening, and locked an arm about the neck of his
+foe. With his free hand he began to beat the Mohawk fiercely in the
+eyes. It was the only style of fighting he knew, and his foe was using
+similar tactics against him. In this primitive mode of fighting there
+was no thought of fair-play. The same code of honor prevailed among all
+the tribes, namely to disable or kill an adversary in the quickest
+possible manner, and to accept punishment and death without flinching.
+Both young warriors had been trained in that rigorous code, and both
+were making every effort to live up to its principles.
+
+It soon became apparent that unless the Mohawk speedily broke from the
+grip of his foe he was doomed. Spotted Deer had forced his head down
+close to the ground, and was punishing him without mercy. The Mohawk was
+fighting furiously to free himself, but Spotted Deer held on with grim
+determination. It was a desperate battle in which fists, feet and teeth
+all played a part.
+
+The Mohawks were wild with excitement. They saw their young tribesman in
+grave danger of defeat, and the thought drove them into a frenzy. They
+began dancing madly about the fighters, yelling encouragement to the
+Mohawk, and threatening his foe. Running Fox watched them with great
+anxiety. He feared that the emergency he had dreaded was at hand.
+
+Spotted Deer was slowly choking the Mohawk into a condition of utter
+helplessness. He had him entirely at his mercy, and it was plain that he
+had no idea of sparing him. It was also plain that the Mohawks were
+about ready to rush to the assistance of their tribesman. At that
+moment, however, the battle was unexpectedly ended by the father of the
+lad who had befriended the Delawares. Rushing up to the fighters the
+medicine-man seized Spotted Deer and pulled him to his feet. For a
+moment the furious young Delaware seemed about to attack the man who had
+snatched away his victory. However, a warning glance from Running Fox
+told him his peril, and he submitted to the interference. Then the
+friends of the defeated young warrior rushed toward the Delawares to
+avenge their tribesman. They were met by the Mohawk medicine-man who
+dispersed them, and escorted the Delawares to their lodge.
+
+“Hi, that was a great fight,” laughed Spotted Deer, when they were
+safely in the lodge.
+
+“Yes, you were brave enough but you have done a bad thing,” said Running
+Fox. “Now there is no chance for us. Listen, the Mohawks are yelling out
+there in front of the lodge. Pretty soon we will be taken out there and
+killed.”
+
+They heard a great commotion before the lodge, and they had little doubt
+that the friends of the vanquished Mohawk were demanding their lives.
+They knew better than to show themselves. In a few moments the friendly
+young Mohawk came to them.
+
+“My friends, do you hear that noise?” he asked. “Well, do you know what
+it means? The young men are very mad. They want to kill you. Do not be
+afraid. My father and Standing Wolf are talking to them. Pretty soon
+they will send them away. You were very brave. Some of my people feel
+good toward you. But I warn you that you must not do any more fighting.
+If you do you will surely be killed.”
+
+“You have come to us like a good friend,” replied Running Fox. “We will
+keep thinking about your words.”
+
+The noise ceased soon after the young Mohawk left them, and the
+Delawares believed that the disturbers had finally dispersed. It was
+some time, however, before they thought it wise to show themselves in
+the doorway of their lodge. Then they saw that the village had
+apparently become quiet.
+
+Several days later a large company of warriors suddenly left the camp,
+and the Delawares were glad to see that most of the young men who had
+annoyed them were members of the party. They wondered if it were a
+war-party. It seemed unlikely, for the warriors had left the camp
+without ceremony, and the people showed little interest in their
+departure.
+
+“I believe they are either hunters or scouts,” said Spotted Deer.
+
+“There are too many for scouts,” Running Fox told him. “We must try to
+find out about it I believe it is a good thing for us. Now the people
+who troubled us have gone away. There are not many warriors about. It
+will be a good time to try to do something.”
+
+When the young Mohawk came to see them they tried to learn the purpose
+and destination of the warriors who had left the camp. Their efforts
+were in vain, however, for the Mohawk professed to know nothing about
+it. When they continued to question him he grew angry, and left the
+lodge.
+
+“Now we have done another foolish thing,” said Running Fox. “We have
+made that young man mad. Perhaps he might have helped us. Now he may
+turn against us.”
+
+“No, I do not believe that,” Spotted Deer assured him. “He is our
+friend. He will not do anything to harm us.”
+
+“Spotted Deer, we must do something before those young men come back,”
+declared Running Fox. “There are three things to be done. First we must
+find a way to get out of this camp. Then we must find something to fight
+with. Then we must get that mysterious medicine-bundle.”
+
+“Those are hard things to do,” said Spotted Deer.
+
+“Well, we must do them,” replied Running Fox. “When it gets dark, and
+the Mohawks go to the lodges, I am going to creep around the village and
+see if there is any way to get out.”
+
+“Running Fox, if you do that you will surely be killed,” warned Spotted
+Deer.
+
+“No, I will not get caught,” Running Fox assured him.
+
+Late that night Running Fox left the lodge, and stole quietly through
+the camp until he reached the stockade. It was the first time he had
+dared to approach it, and as he crept cautiously along in its shadow his
+heart beat fast with excitement. He knew that if he were discovered it
+would mean death not only for himself, but for Spotted Deer as well. The
+thought made him careful. Stealthily, a stride at a time, he moved
+toward the entrance of the camp. When he finally came near it, he
+stopped to listen. All seemed safe, however, and he went on. In a few
+moments he reached the great barricade of logs that closed the stockade.
+He spent some time trying to move them, but without result. It was
+apparent that it would require the united efforts of a number of strong
+men to open the way into the village. Realizing the folly of wasting his
+strength, Running Fox turned his attention to the upper part of the
+stockade. He found that by climbing on top of the logs that formed the
+barricade he was more than half-way to the top of the stockade. The
+discovery filled him with delight. He believed that by placing Spotted
+Deer on the barricade and standing upon his shoulders he might be able
+to spring up and grasp the top of the stockade. Then he knew it would be
+possible to draw himself to the top. Once there he felt quite sure that
+he could reach down, and find a way to rescue Spotted Deer.
+
+When Running Fox returned to the lodge he found that Spotted Deer had
+disappeared. The discovery filled him with alarm. He wondered what it
+meant. All sorts of startling possibilities flashed into his mind.
+However, while he was trying to puzzle it out Spotted Deer appeared.
+
+“Well, what have you done?” Running Fox inquired, sharply.
+
+“I have brought some things to fight with,” said Spotted Deer.
+
+He had scouted about the camp, and found two bows, a war-club and a case
+of arrows. Running Fox listened to the story of his exploit in
+amazement. Spotted Deer said that he had entered two lodges, and moved
+cautiously among the sleepers until he found what he wanted. Once he had
+been compelled to lie in the shadows while a warrior passed within
+bow-length of him.
+
+“You have been very brave,” said Running Fox. “But perhaps the Mohawks
+will miss these things. Then it may make trouble for us.”
+
+“I do not believe anything will come of it,” laughed Spotted Deer.
+
+“Well, we must hide them with great care,” said Running Fox.
+
+“No, we must not hide them, we must use them,” Spotted Deer declared,
+excitedly. “Running Fox, I have found the mysterious medicine-bundle!”
+
+The announcement so astounded Running Fox that it was some moments
+before he was able to speak. The thing seemed impossible. He feared to
+believe it.
+
+“Spotted Deer, your words have set me shaking like an old man,” he
+stammered, “I know that you have told me what is true, and still I am
+afraid to believe it.”
+
+“What I tell you is true,” Spotted Deer assured him. “The mysterious
+medicine-bundle is hanging in the sacred medicine-lodge.”
+
+“How did you know about it?” inquired Running Fox.
+
+“I did not know about it,” acknowledged Spotted Deer. “When you went out
+to look for a way to get out of the camp, I said, ‘Now I must do
+something.’ Then I thought about the mysterious medicine-bundle. I
+wanted to find it. I believed it must be in the sacred lodge. I told you
+about that. Well, I found the lodge, but I was afraid to go in. Yes, I
+was afraid of the Bad Spirits that help the Mohawks. Well, I was ashamed
+about that. I went in. I moved around. I saw the mysterious
+medicine-bundle hanging on three sticks. Then I heard a noise. Something
+squeaked like Achpoques, the wood-mouse. I believe it was a Bad Spirit.
+Well, I was afraid to touch that mysterious medicine-bundle, because
+nothing wonderful has ever happened to me. You have seen the Medicine
+People. Nothing can harm you. Now you must go to the sacred lodge, and
+carry out the mysterious Medicine Thing that gives Standing Wolf his
+power over our people. It will soon be light. You must not wait.”
+
+Running Fox hurriedly told his plan for escaping from the village. He
+told Spotted Deer to wait for him near the entrance into the camp. Then
+he hastened away to secure the sacred medicine-trophy. As Spotted Deer
+had said, the night was three-quarters gone, and Running Fox knew that
+there was not a moment to spare. Still he realized that it might be
+fatal to his chances to postpone the attempt until the following day. He
+knew, too, that the company of warriors might return at any moment, and
+he believed that the wisest course would be to take advantage of the
+opportunity which had presented itself.
+
+As Running Fox saw the outlines of the sacred lodge looming up before
+him, he stopped and raised his face toward the heavens. He prayed
+fervently to Getanittowit to help him in the great thing he was about to
+attempt. Then he spent some time listening. The camp was still, and he
+advanced toward the lodge. He had almost reached it when he was stopped
+by a noise behind him. Some one was approaching. His heart jumped wildly
+at the thought. Still he determined to stand his ground. Having got that
+near to the prize, he had no idea of surrendering without a struggle.
+Spotted Deer had given him one of the bows and a handful of arrows, and
+he prepared to surprise and attack whoever was stealing upon him under
+cover of the night.
+
+The moments passed and no one appeared. Running Fox grew impatient. He
+looked anxiously toward the east and thought he detected the first faint
+trace of dawn. Each instant he delayed strengthened the chance of
+failure. The thought made him reckless. He turned to enter the lodge. At
+that moment he heard a low threatening growl close beside him. Then the
+truth instantly flashed through his mind. One of the dogs had got his
+scent. He had been long enough in the camp to win the confidence of the
+surly wolf-like creatures that abounded there, and once the dog
+recognized him he had little fear that it would raise an alarm. Still he
+determined to take no chances. As it came close to him, growling and
+sniffing, he drove an arrow through its heart. It fell without a sound.
+The next moment Running Fox entered the sacred lodge.
+
+Once inside, the lad hesitated, for his heart suddenly became filled
+with superstitious fear. He had heard many stories about the fierce
+Medicine-Spirits whom his people blamed for the remarkable success of
+Standing Wolf and his warriors, and he had little doubt that something
+terrible was about to happen to him. Then he suddenly recalled the words
+of Spotted Deer, ”You have seen the mysterious Medicine People. Nothing
+can harm you.“ The assurance gave him confidence. He believed that to
+hesitate longer would show lack of faith in Getanittowit, in old Sky Dog
+and in the powerful Medicine Beings that had appeared in his dream.
+
+Moving carefully toward the rear of the lodge, Running Fox located the
+tripod of poles which held the mysterious medicine-bundle. For a moment
+the Delaware feared to touch it, lest he should be instantly destroyed
+by some strange Medicine Being. However, the thought of helping his
+people made him bold, and he reached out and removed the bundle from the
+poles. Then for some moments he worked feverishly at the fastenings.
+When the bundle lay open before him his eager eyes quickly discovered
+the sacred white pelt of Gokhos, the Medicine-Owl. As he finally held it
+in his hands, the superstitious lad believed that he had suddenly
+received the power of the famous Mohawk war-chief. Hastily retying the
+medicine-bundle, he hung it in its accustomed place, and hurried from
+the lodge.
+
+Running Fox was running toward the stockade when he suddenly encountered
+some one walking through the camp. They were face to face before either
+of them realized it, and there was little chance of avoiding
+recognition. Running Fox tried to withdraw into the night, but the
+Mohawk jumped forward and peered intently into his face. He identified
+him at once. Running Fox tried to use his bow, but the Mohawk was too
+close. He seized the Delaware, and shouted to rouse the camp. He was a
+large, powerful man, but Running Fox was too quick for him. He jabbed an
+arrow directly into his face, and as the Mohawk shrank back the lad
+wrenched himself free and darted toward his goal.
+
+“Jump up there!” shouted Running Fox, when he reached Spotted Deer.
+
+They climbed nimbly to the top of the log barricade that closed the
+entrance to the village, and then Running Fox clambered upon the
+shoulders of Spotted Deer. The camp was in a wild turmoil, and they knew
+it was only a question of moments before the Mohawks would be upon them.
+Running Fox found that he was almost a bow-length from the top of the
+stockade. The distance was greater than he had expected to find it, and
+for a moment he lost hope. Then, as he realized what it would mean to
+fail, he sprang frantically upward. His fingers closed about the tops of
+the logs, and he struggled furiously to hold fast. For a moment or so it
+seemed as if he must slip back. Then he found a toe-hold against one of
+the logs, and improved his grip on the top of the stockade. The next
+moment he had drawn himself to the top.
+
+“The Mohawks are here, jump down and save yourself,” cried Spotted Deer.
+
+Running Fox took no heed of the warning. Instead he lay across the top
+of the stockade, and reached down to rescue Spotted Deer.
+
+“Jump up, I will help you!” he shouted.
+
+A moment later they had clasped hands, and Spotted Deer was struggling
+desperately to reach the top of the stockade. Arrows were already
+whizzing past them, but as yet the darkness had saved them from harm.
+Once Spotted Deer had gained the top of the stockade in safety, they
+turned about and dropped to the ground on the outside of the camp. They
+heard the Mohawks struggling frantically with the logs that closed the
+doorway.
+
+“Come, we must ran fast!” cried Running Fox, as he dashed for the woods.
+
+“I will follow you,” replied Spotted Deer.
+
+Then they heard a wild babel of sounds behind them, and they knew that
+the Mohawks were rushing from the camp. Above the tumult sounded the
+fierce cry of Nianque, the lynx, the danger signal of the Mohawks. It
+seemed to come from the top of the stockade, and the Delawares believed
+that the Mohawks were sending a warning to the warriors who had left the
+camp earlier in the day.
+
+
+
+
+                   CHAPTER XVII—PURSUED BY THE ENEMY
+
+
+The Delawares bounded through the woods like frightened deer, for they
+knew that the Mohawks were close at their heels. Then they heard
+something that filled them with dread. The dogs were baying fiercely on
+their trail.
+
+“Listen, the Mohawks have sent their dogs after us,” Running Fox cried,
+savagely. “They will follow us like wolves. It will be hard to get
+away.”
+
+“Well, if they come up with us, we will stop and kill them,” said
+Spotted Deer.
+
+“We have few arrows,” Running Fox warned him.
+
+“Perhaps we will not need them,” replied Spotted Deer. “These dogs have
+seen us there in that camp many days. Perhaps when they find out who we
+are they will not trouble us.”
+
+“That may be true,” Running Fox agreed, hopefully.
+
+They noted that the savage baying had already grown weaker in volume,
+and they believed that most of the dogs had abandoned the chase, and
+were barking from the edge of the camp. There were some, however, that
+seemed intent upon overtaking the fugitives. In fact it was only a few
+moments before the lads heard them bounding through the undergrowth a
+short distance behind them. Realizing that flight would only invite an
+attack, the lads instantly stopped and waited for the dogs to come up
+with them.
+
+“Here they are—watch sharp!” cried Running Fox.
+
+The next moment four great wolf-like creatures overtook them. As the
+lads faced them and ordered them off the curs seemed to recognize them.
+They circled cautiously about them, sniffing and bristling, but showed
+no disposition to attack. There was one, however, that suddenly grew
+threatening as the Delawares attempted to resume their flight. It
+snarled viciously, and rushed toward Spotted Deer. He waited until it
+came within arm’s reach, and cracked its skull with the Mohawk war-club.
+
+“Now we will get away,” he laughed, as the other dogs drew their tails
+between their legs and scurried toward the village.
+
+Without the help of the dogs the Mohawks soon blundered from the trail,
+and it was not long before the lads heard them signaling on all sides of
+them. What disturbed them was the fact that some of the Mohawks seemed
+to be ahead of them. They could scarcely believe that their foes had
+actually passed them, and they wondered if it might not be some of the
+warriors who had left the camp early in the day.
+
+“The Mohawks have surrounded us,” Spotted Deer said, uneasily.
+
+“No, I am not afraid about that,” replied Running Fox. “They have lost
+the trail, and they are scattering to find it. If we watch sharp we will
+get by them.”
+
+When it grew light the lads began to look for certain landmarks which
+they had fixed in their memory. They planned to skirt the edge of the
+lake where they had blundered into the Shawnees, and then make directly
+toward the river. As the day progressed and they continued to avoid
+their foes they began to feel more confident. Running Fox had little
+doubt that the skin of the great white Medicine Owl was beginning to
+exert its power.
+
+“When the Mohawks find out that we have taken away the skin of Gokhos I
+believe they will be afraid to follow us,” said Spotted Deer.
+
+“No, I feel different about it,” replied Running Fox. “When Standing
+Wolf finds out what we have done I believe he will bring a great
+war-party to fight us. Yes, I believe he is already on our trail. We
+must travel fast to warn our people.”
+
+The sun was disappearing behind the western hills when the Delawares
+finally reached the northern end of the lake. They had traveled at top
+speed ever since their escape from the camp, and they were tired and
+hungry. Nevertheless they feared to stop. They had little doubt that at
+least some of the Mohawks were close behind them, and they knew it might
+be fatal to sacrifice even part of their lead.
+
+“We must keep going,” Running Fox said, grimly. “If the Mohawks do not
+come up with us pretty soon I believe they will begin to hold back.”
+
+They continued along the shore of the lake, and had gone about half of
+its length before night finally overtook them. Then a big red moon rose,
+and flooded the forest with its light. It blazed a broad silver trail
+across the water, and as they watched it they suddenly saw the black
+phantom-like forms of three canoes sweep swiftly across the path of
+light. They were within bow-shot of the shore, and were apparently
+making for the end of the lake.
+
+“The Mohawks have fooled us,” said Running Fox. “Now they will get to
+the river ahead of us. Perhaps they will wait at the end of this water.
+We must keep a sharp watch.”
+
+He had barely finished speaking when a loon called a short distance
+farther down the lake. The Delawares felt certain that it was a signal
+from the canoemen. In a few moments they were sure of it when they heard
+a fox yapping on the opposite shore. Then close behind them sounded the
+call of Gokhos, the owl.
+
+“The Mohawks are all around us,” whispered Spotted Deer.
+
+They believed that there was a shorter trail between the Mohawk camp and
+the head of the lake, which accounted for the Mohawks overtaking them.
+It was evident that they hoped to intercept them before they reached the
+river. Spotted Deer proposed that when they reached the end of the lake
+they should make a long detour toward the east, and gradually circle
+back to the river. Running Fox promptly decided against it.
+
+“No, that would take a long time,” he said. “We have done what we set
+out to do. Now we must take the shortest trail to our people. I believe
+we will find danger any way we go. The best way is to go ahead until we
+strike the river.”
+
+“We will do as you say,” agreed Spotted Deer.
+
+Then for three long days they skulked through the forest endeavoring to
+reach the headwaters of the river. Twice they were turned back, and
+compelled to make long, wearying detours. When they finally reached
+their goal near the end of the fourth day, they were almost on the point
+of collapse. However, the sight of the river gave them new strength, for
+it seemed like a friendly trail to their own village.
+
+“Now we will soon be with our people,” laughed Spotted Deer.
+
+“We will find much danger before we reach them,” Running Fox warned him.
+
+The Delawares had little doubt that the Mohawks had canoes concealed
+somewhere near the headwaters of the river, but they believed they had
+already been put to use by their owners. Therefore, the lads determined
+to take no chances trying to find them. Their one thought was to reach
+their people in time to warn them against the great war-party that they
+felt sure would follow them to the Delaware camp.
+
+Late the second day they suddenly came in sight of a single canoe
+directly ahead of them. It contained three Mohawk warriors, and was
+close to the shore along which the Delawares were traveling. The
+paddlers appeared tired, and the lads felt certain that they had paddled
+desperately down the river in a last effort to overtake them before they
+reached the Delaware hunting grounds.
+
+“Look, those warriors are coming to the shore,” whispered Spotted Deer.
+
+Shortly afterward the Mohawks brought the canoe to land, and two of the
+paddlers stepped out. The third, however, remained in the canoe, and
+paddled across to the opposite shore. Then, he, too, landed, and drew
+the canoe into the bushes. Then all three Mohawks disappeared into the
+woods.
+
+“Those warriors have come a long ways ahead of the war-party to look for
+us,” whispered Running Fox. “If they do not find us they will wait until
+their people come.”
+
+The lads were fearful of colliding with the canoemen who had disembarked
+on their side of the river, and they determined to hide themselves until
+darkness made it safe to advance. While they were waiting, Spotted Deer
+suddenly formed a daring plan for outwitting their foes.
+
+“When it gets dark I am going to swim across the water, and get that
+canoe,” he told Running Fox.
+
+The latter shook his head. It was some moments before he replied.
+
+“No, you must not do that,” said Running Fox.
+
+“Yes, I am going to do it,” declared Spotted Deer. “You are the leader,
+but you must stay here until I see what happens to me. Yon have done a
+great thing. You will bring great power to our people. It would be
+foolish for you to get killed. If I get that canoe I will come back and
+get you before it gets light. If I do not come back by that time you
+will know that I have been killed. Then you must do the best you can to
+reach our people. Now I am not going to talk any more about it.
+
+“Spotted Deer, you are very brave,” said Running Fox. “If you get that
+canoe it will be a good thing for us. Yes, then we can get away from the
+Mohawks, and go to our people very fast. But you must not let anything
+happen to you. Perhaps the Mohawks have set a trap. Perhaps the warrior
+who dragged the canoe into the bushes is watching. You must be very
+careful.”
+
+“I will watch sharp,” Spotted Deer assured him.
+
+Spotted Deer did not wait long after darkness fell. He believed that his
+chances for success would be better if he made his attempt during the
+early part of the night. He felt quite sure that at that time the
+Mohawks would still be intent upon watching, but he feared that if he
+waited until later they might become discouraged and decide to abandon
+their vigil. Running Fox held the same opinion.
+
+“Now I am going,” Spotted Deer whispered, when he was ready. “It may
+take me a long time, but you must creep down close to the water and keep
+listening. If I get the canoe I will come back near this spot. When I
+get near the land I will slap the water like Amoch, the beaver. When you
+hear that you must throw a little stone into the water. It will make a
+splash like Maschilamek, the trout, and the Mohawks will think nothing
+of it. But I will know what it means. Now I am going.”
+
+“Go. I will watch for you,” said Running Fox.
+
+A moment later Spotted Deer disappeared into the dark as silently as a
+shadow. He turned directly toward the river, and when he came in sight
+of the water he stopped to listen. Clouds filled the sky, and the night
+was black and still. Spotted Deer raised his face toward the heavens,
+and asked Getanittowit to aid him in his task. Then he advanced to the
+edge of the water. For a moment or so he stood there looking and
+listening. Then he waded carefully from the shore.
+
+The river was narrow and still at that spot, and Spotted Deer crossed it
+without difficulty. As he approached the shore he ceased swimming, and
+turned upon his back. He floated a long time, listening for a warning of
+danger. Then as he heard nothing to arouse his suspicions he swam to the
+shore.
+
+It took only a few moments to wade from the water, and cross the narrow
+beach between the river and the stand of willows in which the Mohawk had
+concealed the canoe. Spotted Deer entered the cover with great caution,
+for he feared an ambush. His fears proved groundless, however, and he
+reached the canoe in safety. Then he hesitated. The most perilous part
+of his task was still before him, and he was somewhat in doubt as to
+just how to proceed. He doubted his ability to carry the canoe to the
+water, and still he realized that if he attempted to drag it through the
+dense tangle of bushes he might make sufficient noise to warn the
+Mohawk. Still there seemed to be only those two alternatives, and he
+knew that every moment he delayed he increased his peril. He lifted the
+how of the canoe to the level of his knees, and saw at once that it
+would be almost impossible to get it to his shoulders. The question was
+decided, therefore he would be compelled to drag it.
+
+Holding his bow and arrows in one hand, Spotted Deer started to draw the
+canoe from the willows. It was not an easy task, and the young Delaware
+trembled at the noise he made. Each moment he expected to find the
+Mohawk at his throat. Once out of the willows, however, he made better
+progress. He had almost reached the water when he heard a twig snap at
+the edge of the woods. Believing that he had been discovered, he threw
+off his caution, and dragged the canoe toward the water with no attempt
+to conceal the noise. As he launched it and clambered in over the side,
+he heard the Mohawk running toward the river. Several strong paddle
+strokes carried him from the shore, and then the night hid him from his
+foe.
+
+As Spotted Deer paddled frantically toward the opposite shore of the
+river, he heard the Mohawk yelling furiously to warn his friends. The
+anxious lad realized that once they reached the river it might be
+impossible to rescue Running Fox. The thought drove him to still greater
+exertions. As yet the two scouts had failed to answer the frantic
+appeals of their tribesman. Then, when Spotted Deer was two-thirds of
+the way across, he heard them signaling with the notes of the owl. Still
+they seemed to be some distance back from the water, and he had hopes of
+picking up Running Fox before they could reach the river.
+
+Once within bow-shot of the shore, Spotted Deer ceased paddling and
+struck the water a resounding whack with the blade of his paddle. Then
+he listened anxiously for the splash of a stone. Several moments passed,
+and the silence remained unbroken. Spotted Deer again struck the water
+with his paddle. Still there was no answer. Spotted Deer suddenly grew
+weak with fear. He believed that something had happened to Running Fox.
+The possibility staggered him. He was unable to rally his wits. Then he
+heard the Mohawk on the opposite side of the river imitating the scream
+of Nianque, the lynx. A moment afterward the signal was answered from
+the edge of the woods, a bow-shot farther down the river. The next
+instant a stone struck the water within a bow-length of the canoe.
+
+Wild with joy, Spotted Deer paddled furiously toward the shore. Running
+Fox waded out to meet him. As he stepped into the canoe, an arrow sang
+harmlessly past them. The next moment they heard the Mohawks rushing
+into the water below them.
+
+“Paddle hard!” cried Running Fox. “They will swim out and try to catch
+us.”
+
+“We will get by them,” declared Spotted Deer. “Keep watching ahead.”
+
+He turned the canoe toward the opposite side of the river, and put all
+his strength into his paddle strokes. Then, when he was half-way across,
+he turned down the river. They had gone several arrow-flights when
+Running Fox called a warning. A moment later they flashed past one of
+the Mohawks, who was floundering desperately within three bow-lengths of
+them.
+
+“Now we are safe,” said Spotted Deer.
+
+“Yes, I believe we have got away,” replied Running Fox. “You have done a
+great thing.”
+
+Spotted Deer asked Running Fox why he had been so slow in replying to
+his signal. Running Fox said that at the time he heard it one of the
+Mohawks was somewhere within a few bow-lengths of him, and he had feared
+to make the slightest move. He had been compelled to wait, therefore,
+until the Mohawk moved away.
+
+“Well, we have fooled them,” declared Spotted Deer.
+
+“Yes, that is true,” replied Running Fox. “But I believe they will bring
+a great war-party to fight us.”
+
+
+
+
+             CHAPTER XVIII—THE IROQUOIS BLUNDER INTO A TRAP
+
+
+Two days later the lads reached the Delaware village. Their sudden
+appearance caused a great commotion. “Running Fox has come! Running Fox
+has come!” cried the Delawares. The news brought a great crowd to the
+edge of the water. The enthusiasm was intense. Many of the younger
+warriors waded out, and dragged the canoe to the shore. Then Running Fox
+held up the sacred medicine-trophy, and the people went into ecstasies
+of joy. “See, Running Fox has brought the scalp of Gokhos, the
+mysterious white Medicine Owl,” they cried, excitedly.
+
+As soon as the exhausted young warriors stepped from the canoe they were
+surrounded by a great throng of friends who instantly began to ply them
+with questions. Running Fox left Spotted Deer to struggle with them,
+while he hurried away to find his father.
+
+Black Panther showed little surprise as his son entered the lodge, and
+offered him the famous trophy for which he had risked his life. However,
+the lad’s mother flung herself upon him, and wept for joy. When he had
+tenderly freed himself from her arms, Running Fox turned toward the
+stern Delaware war-chief. The latter showed his pride and his joy in his
+eyes, and the young warrior was satisfied.
+
+“My son, you have come back,” said Black Panther. “It is good. I see
+that you have brought the scalp of Gokhos, the Medicine Owl. Where did
+you find it!”
+
+“I found it in the sacred Medicine Bundle, which hangs in the Medicine
+Lodge of our enemies, the Mohawks. I believe it is the thing that gave
+Standing Wolf his power over us. Yes, I saw him talking to the Medicine
+Spirits with this thing in his hands.”
+
+“Well, my son, you have done a great thing,” declared Black Panther,
+striving hard to conceal his emotion. “You are only a boy, but you have
+done more than the bravest warrior. But you must not think about that.
+No, you must find out how to get those mysterious powers, so that you
+can help your people, and become a great chief. Take this thing to Sky
+Dog, and ask him what to do.”
+
+“Yes, I will go, but first I must warn you that a great war-party of
+Mohawks are coming to fight us,” said Running Fox.
+
+“How do you know that?” Black Panther asked, sharply.
+
+“The scouts followed us a long ways down the river, and the Mohawks are
+very mad. I believe Standing Wolf will bring a great war-party here to
+try to get back this mysterious Medicine Thing.”
+
+The warning seemed to make a strong impression upon Black Panther. He
+immediately summoned a picked company of scouts, and sent them away to
+watch for the Mohawks. Then he called a council of the principal
+war-leaders to form plans for defending the village. It was evident that
+the possibility of Standing Wolf leading his great war-party against the
+camp filled even Black Panther with considerable uneasiness.
+
+In the meantime Running Fox had hastened to the lodge of old Sky Dog. As
+usual the aged medicine-man showed little interest as the visitor
+entered the lodge. A moment afterward, however, when he learned who it
+was he began to grow excited.
+
+“Hi, I see that you have lived to come back,” he said. “That is because
+I helped you. I have done some wonderful things, but this is the
+greatest. Well, tell me what has happened to you.”
+
+When Running Fox showed him the medicine-trophy, and related his
+experiences since he left the camp, Sky Dog looked at him in
+astonishment. It was apparent that he found difficulty in believing the
+story. He gazed searchingly into the eyes of the lad, and examined the
+medicine-trophy many times before he committed himself. Then he seemed
+satisfied that the exploit was genuine.
+
+“My son, I have listened to your words,” he said, soberly. “At first I
+did not believe them. But now I know that you have told the truth. Yes,
+I see that you have done the greatest thing I ever knew about, But you
+must not feel too big about it. You must prepare yourself to become a
+great leader. Take this sacred Medicine Thing, and keep it about you
+whenever you are about to do anything big. It will give you great power.
+But you must not give it to any one else. If you do that, something bad
+will surely happen to you. Now I will tell you something. Standing Wolf
+and his people will come here to get that great Medicine Thing. Yes,
+they will come here before two suns pass. There will be a great battle.
+Many people will be killed. Perhaps the Medicine Thing will help you.
+Perhaps it will still help Standing Wolf. If it helps him, then you must
+get rid of it. Sometimes these things turn out that way. There is only
+one way to find out about it. You must carry it into the thick of the
+fight. If it gives you power you will do great things. If it turns
+against you, you will surely be killed. Now you must go and rest. I have
+spoken.”
+
+“Sky Dog, I will do as you tell me,” replied Running Fox.
+
+Several days passed and still there was no word of the Mohawks. The
+Delawares began to hope that they had been needlessly alarmed. Some of
+them even began to doubt that the skin of the white Medicine Owl had
+really come from the Mohawk medicine-bundle. However, they were careful
+to keep their suspicions from reaching the ears of Running Fox or his
+father. Others declared that Standing Wolf was afraid to fight without
+the protection of his medicine charm. Still Black Panther and his
+war-leaders continued to make preparations for the battle. They knew
+Standing Wolf too well to deceive themselves by believing that he would
+surrender his most valued possession without making a desperate attempt
+to regain it from his foes. The delay only strengthened their fears, for
+they believed he had sent runners to induce some of the neighboring
+tribes of Iroquois to join in the attack on the Delaware camp.
+
+Then the suspense was suddenly ended by the return of one of the scouts.
+He said that a great company of Iroquois were coming down the river in
+canoes, and the Delaware scouts had little doubt that many more were
+traveling through the forest on foot. He declared that the Delawares
+would be greatly outnumbered, as it appeared that the Mohawks had been
+strongly reinforced by some of their neighbors from farther to the
+westward.
+
+The Delawares became greatly disturbed at the news. They had fought more
+than one losing fight with the fierce Mohawk chief and his savage
+warriors, and they fully realized the nature of the task that confronted
+them. Besides, the village sheltered many women and children, and the
+warriors dreaded to think what might happen if the Mohawks forced their
+way into the camp. They knew from experience that once roused, the
+Mohawks would kill every man, woman and child that fell into their
+hands. For a time, therefore, the Delawares thought of abandoning the
+camp and fleeing southward to the village of their tribesmen, the Minsi,
+another tribe of the Lenape nation who lived a full day’s journey
+farther down the river. However, when Black Panther heard of their fears
+he immediately called them to assemble in council.
+
+“Men of the Lenape nation, what has happened to your hearts?” demanded
+the Delaware war-chief. “Have the Delawares turned into rabbits? Do you
+tremble when you hear the name of Standing Wolf? Come, you must answer
+me.”
+
+The stern rebuke was received in silence. More than one stalwart warrior
+lowered his eyes in shame as Black Panther challenged him. Then as no
+one spoke, the chief continued.
+
+“You have heard that the Mohawks are coming to fight us. Well, what will
+you do about it? Do you feel like running away? I do not believe it. You
+say that Standing Wolf has mysterious power over us. Well, I will tell
+you that he has lost it. Running Fox has taken it away from him. The
+great Mohawk war-chief is like a bear without claws. He can do no harm.
+Running Fox will carry the mysterious Medicine Thing into the fight. If
+you follow him he will lead you to victory. It is true that we have
+never beaten Standing Wolf, but this time it will be different. Yes, Sky
+Dog will tell you that. Come, I will tell you what to do. First we will
+send scouts down the river to ask our brothers, the Minsi, to come and
+help us. Then we will send the women and children down the river in
+canoes. A warrior will sit in each canoe. Whoever is afraid of Standing
+Wolf must leave his weapons, and go with the women and children. The
+rest of us will stay here, and meet the boastful Mohawks. Now, my
+brother, let me see who is afraid to stay.”
+
+Not even the youngest boy responded. The Delawares answered the
+challenge with a great shout of defiance that seemed to shake the hills.
+Then they began to sing their war-songs, and parade about the camp. In a
+few moments they called for Running Fox to address them.
+
+“My brothers, I am a young man, and I have not much to say,” Running Fox
+told them, modestly. “I have brought you the thing which gave Standing
+Wolf his mysterious power over us. Now I am going to carry it into the
+thick of the fight. I believe we will win a great victory. Now we must
+get ready to fight.”
+
+Then old Sky Dog rose and delivered a fiery harangue that instantly
+roused the fighting mood of the warriors. He told them that Running Fox
+had done the most wonderful thing in the history of the tribe. He
+declared that the possession of the Mohawk medicine-trophy not only
+insured them against defeat, but made victory certain. Then he called
+upon them to go forth, and fight as they had never fought before.
+
+In the meantime Spotted Deer and a young warrior named Little Snake had
+already departed down the river to summon aid of the Minsi. The canoes
+had been launched, and the women and children were getting into them.
+Now that the Delawares had become eager to fight, it was difficult to
+get warriors to accompany them. However, Black Panther selected the
+escort, and chose the young untried warriors and a few of the older men
+who had been disabled in previous fights.
+
+The refugees had barely left the village when scouts brought word that
+the Mohawks had disembarked about a half day’s journey from the camp.
+The scouts said that it was evident they intended to advance through the
+woods on the north side of the camp.
+
+“The river was covered with canoes,” declared an excited Delaware scout.
+
+Black Panther immediately called for a company of volunteers to go out
+and lie in wait for the Mohawks. Most of the warriors responded, and he
+chose a third of his entire force. Then he appointed Running Fox the
+leader. It was an unusual honor for a lad of his years, but he had
+proved his ability, and the Delawares were ready to follow him. They had
+little doubt that the Mohawk medicine-trophy would bring him the same
+powers which they believed it had bestowed upon Standing Wolf, and they
+expected to see him accomplish equally wonderful feats.
+
+“My son, I have made you the leader of this war-party,” said Black
+Panther, as the lad came to him for final instructions. “You are very
+young, and you have not been in many fights. You must listen to what I
+am about to say. There are some great war-leaders in your party. There
+is Broken Hand, and Two Elks, and Painted Dog. All those men are great
+leaders. You must ask them to help you. But I have made you the leader.
+You must know what to do. Now I will tell you. The Mohawks have left the
+canoes. They will probably come down along this side of the river. You
+must send good scouts ahead of you to find which way the Mohawks are
+coming. It will be necessary to send some scouts across the river, for
+the Mohawks may come down that side. Well, when you have found out which
+way the Mohawks are coming you must put your warriors in their way. You
+must hold them back until I get a chance to prepare the camp. You must
+find a good place to hide in. Do not show yourselves until the Mohawks
+are right between you. Then you must rush in and fool them. You must try
+to kill as many as you can, and drive back the others. That may hold
+them off until we can get ready to fight. However, if they are too
+strong for you, you must fight your way back to the village. I have
+finished.”
+
+“My father, I will do as you have told me,” replied Running Fox. “I will
+talk with Broken Hand, and Two Elks and Painted Dog. We will try to make
+a good fight.”
+
+Running Fox and his companions left the village in silence, for Black
+Panther had cautioned the Delawares against making a demonstration. The
+sun was low in the west, and the valiant company of fighters hurried
+through the woods in the hope of finding the Mohawks before it grew
+dark. Several of the scouts who had already located the enemy were sent
+on ahead, and three other scouts were sent across the river in a canoe
+to watch along the opposite shore.
+
+By the time darkness finally closed down the Delawares had traveled a
+considerable distance along the river. Then they stopped, and waited to
+hear from the scouts. It was not long before one of them brought word
+that the main Mohawk war-party was close at hand. He said that they were
+following the Delaware hunting trail, and had sent a number of scouts
+ahead of them. The Delawares lost little time in concealing themselves
+along the sides of a narrow ravine. Then they waited anxiously for the
+Mohawks to blunder into the ambush.
+
+A short time afterward the Mohawk scouts entered the ravine. The
+Delawares allowed them to pass through in safety. However, when the
+war-party attempted to follow, the Delawares rose from concealment and
+attacked them with great fury. The Mohawks were completely surprised,
+and for a time they were thrown into great confusion. The Delawares had
+little trouble in driving them from the ravine, and elated at their
+success they attempted to turn the surprise into a rout. It was only a
+few moments, however, before they discovered that they had made a
+serious blunder. What they had mistaken for the war-party was only an
+advance guard following the scouts. When the main war-party rushed up a
+few moments later, the Delawares found themselves outnumbered by four to
+one. Still Running Fox had no idea of retreating. He had been sent to
+delay the Mohawks as long as possible, and he determined to make them
+fight every stride of the way to the Delaware camp. Calling upon his
+war-leaders to follow him, the young warrior fought with a reckless fury
+that amazed his foes. Stimulated by his example, the Delawares not only
+held their ground, but actually forced the Mohawks to give way. The
+advantage was only temporary, however, for the Mohawks soon rallied, and
+attacked so fiercely that the Delawares in turn were compelled to yield.
+They retreated slowly, however, fighting so stubbornly that the Mohawks
+began to grow cautious.
+
+Running Fox had many narrow escapes, for he threw himself into the
+thickest of the fighting. Twice he was compelled to fight desperate hand
+to hand encounters with his foes, and each time he came off victorious.
+At another time he was attacked by three Mohawks at once, but he
+succeeded in dodging behind a tree and killed two of his assailants, and
+wounded the third. The Delawares began to believe that the sacred white
+Medicine Owl had made him invincible. Running Fox himself believed it,
+and the thought gave him confidence.
+
+The Delawares held back the Mohawks until daylight, and then the latter
+suddenly retired. Running Fox knew better than to attempt to follow
+them. He feared that the withdrawal was part of some clever stratagem,
+and he immediately called a council of his war-leaders.
+
+“I believe the Mohawks will wait until it gets dark again, and then they
+will try to circle around us,” said Broken Hand. “I believe the best
+thing we can do is to go back to the village. We have held back the
+Mohawks until our women and children are safe. We can do no good by
+staying here and throwing away our lives. I believe we can make a better
+showing with our people at the village.”
+
+“I feel strange about this thing,” declared Two Elks. “You have done
+some wonderful things, but if you stay here I believe you will be
+killed. I cannot help telling you this, because that is how I feel about
+it.”
+
+“I feel like Broken Hand,” said Painted Dog. “I have not seen Standing
+Wolf in this fight. I believe he is somewhere about with another big
+war-party. I saw many Oneidas in this war-party. Yes, I believe I killed
+an Onondaga. Those people may be coming to help the Mohawks. Running
+Fox, you are a good leader. You have done some wonderful things. But
+there are only a few of us. Some of our friends have already been
+killed. The Mohawks are too strong for us. If we stay here they will
+come back and destroy us. I believe we must try to get away.”
+
+“Well, my brothers, I have listened to your words, and I see that you
+all feel the same way about it. I would like to stay and fight some
+more, but I believe it would be foolish. We have done what we came here
+to do. We have held back the Mohawks so that our people can get ready to
+fight It is enough. Come, we will go.”
+
+
+
+
+              CHAPTER XIX—THE ATTACK ON THE DELAWARE CAMP
+
+
+When Running Fox and his companions returned to the camp they found
+everything in readiness for an attack. As there was no stockade about
+the village, the Delawares had hastily thrown up a number of barricades
+made of logs and stones. Inside of the camp were several large
+brush-piles to be lighted if the Mohawks attempted to enter the camp
+under cover of the darkness. Water had been brought from the river, and
+two boys had been selected to climb to the roof of each lodge as soon as
+the fighting began to watch for fire-arrows.
+
+Running Fox went to Black Panther and gave him a full account of the
+fight with the Mohawks. The Delaware chief seemed much pleased, and said
+that if the Mohawks had not been intercepted and held up they would have
+reached the village before he had a chance to prepare for defense.
+
+“My son, you have done a good thing,” he told Running Fox.
+
+Soon afterward the scouts who had been sent across the river came into
+the camp, and said that they had seen nothing of their foes.
+
+“That is good,” declared Black Panther. “Now we know that the Mohawks
+are all together.”
+
+The Delawares had little fear that the Mohawks would begin their attack
+before dark, still they determined to be ready for any emergency.
+Therefore, as the sun sank slowly toward the hilltops they gathered in
+the center of the camp to receive their final instructions from the
+war-chief.
+
+“My brothers, I have little to tell you,” said Black Panther. “You know
+what has happened. Now the Mohawks have come to fight us. Running Fox
+has broken the power of their great chief, Standing Wolf. I believe we
+will be able to overcome him. We must all be brave. We must keep our
+enemies outside of the camp. Pretty soon our brothers, the Minsi, will
+come to help us. No matter what happens we must keep fighting until they
+get here. Do not let anything make you afraid. If we win this great
+battle, the Mohawks will never trouble us again. I have finished.”
+
+When Black Panther finished speaking the Delawares stationed themselves
+along the edge of the camp to watch for their foes. The night was well
+advanced, however, before they heard anything to rouse their suspicions.
+Then they heard the Mohawks signaling on two sides of the camp. It was
+evident, therefore, that there were either two distinct war-parties, or
+else the Mohawks had separated to attack the village on two sides.
+
+The Delawares waited calmly at their posts, each man grimly determined
+to avenge the long list of tribesmen who had died at the hands of those
+fierce and implacable foes. The signals soon ceased, and then for a long
+time all was still. The Delawares waited in trying suspense. A little
+group of warriors huddled behind each barricade, and between them, at
+the edge of the camp, were others to close the gaps. Black Panther and
+the war-leaders moved back and forth between them.
+
+The stillness was suddenly broken by a piercing yell, and a moment later
+it was answered by another on the other side of the camp. Then the
+Mohawks began their attack. They rushed toward the village shouting
+fiercely, but the Delawares faced them without a tremor. They waited
+until their foes were within a few bow-lengths of them, and then they
+rose and met them with such a deadly volley of arrows that the astounded
+Mohawks recoiled in confusion.
+
+Then the Delaware war-cry rang triumphantly through the night, and the
+Mohawks rallied at the sound. Roused to a fury by the stubborn
+resistance of their foes, they fought with a reckless daring that
+carried them to the very edge of the camp. There they met the Delawares
+in a fierce hand to hand encounter. Although they had a tremendous
+advantage in numbers the Mohawks found themselves outfought at every
+point of contact with their courageous foes. Strive as they might, they
+were unable to gain a foothold in the camp. They heard the familiar
+voice of Standing Wolf urging them to victory, but it had suddenly lost
+its power. The Mohawks began to realize that the fight was going against
+them. Aware that they were wasting themselves in vain, they suddenly
+became demoralized, and retreated in wild disorder.
+
+The Delawares were frantic with delight. They had beaten back the
+boastful Mohawks for the first time since Standing Wolf had begun to
+make war upon them. Still they dared not become too hopeful, for they
+feared that their success might prove to be only temporary. They had
+little doubt that the Mohawks would speedily renew the attack, and they
+knew that next time the fortunes of war might again turn in their favor.
+However, their temporary victory gave them confidence, and they
+determined to fight even harder when the Mohawks resumed the battle.
+They believed that the sacred medicine-trophy had already made them
+invincible.
+
+“My brothers, we have beaten off the boastful Mohawks, but we are not
+through,” cried Black Panther. “Do not feel too sure. They will come
+again. Next time they will fight harder. They are much stronger than we
+are. Yes, I believe there are three Mohawks for every Delaware. But I
+saw some Oneidas and Onondagas. It is a great war-party. We must fight
+very hard to keep alive until help comes. Now we must watch.”
+
+Darkness had given way to the soft gray light of dawn when the Mohawks
+made their second attempt to enter the village. This time they attacked
+the camp on three sides, and the fighting was even fiercer than in the
+first encounter. They were led by Standing Wolf and some of the most
+noted Iroquois war-chiefs, and for an instant the Delawares lost
+confidence. The Mohawks were quick to see their advantage, and they
+fought recklessly to make the most of it. Rushing to the barricades they
+struggled desperately with the gallant men who defended them. In one or
+two places they overwhelmed them by force of numbers, and succeeded in
+breaking through the line.
+
+“Come, my brothers, we must fight harder!” shouted Black Panther, as he
+ran boldly along the edge of the camp. “Standing Wolf has lost his
+power. Running Fox has found it. Come, drive these boastful enemies from
+the camp!”
+
+Then Running Fox threw himself into the thick of the fight. Gathering a
+little company of followers, he led them against the Mohawks who had
+reached the edge of the camp. Waving the sacred medicine-trophy, and
+calling upon his companions to follow him, he attacked his foes with
+such ferocity that they fell back astounded. Before they could recover
+from their surprise, the Delawares rallied, and drove them beyond the
+barricades.
+
+Then a warning came from the other side of the camp. Again Running Fox
+led a gallant company to meet the invaders. This time, however, their
+task was more difficult, and for a time the Delawares were unable to
+dislodge their foes. Then in a thrilling hand to hand encounter Running
+Fox killed the warrior who led the attack, and the Mohawks suddenly lost
+their courage, and fell back.
+
+Word of his prowess was instantly spread among the Delawares, and they
+were finally convinced that the mysterious Mohawk medicine-trophy was
+responsible for his remarkable success. The thought strengthened their
+confidence, and filled them with such dogged determination that the
+Mohawks were again compelled to fall back before their stubborn
+resistance.
+
+“Well, my brothers, you have made a great fight,” Black Panther cried,
+enthusiastically. “The Mohawks have found out that we are men. They
+tried to get into the camp, but we were too strong for them. Running Fox
+has done some great things. It must be that the mysterious Medicine
+Thing is helping him. But we are not through with this fight. I believe
+it will last a long time. Well, we will not give in. No, we will keep
+fighting no matter how long it takes. See, the Mohawks have disappeared
+into the woods. The full light has come. It is good. I do not believe
+the Mohawks will begin to fight again until it gets dark. Perhaps they
+have gone away. Well, we will not let them fool us. We will keep
+watching.”
+
+The Delawares saw nothing further of their foes until near the end of
+the day, and then they again heard them signaling on both sides of the
+camp. It was evident that they were preparing to renew the attack. The
+Delawares knew what to expect. Still there was not one among them who
+showed the least trace of anxiety. They waited calmly, determined to
+fight if need be until the last of them was killed.
+
+The attack was renewed at sunset, and the Delawares were astounded to
+find that on this occasion their foes were Oneidas and Onondagas. They
+knew at once that the wily Mohawk war-chief had been holding these hardy
+fighters in reserve, and had called upon them to relieve his own
+warriors when the latter showed signs of weakening before the deadly
+resistance of the Delawares.
+
+“Hi, my brothers, the Mohawks have sent others to do what they cannot do
+themselves!” cried Black Panther. “Come, we will show these people how
+to fight!”
+
+Although the unexpected appearance of the new fighting force filled them
+with dismay, the Delawares fought as stubbornly as ever. The odds were
+all against them, however, and they realized that only the timely
+arrival of their tribesmen, the Minsi, could save them from disaster.
+
+
+
+
+                           CHAPTER XX—VICTORY
+
+
+Fighting continued at intervals throughout the night, and daylight found
+the exhausted Delawares still keeping weary vigil at the edge of the
+camp. They had lost almost half of their number, and they were
+discouraged and hopeless. They watched the dawn of the new day with
+gloomy forebodings, for they feared to imagine what might happen before
+it ended. The Iroquois showed no intention of abandoning the fight, and
+the Delawares knew that unless their tribesmen arrived to help them it
+would be only a short time before they were finally overcome. They felt
+sure that the three war-parties would unite for the final attack, and
+they knew that there was little chance of holding them off. Each grim
+Delaware warrior felt defeat and death hovering over him.
+
+“My brothers, a new day has come,” said Black Panther. “Before it ends I
+believe our brothers, the Minsi, will come to help us. Pretty soon we
+will hear them shouting the war-cry. Then the Iroquois will run like
+rabbits. We must keep our hearts brave. We have killed many of our
+enemies. They tried to get into our lodges, but we beat them back. Now
+they are hiding out there in the woods. Yes, they are afraid to face us
+in the light. Come, we will let them hear our war-cry.”
+
+Roused by the words of their chief, the Delawares rallied from their
+gloom and sent their war-cry ringing through the forest. The Iroquois
+immediately answered the challenge, and the Delawares shook their heads
+soberly. However, as the time passed, and the Iroquois made no further
+attempts against the village, the Delawares began to take heart. They
+believed that their foes were waiting to make one supreme effort under
+cover of the night, and they hoped that the Minsi war-party would arrive
+in the meantime.
+
+Then as the long day finally passed and their tribesmen failed to appear
+the Delawares again lost heart. The approach of night filled them with
+dread. They feared that long before daylight they would be overcome by
+the superior numbers of their foes. The possibility staggered them. They
+suddenly realized what it meant. They would be wiped out, destroyed from
+the land, and their women and children would be homeless. The thought
+filled them with new determination. They pledged themselves to fight
+even harder than they had fought before.
+
+As the ominous black shadows finally settled over the camp, the
+Delawares nerved themselves for their task. They knew that the attack
+would come suddenly, at any moment, and the thought kept them in trying
+suspense. Then as the night dragged on and nothing happened, they began
+to grow suspicious. They wondered if the Iroquois were stealing silently
+upon them under cover of the darkness. They strained their ears to catch
+a warning. All was still. The Delawares were bewildered. The uncanny
+silence strained their nerves. Each moment they expected to hear the
+terrifying Iroquois war-cry, and see their foes within arm’s reach of
+them. Then some one shouted a warning from the end of the camp. The
+suspense was ended. The fight had begun. The Delawares felt relieved.
+
+“Light the fires! Light the fires!” cried the warriors near the point of
+attack.
+
+“No, no, not yet!” shouted Black Panther.
+
+Then a streak of fire flashed through the night, and fell into the
+village. It was a fire-arrow. The boys were ordered to the tops of the
+lodges. A moment afterward the great Iroquois war-party rushed upon the
+camp. They had approached close up to the barricades before the
+Delawares discovered them. Then at the proper signal they rose, and
+grappled with them. The Delawares fought desperately, but they were
+hopelessly outnumbered, and it seemed to be only a matter of moments
+before the Iroquois would force their way into the camp.
+
+“Light the fires! Light the fires!” screamed the Delawares.
+
+This time Black Panther realized the necessity for it. Then as the
+flames roared through the piles of dry brush, and flooded the village
+with light, he saw the Iroquois at the edge of the camp. They were
+fighting recklessly to gain a foothold in the village, but the Delawares
+were attacking them like a swarm of angry bees. Onondagas, Oneidas and
+Mohawks had combined, and Standing Wolf himself was leading them. For a
+time the Delawares held them off, but the odds against them were too
+great, and the Iroquois eventually fought their way into the camp.
+
+For an instant the Delawares faltered. Then they rallied about their
+gallant war-chief and fought with the fury of despair. They had gathered
+in force at one end of the camp, and the Iroquois were unable to
+dislodge them. The Delawares knew that if they were scattered and driven
+from the village they would be surrounded and annihilated. Therefore,
+they determined to stand together until the end.
+
+Running Fox was in a frenzy of despair. He realized that he alone was to
+blame for the plight of his tribesmen, and the thought drove him to
+distraction. It seemed as if his perilous journey to the Mohawk camp had
+been in vain. The mysterious Medicine Creatures had apparently deceived
+him. The sacred medicine-trophy for which he had risked his life seemed
+powerless against the famous Mohawk war-chief. Getanittowit appeared to
+have turned against him. Instead of aiding his people, the distracted
+lad believed that he had brought about their destruction. He had fought
+with a recklessness that had astounded both his tribesmen and their
+foes, and still it seemed to have been in vain. Running Fox was beside
+himself with grief. In the midst of the desperate encounter be raised
+his arms toward the sky and called upon Getanittowit to help him. “O
+Getanittowit, see what has happened to me. O Getanittowit, give me power
+to help my people. O Getanittowit, send the powerful Medicine Creatures
+to aid me,” he shouted excitedly.
+
+Then a loud mocking laugh rose above the sounds of battle. Running Fox
+did not need to look. He knew instinctively that it came from Standing
+Wolf. A moment afterward he saw him fighting recklessly at the head of
+his warriors. As usual be seemed to bear a charmed life. His tribesmen
+were dropping on both sides of him, but as yet he was unharmed.
+
+“See, we cannot harm that man!” the Delawares told one another in
+superstitious awe. “It is useless to fight him. He will kill us all!”
+
+“No! No! He cannot harm you, for I am going to kill him!” Running Fox
+cried, hysterically. “See, I have the skin of Gokhos, the great white
+Medicine Owl. My brothers, I have taken away the power from Standing
+Wolf. I have just found out about it. Now you will see something. I am
+going to kill that man. I am going to bring our brothers, the Minsi.
+Pretty soon you will hear them. Now you must watch me.”
+
+The next moment he bounded past his astonished tribesmen, and advanced
+fearlessly upon the Mohawk chief. The latter shot an arrow at him, but
+it flew harmlessly past his head. Then, as Running Fox laughed and
+pointed to the medicine-trophy which hung upon his breast, Standing Wolf
+uttered a yell of rage and rushed forward, war-club in hand. Before he
+had taken two strides Running Fox drove an arrow through his heart.
+
+“See, my brothers, see what I have done!” screamed Running Fox, as he
+drove back several Mohawks who had rushed upon him to avenge the death
+of their chief.
+
+“It is the Medicine Spirits!” cried the Delawares, as they ran to his
+support.
+
+“Yes, I have the power!” shouted Running Fox. “Come, you must follow
+me!”
+
+He led the Delawares in a furious attack that utterly routed the
+faltering Mohawks. The death of their famous chief had demoralized them,
+and as they saw their comrades falling before the deadly arrows of the
+wild-eyed young Delaware and his followers they suddenly became
+panic-stricken and fled from the camp.
+
+At that very instant the Delaware war-cry rang through the night and a
+moment afterward a great company of Minsi fighting men poured into the
+village. They threw themselves upon the bewildered Oneidas and Onondagas
+and completely overwhelmed them. The Minsi gained a quick and easy
+victory, for the superstitious Iroquois believed that some powerful
+Medicine Spirit had suddenly come to the aid of their foes, and they
+made little attempt to resist them. Finding themselves in danger of
+being speedily annihilated by the fierce fighters who had suddenly
+appeared before them, they, too, retreated from the camp in wild
+disorder, and sought safety in flight. However, the Delawares were
+determined to make the most of their victory, and they followed their
+fleeing foes far into the wilderness, exacting a terrible vengeance for
+the many wrongs which they had suffered at the hands of Standing Wolf
+and his followers.
+
+Late the following day when the last of the Delaware fighting men had
+returned to the camp, Black Panther called upon all to assemble and give
+thanks for the victory. It was a notable gathering, and the stern
+Delaware war-chief looked upon his warriors with great pride. Then his
+eyes sought out Running Fox, and for a moment he was almost overcome by
+his emotion.
+
+“My people, we have won a great victory,” said Black Panther. “Standing
+Wolf, the great Mohawk war-chief, is dead. Many of his people have
+followed him. The warriors who escaped are running toward their
+villages. It will be a long time before they come here again. Do you
+know how all this came about? Well, I will tell you. It is because
+Running Fox went into the Mohawk camp, and brought away the skin of the
+mysterious white Medicine Owl. Spotted Deer went with him. Those young
+warriors have done the greatest thing that has ever been done by a
+Delaware. But Running Fox has done something bigger than that. He has
+killed the great chief Standing Wolf. That fierce warrior killed many of
+our people. Yes, he killed many of our women and children. He destroyed
+our crops, and burned our lodges. We wished to live in peace, but he
+would not let us. He brought great trouble upon us. Now he will never
+trouble us again. Running Fox has brought it to pass. He is very young,
+but he has become a great warrior. Yes, he must have a place in the
+council-circle. I have finished.”
+
+The Delawares greeted the announcement with shouts of approval. They
+called Running Fox and Spotted Deer to stand in the center of the camp,
+while the great war-party paraded around them, singing the songs of
+victory. Then they suddenly stopped, and raised their voices in the
+great tribute which was only given to the famous war-chiefs of the
+nation. It was a high honor, and the happy lads strove hard to conceal
+their pride as they looked joyfully into each other’s eyes.
+
+                                THE END
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Running Fox, by Elmer Russell Gregor
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+		<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" />
+		<title>Running Fox, by Elmer Russell Gregor</title>
+		<link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg"/>
+		<meta name="DC.Creator" content="Elmer Russell Gregor"/>
+		<meta name="DC.Title" content="Running Fox"/>
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+		<meta name="DC.Created" content="1918"/>
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+			hr.pb { border:none; border-bottom:1px solid silver;
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+			.literal { display:inline-block; text-align:left; }
+			p.toc { text-align:left; text-indent:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; }
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+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Running Fox, by Elmer Russell Gregor
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Running Fox
+
+Author: Elmer Russell Gregor
+
+Illustrator: D. C. Hutchison
+
+Release Date: October 2, 2013 [EBook #43864]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
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+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RUNNING FOX ***
+
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+
+
+Produced by Roger Frank
+
+
+
+
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+</pre>
+
+
+<p class='line' style='text-align:center;margin-top:2em;font-size:1.4em;'>RUNNING FOX</p>
+
+<hr class='pb'/>
+
+<div class='imgcenter mw100 wx320'>
+<img style='width:100%' src='images/illus-fpc.jpg' alt='' />
+<p class='caption'>The next instant his own arrow dropped his enemy to the ground.</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class='pb'/>
+
+<div class='lgc'> <!-- center; -->
+<p class='line' style='font-size:1.4em;'>RUNNING FOX</p>
+<p class='line'>&#160;</p>
+<p class='line'>BY</p>
+<p class='line'>&#160;</p>
+<p class='line' style='font-size:1.2em;'>ELMER RUSSELL GREGOR</p>
+<p class='line'>&#160;</p>
+<p class='line'>AUTHOR OF “WHITE OTTER,” ETC. ETC.</p>
+<p class='line'>&#160;</p>
+<div class='imgcenter'>
+<img src='images/illus-emb.png' alt='' />
+</div>
+<p class='line'>&#160;</p>
+<p class='line'>FRONTISPIECE BY</p>
+<p class='line'>D. C. HUTCHISON</p>
+<p class='line'>&#160;</p>
+<p class='line'>D. APPLETON AND COMPANY</p>
+<p class='line'>NEW YORK—LONDON</p>
+<p class='line'>1918</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class='pb'/>
+
+<div class='lgc'> <!-- center; -->
+<p class='line'>Copyright, 1918, by</p>
+<p class='line'>D. APPLETON AND COMPANY</p>
+<p class='line'>&#160;</p>
+<p class='line'>Printed in the United States of America</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class='pb'/>
+
+<div class='blockquote'>
+
+<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>ACKNOWLEDGMENT</p>
+
+<p>I beg to gratefully acknowledge my indebtedness to
+Schoolcraft’s works on the Eastern Indians, and to
+Morgan’s “League of the Iroquois” for much valuable
+information about the old-time Lenape and Iroquois
+Indians, and to the Lenape-English Dictionary
+edited by Daniel G. Brinton, and published by The
+Historical Society of Pennsylvania, for many ancient
+Lenape words.</p>
+
+<p class='line' style='text-align:right;margin-right:0em;font-variant:small-caps;'>Elmer Russell Gregor.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<hr class='pb'/>
+
+<div class='literal-container'>
+<p class='toch'>Table of Contents</p>
+<div class='literal'>
+<p class='toc'><a href='#t64'>I—A LONELY VIGIL</a></p>
+<p class='toc'><a href='#t641'>II—INTO THE PERILOUS NORTH</a></p>
+<p class='toc'><a href='#t1070'>III—A THRILLING ADVENTURE</a></p>
+<p class='toc'><a href='#t1423'>IV—IN THE GRIP OF THE RAPIDS</a></p>
+<p class='toc'><a href='#t1858'>V—WOLVES</a></p>
+<p class='toc'><a href='#t2271'>VI—A PROWLER IN THE DARK</a></p>
+<p class='toc'><a href='#t2769'>VII—THE MYSTERIOUS CANOE</a></p>
+<p class='toc'><a href='#t3132'>VIII—A NARROW ESCAPE</a></p>
+<p class='toc'><a href='#t3550'>IX—FORCED INTO HIDING</a></p>
+<p class='toc'><a href='#t3979'>X—SPOTTED DEER DISAPPEARS</a></p>
+<p class='toc'><a href='#t4354'>XI—A SKIRMISH WITH THE SHAWNEES</a></p>
+<p class='toc'><a href='#t4680'>XII—SMOKE</a></p>
+<p class='toc'><a href='#t4988'>XIII—SURPRISED</a></p>
+<p class='toc'><a href='#t5454'>XIV—ANXIOUS DAYS</a></p>
+<p class='toc'><a href='#t5924'>XV—A BATTLE WITH THE CHIPPEWAS</a></p>
+<p class='toc'><a href='#t6493'>XVI—THE ESCAPE</a></p>
+<p class='toc'><a href='#t7085'>XVII—PURSUED BY THE ENEMY</a></p>
+<p class='toc'><a href='#t7488'>XVIII—THE IROQUOIS BLUNDER INTO A TRAP</a></p>
+<p class='toc'><a href='#t7902'>XIX—THE ATTACK ON THE DELAWARE CAMP</a></p>
+<p class='toc'><a href='#t8125'>XX—VICTORY</a></p>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<hr class='pb'/>
+
+<p class='line' style='text-align:center;font-size:1.4em;'>RUNNING FOX</p>
+
+<h1 id='t64'>CHAPTER I—A LONELY VIGIL</h1>
+
+<p>Having reached the age of sixteen winters,
+Running Fox, the son of Black
+Panther, a famous Delaware war-chief,
+determined to establish his reputation as a warrior.
+He knew, however, that before he could gain
+admission into the gallant company of fighting men
+he would have to prove his courage and ability in
+some daring exploit. Running Fox believed that
+the Delawares would expect some extraordinary
+achievement from the son of their most noted chief,
+and he resolved to surpass the most noteworthy
+deeds of his tribesmen. He spent many days trying
+to think of something sufficiently heroic to
+gain him the fame he desired. As he could come
+to no decision, he finally went to his father, and
+asked him to name the greatest possible achievement
+for a Delaware.</p>
+
+<p>The eyes of the stern Delaware war-chief lighted
+with pride as he heard the bold request of his son.
+He spent some moments silently studying the face
+of the eager lad before him. Then, convinced that
+Running Fox was in earnest, he answered him.</p>
+
+<p>“My son, you have asked me to tell you the
+greatest thing a Delaware can do. I will tell you.
+Far away toward Lowaneu, The-Place-Where-The-Cold-Comes-From,
+in the Mohawk camp, lives a
+great war-leader named Standing Wolf. You have
+heard our warriors talk about him at the council-fires.
+He has killed many of our people. We have
+fought many battles with him, but we cannot kill
+him. It must be that he bears a charmed life.
+We believe that he has some mysterious power.
+Many times our young men have surrounded him,
+but when they rushed in to destroy him he always
+killed most of them and escaped. He has done
+some wonderful things. It must be that he possesses
+some mysterious medicine charm. If you
+can go to the Mohawk camp and find out how
+Standing Wolf gets his power it will be the greatest
+thing you can do.”</p>
+
+<p>“I will go,” Running Fox cried, impulsively.</p>
+
+<p>“My son, you are brave enough, but you speak
+fast like a child,” replied Black Panther. “You
+must think about this thing. Then you will begin
+to see how hard it is. Many brave warriors have
+tried to do it. Not one found out about it. Most
+of them lost their lives. The Mohawks are as keen
+as wolves. When you enter their country, you will
+be in constant danger of losing your life. If they
+find your trail it will be hard to escape. But if
+you feel brave enough to try to do this great thing,
+then you must go and talk with Sky Dog. He is
+a great medicine-person, perhaps he will be able
+to help you. Now I have told you what to do.”</p>
+
+<p>“My father, I will do as you have told me,”
+agreed Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>He went at once to find old Sky Dog, the venerable
+Delaware medicine-man. When Running
+Fox arrived at the medicine-lodge and drew aside
+the huge bear robe that hung before the entrance,
+he saw the aged medicine-man sitting upon the
+ground before a small fire. He was tossing small
+handfuls of dried sweet-grass upon the embers, and
+droning some sort of medicine-song. He took no
+notice of the lad standing uneasily in the doorway,
+and Running Fox began to wonder whether he had
+better withdraw. While he hesitated, however,
+Sky Dog raised his head and looked to see who his
+visitor might be.</p>
+
+<p>“Hi, I see some one standing in the doorway
+of my lodge,” he said, peevishly. “The light is
+bad, and my eyes are old, so that I cannot tell who
+you are. Come in here, and let me look at you.”</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox entered, and stood before the medicine-man.
+Sky Dog nodded understandingly.</p>
+
+<p>“Now I see who you are,” he said, “You are
+the son of a great chief. Well, what do you
+want?” he demanded, sharply.</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox suddenly felt bewildered in the
+presence of this great medicine-person. For some
+moments, therefore, he maintained an awkward silence.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, have you no ears?” Sky Dog cried, impatiently.
+“I have asked you something. Has
+your tongue left your mouth? Come, I am not
+here to be stared at.”</p>
+
+<p>The sharp reproach instantly aroused Running
+Fox from his reverie. He saw that his stupid silence
+had angered Sky Dog, and he hastened to
+explain the reason for his visit.</p>
+
+<p>Sky Dog seemed astounded at his boldness. He
+shook his head, and stared thoughtfully at the fire.
+It was a long time before he replied.</p>
+
+<p>“You have spoken big words,” he said, finally.
+“You are only a boy, and yet you have asked me
+to help you do something which our bravest warriors
+have been unable to do. Do you think that
+I will listen to such foolish prattle? No. You
+must show me that you are in earnest. Does your
+father know about this thing!”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, my father sent me here,” replied Running
+Fox.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, then I may do something about it,” said
+Sky Dog. “But there are many things to be done
+before you can start on such a journey.”</p>
+
+<p>“I am listening,” declared Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>“That is right. Well, first you must go to the
+sweat-lodge, and purify yourself so that you can
+pray to Getanittowit, the Great One. Then you
+must go away from the village for three days.
+You must go to a high mountain, and ask Getanittowit,
+the Great One, to help you. You must sing
+medicine-songs. You must not eat anything but
+a handful of parched corn once each day. Perhaps
+if you do these things Getanittowit will take
+pity on you, and send you a vision. If that comes
+to pass you must come to me, and I will tell you
+the meaning of it. If you do not receive a vision
+it will be useless to set out upon the undertaking,
+for you will surely be killed. I have told you
+what to do. Go.”</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox left the lodge in high spirits. He
+had little doubt that if he faithfully carried out the
+commands of Sky Dog he would receive aid and
+power that would enable him to achieve his ambition.
+He went to his father and told him what
+Sky Dog had said. Then he hurried to the sweat-lodge.</p>
+
+<p>The Pimoakan, or sweat-lodge, was a low, dome-shaped
+structure made of willow boughs, and covered
+with several layers of animal robes. It was
+located close beside the river. As Running Fox
+approached it he saw Sky Dog and an aged
+assistant heating stones at a fire near the entrance
+to the lodge.</p>
+
+<p>When the hot stones had been rolled into the
+lodge Sky Dog ordered Running Fox to remove his
+clothing and crawl into the Pimoakan. Then the
+medicine-man and his companion filled raw-hide
+buckets with river water, and dashed it over the
+hot stones. When the lodge was filled with steam
+they hung a number of heavy bear robes over the
+entrance, and left the lad to his fate.</p>
+
+<p>For some moments Running Fox believed that
+he would smother in the stifling clouds of steam.
+Gasping and choking, he was on the point of crying
+out to be released when he suddenly realized
+what it would mean. He told himself that such
+an act would not only disgust Sky Dog, but that
+it might even arouse the anger of Getanittowit, the
+Great One. The possibility frightened him. He
+endured the ordeal with the uncomplaining fortitude
+of a hardened warrior. The hot, steam-laden
+atmosphere induced profuse perspiration, and
+water streamed from every pore in his body. Running
+Fox grew weak and dizzy. He fought to overcome
+his weakness, however, for he realized that
+it was only by thus cleansing himself that he might
+become fit to hold communion with Getanittowit,
+the Great One.</p>
+
+<p>While Running Fox was confined in the lodge,
+Sky Dog sat just outside the entrance, chanting
+medicine-songs. He ordered Running Fox to repeat
+them until he could sing them through without
+a mistake. Then Sky Dog drew aside the bear
+robes, and commanded Running Fox to come out.
+The lad staggered out, pale and faint. He presented
+a pitiful appearance. Sky Dog pointed
+toward the river, and Running Fox stumbled down
+the bank and threw himself into the icy water.
+The shock quickly revived him, and in a few moments
+he clambered out quite recovered from his
+experience.</p>
+
+<p>“Now you can go away and rest,” said Sky
+Dog. “But you must keep thinking about the
+thing you wish to do. Then, when you feel strong,
+you must take your robe and a little parched corn,
+and go away. You must do that before two suns
+have passed. Go to some high place and stay there
+three days. During that time you must continue
+to ask Getanittowit to take pity upon you, and
+send you a vision. You must also keep singing
+the medicine-songs. You must not take any weapons
+with you for that would make Getanittowit
+very angry. At the end of three days come back
+and tell me what you have seen. Now I cannot tell
+you anything more. Go.”</p>
+
+<p>Late the following day Running Fox took his
+deer-skin robe, and a small bag containing parched
+corn, and left the village. He made his way
+toward a high pine-clad mountain directly behind
+the great Delaware camp. There were few who
+saw him go away, for Running Fox had carefully
+guarded his plans. Two, however, his father and
+old Sky Dog, stood together at the edge of the
+village and watched him disappear into the shadows
+of the forest. Then they turned silently away,
+and walked thoughtfully to their lodges.</p>
+
+<p>When Running Fox finally reached the summit
+of the mountain the sun had disappeared, and the
+purple evening shadows were settling in the valleys.
+Seating himself upon the trunk of a fallen
+pine the young Delaware looked wonderingly upon
+the glorious panorama that lay before him. Far
+below was the Delaware village beside a splendid
+river which, like a great serpent, glided down from
+the north between parallel ridges of low wooded
+hills. Behind those ridges were others, rising one
+behind the other, like great billows, until they
+eventually ended in a long, irregular line of
+ghostly gray peaks far away against the brilliant
+sunset sky. The entire country was covered with
+a vast primeval forest which continued in all directions
+as far as the eye could see. At various
+intervals isolated woodland lakes flashed from its
+Bomber green background and rushing mountain
+cataracts blazed narrow white trails down the hillsides.
+It was an unspoiled picture of natural
+grandeur, a land blessed by the bounteous generosity
+of Getanittowit, who had filled it with
+blessings for his children. The waters teemed
+with fish, the forests swarmed with game, and the
+air was perfumed with the fragrance of the pines.
+Running Fox looked upon it with pride and affection,
+for it was the home of the great Lenape
+nation, his people, the Delawares.</p>
+
+<p>Then the lad turned his eyes toward the north,
+and his face grew stern and threatening. He realized
+that he was looking upon the hunting grounds
+of his enemies, the fierce and warlike Mohawks.
+Somewhere in the great silent wilderness that
+stretched for unknown leagues beyond the headwaters
+of the river was the Mohawk village in
+which lived the famous war-chief, Standing Wolf.
+Running Fox knew that to learn the secret which
+would enable his people to triumph over their enemies
+he must find and enter the hostile camp. For
+the first time he began to understand the difficulty
+and peril of his task. It seemed like a foolhardy
+undertaking for an untried lad of sixteen winters.
+Running Fox thought of the experienced
+warriors who had sacrificed their lives in the attempt.
+For a moment or so it weakened his confidence.
+He even wondered whether he might not
+have chosen a feat beyond his ability. The idea
+angered him. He told himself that no task was
+too great for the son of Black Panther.</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox continued his reveries until darkness
+closed about the mountain-top. Then, as the
+fires began to twinkle down in the Delaware camp,
+he rose and turned his face toward the sky. He
+stood some moments gazing at the starry heavens.
+Then he suddenly began his appeal to Getanittowit,
+the Great One.</p>
+
+<p>Late in the night Running Fox was interrupted
+by the sound of something moving stealthily
+through the forest. He was instantly alert, for
+he recalled that more than one daring Iroquois
+scout had been detected spying upon the Delaware
+camp from the summit of that very mountain.
+For a moment Running Fox longed for his weapons.
+The next instant he banished the thought
+for fear of angering Getanittowit. He believed
+that as long as he sang the sacred medicine-songs,
+and repeated the words which old Sky Dog had
+taught him, he would be safe from all danger.
+Thus assured, he listened without fear to the mysterious
+sounds in the darkness. At last a startled
+snort told him that it was only Achtu, the deer.
+A few moments later he heard it dashing away
+through the woods.</p>
+
+<p>Dawn found the devout lad, heavy-eyed and
+weary, still gazing into the sky and calling upon
+Getanittowit to help him. “O Getanittowit, take
+pity on me and help me to do what I have set out
+to do. O Getanittowit, send me a vision. O
+Getanittowit, I have sung the sacred medicine-songs
+many times to make you glad. O Getanittowit,
+take pity on me and help me.” Running
+Fox continued to repeat the earnest appeal and
+sing the sacred songs throughout the day. With
+the falling of darkness, however, the exhausted lad
+ceased his exertions, and soon afterward fell into
+a heavy slumber.</p>
+
+<p>The following day Running Fox hovered on the
+verge of collapse. The scant daily ration of
+parched corn was insufficient to maintain his
+strength, and the long, trying ordeal began to sap
+his vitality. He had stationed himself on a bare
+granite ledge which formed the very peak of the
+mountain. There, in the full glare of the scorching
+summer sun, he stood and offered his prayers
+to Getanittowit. At times his head reeled and his
+legs trembled beneath him, but when that happened
+he staggered to the shade of the forest, and refreshed
+himself at an icy spring which bubbled
+forth between the roots of a massive hemlock.
+Then he toiled painfully up to the ledge, and continued
+the sacred ceremony which he felt confident would eventually
+win him the favor of Getanittowit.</p>
+
+<p>More than half of the day had passed when
+Running Fox discovered something which filled
+him with dismay. Far away toward the west
+threatening black clouds were piling up above the
+hill-tops. The young Delaware watched them with
+great anxiety. He knew that the Delawares considered
+it a very bad omen to be overtaken by a
+thunder storm while conducting one of their sacred
+ceremonies. It was considered especially significant
+if one were praying to Getanittowit, the
+Great One. Under those circumstances a thunderstorm
+was accepted as a sign of Getanittowit’s
+displeasure. The thought filled Running Fox with
+panic. Keeping anxious watch of the darkening
+western sky, the superstitious young Delaware continued
+to chant the sacred medicine-songs to avert
+the ill fortune that threatened him.</p>
+
+<p>It was not long, however, before Running Fox
+realized that the storm was actually approaching.
+The ominous black clouds had formed into a great
+mass that was sweeping rapidly toward the sun,
+and the low, threatening rumble of distant
+thunder echoed among the hills. The air grew hot
+and stifling. A quick, darting line of fire cut the
+western sky. Running Fox turned his eyes appealingly
+toward the sun, as he sang the medicine-songs
+in a high, hysterical tone. Each moment
+he saw the storm gaining greater force. The sky
+grew blacker, the thunder sounded louder, and the
+lightning flashes became more frequent. Then the
+sun disappeared behind the edge of the storm-clouds,
+and a peculiar yellow light flooded the valleys.
+An uncanny hush had fallen upon the wilderness.
+Running Fox was awed by the sound of
+his own voice. It sounded harsh and unnatural
+for he was almost screaming the sacred songs in
+his eagerness to make them effective. Then another
+sound reached his ears. The wind was roaring
+over the ridge to the westward. A few moments
+later it swept over the mountain-top. A
+hawk sailed across the sky on the crest of the gale.
+Running Fox ceased singing to watch it. He
+wished that he, too, might flee as easily. Before
+the bird had disappeared, the storm was upon him.
+It began with a startling crash of thunder, and a
+crackling flash of light.</p>
+
+<p>Believing that his long ordeal had been in vain,
+and that he had in some way offended Getanittowit,
+the Great One, Running Fox wished to die.
+He knew that if he returned to his people with
+the disfavor of Getanittowit upon him he would
+be shunned as one in league with Medsit, the Evil
+One. He might even be driven from the camp.
+His heart failed him as he thought of the disgrace
+which he had brought upon his father. Then, as
+the first great drops of rain began to fall, he
+turned his eyes toward the village. A number of
+people were standing at the edge of the camp, gazing
+at the mountain-top. Somewhat apart from
+the others stood a solitary figure, whom the disconsolate
+lad thought he recognized as his father.
+The possibility roused him. He believed that
+Black Panther was there to give him courage and
+to urge him to continue his petition. The thought
+filled him with hope. Running Fox told himself
+that perhaps Getanittowit was only testing his faith
+and courage. Encouraged by the idea, he determined
+to show himself worthy. A few moments
+later, therefore, when the Delaware camp was
+swept from his sight by a terrific deluge of rain,
+Running Fox turned his face fearlessly toward the
+sky, and again sang the medicine-songs. He was
+a heroic figure as he stood alone on the mountain-top
+in the fury of the storm, calling upon the great
+being whom his people believed ruled over all their
+destinies. Most of the time his voice was lost in
+the crashing of thunder and the roaring of the
+wind, but in every lull it rose strong and confident
+with the new hope that had entered his heart.</p>
+
+<p>“O Getanittowit, I am still here singing the
+sacred medicine-songs,” he cried. “O Getanittowit,
+take pity on me. O Getanittowit, do not send
+me back to my people without something good to
+tell them. O Getanittowit, when I first heard
+the dreadful Thunder Beings I was afraid. Now
+my heart is strong again. O Getanittowit, take
+pity on me.”</p>
+
+<p>A terrifying crash of thunder was followed by
+a blinding flash of lightning that shattered a huge
+dead pine and filled the air with giant splinters.
+Running Fox was less than three bow-lengths from
+the tree. When it was struck he staggered backward
+with his hands before his face, and fell to
+the ground.</p>
+
+<p>When Running Fox finally regained consciousness,
+he found himself staring into darkness. For
+some moments he blinked his eyes to make sure
+that they were open. When he had convinced
+himself, a great fear entered his heart. He told
+himself that Getanittowit had destroyed his sight.
+Raising his eyes toward the heavens in mute appeal
+he was astonished to see the stars. He scarcely
+dared hope that they were real. He turned his
+head and looked about him. He saw the dim, shadowy
+outlines of rocks, and the shattered trunk of
+the giant pine. Then the truth suddenly flashed
+upon him. It was night. Getanittowit had taken
+pity upon him, and brought him back to life.
+Running Fox attempted to rise and give thanks,
+but he was too weak. Besides, he was wet and
+cold. He longed for his fire-sticks. Then, as he
+began to tremble, he suddenly remembered his robe.
+He crawled about until he found it. It was quite
+dry on the under side, and he wrapped it closely
+about him. Then exhaustion overcame him, and
+he fell back unconscious.</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox had barely closed his eyes when
+he heard some one calling his name. Then he
+saw Machque, the bear. For a moment Running
+Fox felt uneasy without his weapons, for the bear
+was a huge creature and looked very fierce. However,
+as he had heard it call his name he knew
+that it must be a medicine-creature, and he believed
+that it had come to help him. While he was looking
+at the bear, he heard some one behind, him
+calling his name. He looked and saw Achtu, the
+deer. It showed no fear of the bear, and walked
+up and stood beside it. Then Running Fox knew
+that they must be medicine-creatures. As he was
+thinking what to say to them, he again heard his
+name, and this time it was Woakus, the fox. It,
+too, went and stood beside the others. Then came
+Quenischquney, the panther, and Wisawanik, the
+squirrel, and Gokhos, the owl, and the terrible
+Wischalowe, the rattlesnake, whom the Delawares
+called “The Frightener.” When they all were assembled,
+the bear was made the leader.</p>
+
+<p>“Running Fox, we have come here to help you,”
+said this strange medicine-creature. “You have
+stood the test, and now we are going to help you.
+You are setting out to do a hard thing. If you do
+exactly as we tell you, you will go through with
+it. What I have to say is short. You know that
+my people are brave and powerful. You must
+fight and kill one of my people. Then you must
+eat his heart, and wear his claws about your neck.
+This will make you as strong and as brave as we
+are. I have finished.”</p>
+
+<p>“Running Fox, you have heard some one who
+is stronger and braver than I am,” declared
+Achtu, the deer. “But you must remember that
+strength and courage will not always save you.
+When you cannot fight you must run. My people
+are the fastest people who live in the woods. You
+are going out to do a great thing. I will tell you
+that you must kill one of my people, and eat his
+heart. Then you will be able to run faster than
+your enemies.”</p>
+
+<p>“Running Fox, you have heard Machque, who
+is strong and brave, and Achtu, who is very swift,
+but you must also be very cautious. You are going
+upon a dangerous journey. If you are not
+careful you will surely be killed. My people are
+very hard to catch. If you can kill one of our
+old men, and cut off his ears, you will be as sharp
+as we are,” said Woakus, the fox.</p>
+
+<p>“Running Fox, you have heard some great people,” growled
+Quenischquney, the panther. “Well, now I am going to help you.
+It is a good
+thing to be strong, and brave, and swift, and cautious,
+but you must also be able to steal up and
+surprise your enemies. No one can do that better
+than my people. But I must warn you that
+our young men are very fierce, and you will have
+a hard fight if you try to kill one of them. However,
+I will give you power to do it. Then you
+must take the longest claw from each foot, and
+keep them about you.”</p>
+
+<p>“Running Fox, I am smaller and weaker than
+all these great people who have talked to you,”
+barked Wisawanik, the squirrel. “However, I am
+also more nimble, and better at hiding. If you
+wish to travel safely to the village where Standing
+Wolf lives, you must be nimble and good at hiding.
+If you will kill one of our chiefs who wear
+the black robes, and carry his scalp with you, you
+will be able to hide so well that your enemies will
+not be able to find you.”</p>
+
+<p>“Running Fox, you have been promised some
+good things, but I am going to offer you the best
+of all,” boasted Gokhos, the owl. “If you have
+all the powers that these good friends are going
+to give you, it will all be useless without my gift
+When darkness falls then it will be safer to travel
+through the forest. But to do that you must have
+eyes that can look through the night. My people
+have this gift. If you can kill one of our great
+white leaders, who live far away in the country
+of the Mohawks, you will not only be able to see
+as well at night as by day, but you will also have
+magic power to overcome whoever may try to
+harm you.”</p>
+
+<p>“Running Fox, you know me; I am called ‘The
+Frightener’,” said Wischalowe, the rattlesnake.
+“Whoever hears my warning trembles with fear.
+If you will kill one of our old men, and tie his
+war-drum to your belt so that it makes a noise
+when you walk you will frighten away all who
+seek to harm you.”</p>
+
+<p>When Wischalowe finished speaking they all remained
+silent, waiting for some talk from Running
+Fox. For some moments he was at a loss as
+to just how to address these strange medicine-creatures.
+While he was thinking just how to
+thank them they suddenly disappeared. At that
+moment Running Fox regained consciousness.
+Day had dawned, and the sun was well above the
+eastern ridges. For a moment or so the bewildered
+lad looked anxiously about him, expecting to see
+the strange creatures that had appeared in his delirium.
+When he failed to find them his heart
+gave a great hound of joy, for he believed that
+they had been medicine-creatures sent by Getanittowit
+to help him. The idea gave him strength,
+and he struggled to his feet and offered thanks to
+Getanittowit. Then he toiled painfully down the
+mountainside. It took him most of the day to
+reach the valley. When he finally staggered into
+the camp he went directly to old Sky Dog, and
+collapsed as he reached the door of his lodge.</p>
+
+<h1 id='t641'>CHAPTER II—INTO THE PERILOUS NORTH</h1>
+
+<p>That night Running Fox sufficiently recovered
+his strength to tell his dream to Sky
+Dog, the medicine-man. The latter listened
+with much interest as the excited lad described
+his conference with the strange medicine-creatures.
+When he had finished his story, Sky
+Dog assured him that the dream was a good omen.
+He declared that if Running Fox would do as the
+medicine-creatures had advised he would pass
+safely through all perils, and live to accomplish
+his purpose.</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox hurried to his father’s lodge with
+a joyful heart. Having been taught to believe all
+the simple superstitions of his people, he had implicit
+faith in the assurances of the medicine-man.
+Still he realized that his task was a difficult one.
+He knew that if the Mohawks discovered his trail
+they would hunt him down as relentlessly as a
+pack of wolves, and he felt sure that if he fell into
+their hands death at the torture stake would be his
+only alternative. The thought sobered him.
+However, it soon fled from his mind, for he believed
+that the mysterious powers which he had
+received from the medicine-creatures, and his own
+courage and resourcefulness, would enable him to
+outwit his foes.</p>
+
+<p>Black Panther was much impressed by the story
+of the dream. He, too, declared that it was a
+good omen. He immediately sent criers through
+the village inviting the people to a feast to celebrate
+his son’s departure upon the war-trail.</p>
+
+<p>When his plans became known Running Fox
+was besieged by a host of youthful volunteers who
+begged to accompany him. He refused them, however,
+as he was unwilling to assume the responsibility
+of a war-leader before he had tested his own
+courage and ability. Still there was one whom
+he found it difficult to deny. It was his friend,
+Spotted Deer, a lad of his own age, and his constant
+companion through all the happy years of
+boyhood. They had invariably shared every adventure,
+and the thought of being barred from
+the first real war-journey drove Spotted Deer into
+a frenzy of despair. He argued, he coaxed, he
+reproached, but Running Fox refused to yield.</p>
+
+<p>“No, my brother, I will not listen to your
+words,” declared Running Fox. “A warrior must
+know how to fight before he leads his friends into
+danger. I have never faced an enemy. I do not
+know what will happen to me. Perhaps I shall
+do something foolish, and be killed. Spotted
+Deer, I must go alone. No, I will not change it in
+my heart.”</p>
+
+<p>“Running Fox, now I know that you will do
+this thing without me,” replied Spotted Deer.
+“Well, I will not say anything more against it. I
+feel like a very old man.”</p>
+
+<p>The night before Running Fox planned to set
+out upon his journey his friends came to his
+father’s lodge to talk with him. The last to leave
+was Spotted Deer. The two friends sat together
+a long time. Running Fox attempted to be light-hearted
+and gay, but Spotted Deer was moody and
+depressed. However, when Running Fox brought
+forth the new war-equipment which he had received
+from his father, Spotted Deer’s eyes lighted
+with enthusiasm, and he became lively and
+interested. Then, having inspected the various articles,
+he immediately relapsed into gloomy silence.</p>
+
+<p>“My brother, when the next sun comes you are
+going away,” Spotted Deer said, solemnly, as he
+finally rose to leave. “Perhaps I shall never see
+you again. It is bad. I will not talk about it.”</p>
+
+<p>They clasped hands, and looked earnestly into
+each other’s eyes. Then Spotted Deer hurried
+away. When he had gone Running Fox seated
+himself at the back of the lodge, and sat a long
+time staring moodily into the darkness.</p>
+
+<p>That night Running Fox found it impossible to
+sleep. His mind was tortured by the thought of
+parting from his friend. Spotted Deer’s words
+kept ringing in his ears: “Perhaps I shall never
+see you again.” As the night dragged slowly
+along Running Fox was tempted to steal away
+while the inmates slept, to tell Spotted Deer that
+he might accompany him. He was dissuaded,
+however, by the fear of causing his friend’s death.
+Thus the miserable lad fought his battle until the
+first gray light of dawn stole into the lodge, and
+then he finally determined to venture into the
+treacherous northern wilderness alone.</p>
+
+<p>When Running Fox appeared in the village
+equipped for the war-trail, he received a stirring
+ovation from his tribesmen. As he left his father’s
+lodge he was immediately surrounded by a company
+of enthusiastic friends, who paraded him
+about the camp to the accompaniment of shouts
+and war-songs. Spotted Deer, however, took no
+part in the celebration. Running Fox was
+greatly disturbed at his absence. When he finally
+asked about him he learned that an old woman had
+seen Spotted Deer hurrying away with his robe
+and weapons at dawn. She said that he had gone
+toward the south. The news filled Running Fox
+with gloom. He feared that grief might have
+driven Spotted Deer to some foolhardy resolve.
+However, Running Fox had little chance to think
+of him at the moment, for he soon found himself
+the center of a great throng of people who had
+gathered to do him honor.</p>
+
+<p>The lad appeared to splendid advantage as he
+stood beside his father in the center of the camp.
+He was tall and graceful, with a fearless face and
+flashing black eyes. Unlike his father and the
+warriors, who wore their hair cropped close to the
+scalp, Running Fox had hair that reached to his
+shoulders. His dress was like that of the older
+men. He was naked above the waist, and wore a
+short buckskin skirt or tunic which extended to
+his knees. Fringed buckskin leggings covered his
+limbs. His moccasins were of elk-hide gayly decorated
+with dyed sweet grass. His equipment included
+an elk-skin robe, a hickory bow, a buckskin
+case filled with arrows, a flint knife, a stone war-club,
+a set of fire drills and a small bag filled with
+parched corn.</p>
+
+<p>“My friends, here stands a young man dressed
+for the war-trail,” Black Panther told the Delawares.
+“Look closely at him for you may never
+see him again. He is going upon a dangerous
+journey, Yes, he is going into the country of our
+enemies, the boastful Mohawks, to find out how
+Standing Wolf gets his power. It is a great thing
+to do. If he lives through it I will give away
+many good presents. I have finished.”</p>
+
+<p>The Delawares greeted the announcement with
+words of approval. Several prominent warriors
+made speeches praising the lad for his courage, and
+urging him to kill many Mohawks. Then old Sky
+Dog sang a number of sacred medicine-songs, and
+fastened a small buckskin bag containing sacred
+herbs about the neck of Running Fox to protect
+him from harm.</p>
+
+<p>At the conclusion of the ceremony Running Fox
+set out upon his journey. He followed a well-worn
+Delaware hunting trail that led northward
+along the river. It was Kitschinipen, the summer
+planting season, and a great primeval wilderness
+was at its best. The day was glorious. The sky
+was cloudless, the air was soft and balmy and the
+earth was flooded with sunshine. Wild flowers
+dotted the trail, and birds sang from the trees and
+thickets. Running Fox found much to interest
+him. He stopped to watch Tiskemanis, the noisy
+blue fisher bird, plunge into the water after his
+prey. He called cheerily to Mehokuiman, the red
+bird. He frightened ugly Gundaschees, the water-snake,
+from his sunny log at the edge of the river.
+Then he heard the stealthy approach of Achtu, the
+deer. As he had been advised to kill one of the
+old bucks by the medicine-deer, Running Fox
+hastily prepared his arrow and concealed himself
+behind a tree. In a few moments the deer
+approached the river to drink. It was a doe, however,
+and the young Delaware withheld his arrow.
+He knew that she had a fawn concealed in some
+nearby thicket, and he had been taught to spare the
+mother and young of all creatures that there might
+always be plenty of game for the hunters. He
+waited until the doe had finished drinking, and
+then he showed himself. For a moment the surprised
+creature stared at him with big frightened
+eyes, and then hounded gracefully into the woods.</p>
+
+<p>“Go in peace, my sister, I will not harm you,”
+cried Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>Soon afterward Running Fox had an experience
+that filled him with gloomy forebodings. He was
+seated upon a boulder at the edge of the water when
+he heard the harsh cries of Woapalanne, the great
+white-headed war-eagle. Looking into the sky he
+discovered the bird soaring in great circles directly
+above him. He feared that it was a bad omen, for
+old Sky Dog had told him that the sudden appearance
+of Woapalanne invariably meant war.
+Running Fox wondered if he was about to meet
+his enemies. Until that moment the possibility had
+never entered his mind, as he had considered
+himself quite safe as long as he remained within
+the Delaware boundaries. Now, as the war-eagle
+continued to hover over him, he became suspicious.</p>
+
+<p>“Hi, Woapalanne, I see you flying around up
+there,” he cried, as he shook his bow at the eagle.
+“I hear you making a great noise up there. Sky
+Dog says it is a sign of war. Well, Woapalanne,
+you do not frighten me. I will not turn around.
+I have set out to do something, and I am going
+ahead with it. Woapalanne, Sky Dog says that you
+are a good friend. That is why I have told you
+what I am going to do. But you must not tell the
+Mohawks about me. That would be bad. Come,
+if you are a good friend you must help me. Now
+I am going up on top of that high mountain to
+look around.”</p>
+
+<p>However, as Running Fox turned to enter the
+forest the eagle suddenly changed its tactics, and
+flew away toward the south. This unexpected
+maneuver greatly upset the young Delaware. His
+thoughts instantly turned to his friend, Spotted
+Deer. Having learned that the latter had departed
+upon some mysterious mission to the southward,
+Running Fox read a warning in the final action
+of the war-eagle. He believed that Spotted Deer
+was in peril. The thought refused to leave his
+mind.</p>
+
+<p>When Running Fox reached the top of the ridge
+from which he planned to reconnoiter the surrounding
+country, his sharp eyes quickly discovered
+something which instantly aroused his interest,
+A thin wavering column of smoke was rising
+against the sky some distance to the southward.
+The sight of it filled him with emotion, for he
+knew that it came from the Delaware camp. The
+day was almost ended, and in the distant smoke
+cloud Running Fox saw a vision of the peaceful
+evening scene in the Delaware village. In fancy
+he saw the happy groups about the fires, and
+heard the songs and laughter. He wondered if
+he had been missed from the merry little company
+before his father’s lodge. Twilight was gathering,
+and the smoke column was slowly fading into the
+shadows. Running Fox looked upon it with longing
+eyes, for he knew that it would soon be gone.
+The thought saddened him. That frail spiral of
+smoke seemed like the last tie that bound him to
+his people, and he dreaded to see it broken. When
+it finally faded out in the dusk Running Fox felt
+a great loneliness surge into his heart.</p>
+
+<p>After he had carefully examined the country
+through which he intended to pass on the following
+day, the young Delaware began to look for
+a safe place in which to spend the night. He believed
+that it might be dangerous to remain near
+the river, as he knew that hostile scouts often
+followed the waterways under cover of darkness.
+Besides, he was still upset by the actions of the
+war-eagle, and he determined to take every precaution.
+He finally decided to camp beside a little
+spring, high up on the mountainside.</p>
+
+<p>Having killed a grouse earlier in the day, Running
+Fox broiled it over the embers of a tiny fire,
+which he was careful to conceal between two large
+rocks. Then, after he had eaten, he drew his robe
+about him, and sat with his back against a pine, listening
+to the night sounds of the wilderness. He
+heard Quekolis, the whippoorwill, raising his doleful
+lament down near the river. Running Fox
+had heard the old men tell weird tales about that
+mournful bird, and as he listened to its monotonous
+serenade he wondered if it really did
+possess all the mysterious powers with which the superstitions
+story tellers credited it. Then he heard
+shrill piping sounds from the grass, and he knew
+that the Zelozelous, the little black cricket people,
+were singing their medicine-songs. Some time later
+Running Fox was startled by a piercing scream
+that sounded from a distant ridge. He listened
+anxiously until it was repeated, and then he recognized
+it as the hunting cry of soft-footed Nianque,
+the lynx. Then the brooding, mysterious night-hush
+fell upon the forest.</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox rose and raised his hands toward
+the heavens. After a few moments of reverent
+silence he began to pray to Getanittowit. He
+asked for courage and strength to perform his
+task. Then, after he had sung one of the sacred
+medicine-songs to drive away any evil spirits that
+might have discovered his fire, he prepared a couch
+of sweet-fern and lay down to sleep.</p>
+
+<p>Two-thirds of the night had passed when Running
+Fox suddenly found himself sitting up, with
+his bow in his hands, staring anxiously into the
+dark. He did not know what had awakened him,
+and for a long time he neither heard or saw
+anything to give him a clue. He began to fear that
+he had been dreaming. Then a twig snapped,
+and he became suspicious. He knew that Mohawk
+scouts often ventured far into the Delaware hunting
+grounds, and he feared that one of those sharp-eyed
+foes had discovered his fire. The thought
+alarmed him. The possibility of an unseen enemy
+stealing upon him under cover of the night set
+his heart throbbing wildly. Still he had no idea
+of running away. Lying close to the ground, he
+fitted an arrow to his bow, and strained his eyes
+in an effort to find the mysterious prowler. For
+some time the silence was unbroken, and he began
+to think that he had been needlessly alarmed by
+some passing beast of the wilderness. Then he
+heard sounds which led him to believe that some
+one was cautiously approaching his hiding place.
+Convinced that he was about to experience his
+first encounter with an enemy, Running Fox waited
+with the calm reliance of a veteran. The noise had
+suddenly ceased, however, and the young Delaware
+believed that his foe had stopped to listen.
+A few moments later the soft querulous call of
+Gokhotit, the little red owl, sounded through the
+night. It seemed barely a bow-shot away, and Running
+Fox redoubled his vigilance. When he heard
+it again he became greatly excited. Then it was
+repeated a third time, and Running Fox breathed
+easier, for he recognized it as a signal from his
+friend, Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox was undecided as to just what to
+do. His first impulse was to reply to the familiar
+signal, but he overcame it and remained silent.
+As he saw no reason to alter the decision he had
+made in the Delaware camp, he planned to steal
+away and elude his friend under the protection of
+the darkness. However, it soon became evident
+that sharp-witted Spotted Deer had guessed his intention.</p>
+
+<p>“Hi, my brother, have you closed your ears to
+the greeting of a friend?” Spotted Deer inquired
+reproachfully. “I know that you are somewhere
+close by. Yes, I believe you are hiding away in
+the night. I have followed you here, and I will
+not turn back. No. If I do not find you, then as
+soon as it grows light I will follow your trail.
+Running Fox, I am going into the country of the
+boastful Mohawks with you. It is useless for you
+to say anything more against it. I have set out to
+do this thing, and now I am going through with it.
+Come, my brother, let us meet, and talk together.
+Now I am going to listen for something.”</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox still remained silent. However,
+the loyalty and devotion of his friend had greatly
+affected him, and his heart was filled with conflicting
+emotions. He found it harder than ever to
+ignore the stirring appeal, and yet it seemed foolish
+to renew the discussion with Spotted Deer.
+At last, however, his great love for his friend
+forced him to answer.</p>
+
+<p>“My brother, I have listened to your words.
+You have done a foolish thing to come here. I
+was going to run away, but now I am going to
+stay here and talk with you. I believe it is the best
+thing to do.”</p>
+
+<p>A few moments afterward they clasped hands,
+while their eyes flashed the welcome that neither
+could utter. Although he was still determined to
+continue the journey alone, nevertheless Running
+Fox was delighted to see his friend. He knew now
+that his fears concerning him had come to nought,
+and it filled him with joy. It was evident that
+Spotted Deer had turned toward the south to fool
+the Delawares, and then had circled around to intercept
+his friend. Running Fox admired his
+stratagem.</p>
+
+<p>“Running Fox, I believe your heart is bad toward
+me,” declared Spotted Deer. “You say that
+I have done a foolish thing. Perhaps it is true,
+but I will not turn back. If you do not listen to
+my words, then I will go away and let the Mohawks
+kill me. Now you know what I am thinking about.
+Yes, I am going through with it no matter how
+it comes out. I have finished.”</p>
+
+<p>“Spotted Deer, you are a good friend,” Running
+Fox replied, warmly. “My heart is not bad
+toward you, but I must tell you that you have
+done a foolish thing. You must turn back. I am
+going ahead alone. I have told you about it many
+times. Now I must go through with it.”</p>
+
+<p>They argued the question throughout the night.
+Then, as dawn crept slowly out of the east, Running
+Fox finally yielded to the persuasion of Spotted
+Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Spotted Deer, I see that you intend to do as
+you say,” declared Running Fox. “You say that
+if you do not go with me you will let the Mohawks
+kill you. That is very bad. Well, that makes me
+feel different about it. You are my friend, and I
+will not let you throw away your life. If you feel
+like going with me I cannot say anything more
+against it. Perhaps you will be killed, but I cannot
+help it. You have asked me to do something, and
+now I have done it.”</p>
+
+<p>“Running Fox, you have done a good thing,”
+Spotted Deer cried, joyfully. “Now I will sing
+again. I am going with you to find out about the
+great chief Standing Wolf. Perhaps we will have
+many fights with the Mohawks. You say that we
+may be killed. Well, my brother, we will die together.
+It is enough.”</p>
+
+<h1 id='t1070'>CHAPTER III—A THRILLING ADVENTURE</h1>
+
+<p>The sun was well above the mountains before
+the young Delawares descended to the
+river, and resumed the perilous journey
+into the north. Running Fox told Spotted Deer
+about the strange medicine-creatures that had appeared
+in his dream, and Spotted Deer became
+quite excited.</p>
+
+<p>“That was a wonderful thing to happen to a
+person,” he declared, impressively. “You must do
+whatever those mysterious animals told you to do.
+I cannot help you. You must do those things
+alone. I have heard my father say that.”</p>
+
+<p>“It is true,” agreed Running Fox. “If you
+try to help me it might do great harm.”</p>
+
+<p>As the lads were still well within the northern
+boundary of the vast Delaware hunting grounds,
+they had little fear of an immediate encounter
+with their foes-Still they were cautious, for they
+knew that such an experience was not impossible,
+as both Shawnees and Iroquois frequently invaded
+that territory to hunt and fish. The Shawnees were
+a powerful nation living farther to the westward,
+with whom the Delawares had fought many desperate
+battles.</p>
+
+<p>The day was about half spent when Running
+Fox suddenly dropped to his knees, and called excitedly
+to Spotted Deer. The fresh trail of a bear
+crossed a narrow strip of gravelly beach and disappeared
+into the woods. The tracks were huge,
+and it was evident that the animal had only recently
+crossed the river.</p>
+
+<p>“See, here is the track of Machque,” said Running
+Fox, as he measured the footprints with his
+hands. “He must be very big, and very fierce.
+He cannot be far off. I will follow his trail, and
+try to kill him. Spotted Deer, you must wait
+until I come back. Perhaps it will take a long
+time to do this thing, but you must wait. It is
+the only thing to do.”</p>
+
+<p>“I would like to go with you, but I believe it
+would be bad,” declared Spotted Deer. “You
+must do as it appeared in your dream. I will
+wait.”</p>
+
+<p>A moment afterward Running Fox followed the
+tracks into the forest. The lad had been well
+trained in the art of hunting by his father, and his
+sharp eyes had little difficulty in keeping the trail.
+It led him along the side of a rocky hillside, and
+then down into the bushy tangle of a dark spruce
+swamp. The footprints looked very fresh, and
+Running Fox moved forward as noiselessly as a
+lynx. He stopped after every few strides to look,
+and listen and sniff. He had never killed a bear
+but he had heard the hunters tell many stories
+about that crafty beast, and he knew that it was
+only by using the utmost caution that he could hope
+to get within bow-shot. He crossed the swamp
+without coming in sight of his quarry, and followed
+the tracks over the top of another rocky
+hill. As he was climbing carefully toward the
+summit he came upon an ant-hill that had been
+dug open by the bear. The demoralized ants were
+still rushing frantically over the wreck of their
+lodge. On the other side of the hill Running Fox
+lost the trail on a steep ledge of smooth gray rock.
+Circling carefully around the ledge he finally
+picked up the tracks leading down into a narrow
+ravine that penetrated far back into the hills. As
+the sides of the gully were covered with blueberry
+bushes, the young Delaware understood why the
+bear had chosen that route. He saw many crushed
+and uprooted plants which told him that the hear
+was feeding upon the berries. Running Fox hurried
+along the ravine in the hope of overtaking
+the bear at its feast, but although the trail seemed
+continually to grow fresher the eager young hunter
+was unable to get within sight of his quarry.</p>
+
+<p>The ravine at last led up to a wide grassy plateau
+closed in on three sides by low hardwood
+ridges. It looked like an ideal feeding ground for
+elk and deer, and Running Fox saw several well-trod
+trails leading through it. Then he saw something
+more interesting. Far over in the opposite
+corner of the plateau he discovered some animal
+lying down. It was beyond bow-shot, and Running
+Fox began to study how he might approach
+without being seen. When he had watched some
+moments he decided that the distant object was
+either an elk or a deer. As it failed to move he
+concluded that it was asleep. Then he suddenly
+thought of the bear tracks. They led directly out
+into the open plateau, and toward the mysterious
+object in the farther corner. Running Fox was
+perplexed. He knew that what he saw was not the
+bear. Still he realized that whatever it was it had
+come there after the bear had passed. The idea
+did not satisfy him, however, for he told himself
+that unless the bear had gone by a long time before,
+the keen nose of an elk or a deer would instantly
+have found the dreaded scent. In that
+event neither of those wary creatures would be
+likely to sleep on the fresh trail of their enemy.
+Running Fox felt positive that the bear had but
+recently crossed the plateau, for the grass which
+had been trodden down was still springing upright.
+Then the solution flashed into his mind—the animal
+he saw was dead.</p>
+
+<p>Having come to that decision Running Fox began
+to look for the bear. He felt quite sure that
+it was somewhere near the carcass, unless it had
+discovered him and rushed away. Still he rather
+doubted that, for the wind was in his favor, and
+besides he believed that a bear as large as the one
+he had followed would be in no great hurry to run
+off. He had often heard his father tell how a bear
+would loiter in the vicinity of such a bait for several
+days, feeding when hunger prompted and
+sleeping in some nearby thicket between meals.
+Running Fox also realized that the bear might have
+been feeding as he approached, and upon catching
+sight or scent of him had retreated into the woods
+to watch. In any event he told himself that the
+first thing to do was to go and examine the bait.</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox made his way cautiously along the
+edge of the plateau, taking advantage of whatever
+cover offered itself, and advancing against the
+wind. When he finally came within bow-shot of
+the bait he saw that it was an elk. Then he sat
+down to watch and listen. After he had waited a
+long time without seeing or hearing anything of
+the bear, he went forward to examine the elk. It
+was an old bull that apparently had died from old
+age. Running Fox was surprised to find that almost
+one whole side of the animal had already
+been eaten. He also saw that something had been
+tearing at the carcass but a short time previously.
+The grass was well trampled all about the bait,
+and Running Fox identified the tracks of many
+different animals. The freshest tracks, however,
+were the huge footprints of the bear which he had
+followed from the river. Running Fox believed
+that the bear was feeding upon the carcass when
+it suddenly became aware of his approach, and
+retreated into the woods. He felt quite certain
+that it would return, and he determined to conceal
+himself and watch.</p>
+
+<p>The Delaware found much to interest him as he
+sat quietly in his hiding place and waited for the
+bear to return. A flock of crows were the first to
+appear. They made a great racket as they circled
+about the elk, and the eyes of the young hunter
+flashed with anger. He knew from experience that
+those noisy birds gave warning to all the wild
+things of the woods, and he feared that their
+senseless commotion might arouse the suspicions of
+the bear. They soon flew away, however, and
+Running Fox felt much relieved. A short time
+afterward he saw something moving along the edge
+of the timber at the other end of the plateau. In
+a few moments he identified it as a deer. He took
+its appearance for proof that the bear was not at
+the moment anywhere near. Then, as he watched
+the wary creature browsing in the shadow of the
+woods, he heard soft, stealthy footfalls directly behind
+him. Fitting an arrow to his how, Running
+Fox turned in time to find himself facing a large
+red fox. Before the surprised creature could
+bound to safety the expert young Delaware sent
+his arrow through its heart.</p>
+
+<p>Recalling the advice of the medicine-fox which
+had appeared in his dream, Running Fox crawled
+noiselessly through the brush, and cut the ears
+from his victim. He saw that the fox was very
+old, as its teeth were worn almost to the gums.
+The discovery filled him with joy, for he felt sure
+that by carrying the ears of that wise old chief
+he would become as sharp and crafty himself.</p>
+
+<p>Then for a long time nothing more appeared,
+and Running Fox began to grow restless. The day
+was almost at an end, and he feared that Spotted
+Deer would become impatient. Still he had no
+thought of leaving the plateau, and was determined
+to spend the night there if the bear failed
+to appear before dark. At sunset, however, he
+heard some large animal moving through the woods.
+It sounded too heavy for a deer, and too noisy for
+an elk, so that Running Fox believed it must be
+the bear. His heart bounded at the thought. He
+had heard many stories about thrilling battles with
+those great beasts of the wilderness, and he hoped
+that he, too, might experience such an adventure.
+Then, as the sounds drew nearer, all else was
+forgotten as the eager lad hurriedly fitted an arrow
+to his bow, and fixed his eyes on the edge of the
+woods.</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox was not kept long in suspense. In
+a few moments he saw the bushes swaying, and the
+next instant a bear walked into the open. It was
+not the huge creature which Running Fox had
+pictured in his mind, but his disappointment soon
+gave way to surprise as two half-grown cubs immediately
+followed their mother from the woods.
+All three animals soon walked within range, but
+the bewildered young hunter withheld his arrow.
+He feared to kill the mother bear and her young
+lest he should offend the great medicine-bear which
+had appeared in his dream. Besides, he told himself
+that a warrior could scarcely boast of such a
+feat. He watched, therefore, while the old bear
+led her cubs to the carcass of the elk, and began
+to feed.</p>
+
+<p>Some time later when the mother bear raised her
+head and sniffed the air, Running Fox instantly
+became alert. As the old bear continued to watch
+the woods, the lad began to hope that the animal
+he had followed might be returning. However,
+the bear soon resumed feeding, and Running Fox
+believed that he was again doomed to disappointment.
+At that very moment, however, a stick
+cracked over in the spot toward which the mother
+bear had been looking. She again raised her head
+and sniffed. Then she began to growl. Running
+Fox watched anxiously. For some moments all
+was still, but the bear continued to growl, and
+sniff suspiciously. Then a great black object appeared
+at the edge of the woods. Running Fox
+knew at once that it was the bear he had trailed
+from the river. As it walked slowly into the open
+and he saw how big it was he could scarcely believe
+his eyes. It seemed to be very fierce, for it approached
+the bait growling and snapping its jaws.
+As it drew near Running Fox saw a round white
+spot, half as large as his hand, directly behind its
+shoulder. It immediately fired the imagination of
+the superstitious young Delaware. He believed
+that Getanittowit had placed that mark upon the
+bear to guide the Delaware arrow.</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox had been so absorbed in watching
+the approach of the giant that for the moment he
+had forgotten all about the mother bear and her
+cubs. Now he heard her growling and gnashing
+her teeth. He had expected to see her dash away
+at the first sight of the intruder, but she showed no
+such intention. Instead she gave every evidence of
+disputing the right of ownership which the big
+bear apparently intended to assert. Running Fox
+looked upon her with admiration as she stood there
+snapping her jaws, and growling defiance at the
+huge brute that threatened her. For a few moments
+the big bear stood watching her in surprise.
+He seemed puzzled by her unexpected show of resistance.
+Then it roused his fighting spirit, and
+he rushed forward roaring furiously.</p>
+
+<p>As the cubs dashed for the timber, squealing with
+terror, the mother bear prepared to meet the attack.
+She appeared scarcely more than half the
+size of the monster that had attacked her, and yet
+she seemed quite as fierce and eager to fight as he.
+When the big bear came within range she rushed
+at him, and he reared and attempted to fall upon
+her. She was too quick, however, and as he crashed
+down she rushed in and closed her jaws upon a
+hind leg. Wheeling with the agility of a panther,
+he snapped viciously at her neck, but she released
+her hold and jumped tuck in time to save herself.
+Then he rushed at her in blind fury, and knocked
+her off her feet. Turning upon her back, she
+clawed him like a wildcat. Snarling, biting and
+tearing, the maddened beasts fought with a fury
+that meant destruction to the vanquished. It soon
+became evident that the mother bear was doomed
+to defeat. The tremendous bulk and strength of
+her antagonist made him invincible. He was inflicting
+terrible punishment upon his courageous
+foe, and it seemed only a matter of moments before
+he would have her completely at his mercy.</p>
+
+<p>However, it was at that stage of the encounter
+that Running Fox joined in the fray. Completely
+carried away by the fierceness of the fight, the lad
+jumped to his feet and shot his arrow at the big
+bear. In his excitement, however, he missed his
+aim, and the arrow struck about a hand-width
+above the white patch behind the shoulder. The
+bear twisted about and snapped off the shaft close
+to its body. Then both bears caught sight of him,
+and immediately ceased fighting. For a moment,
+as they stood glaring at him and snarling, it looked
+as if they intended to unite in attacking their common
+enemy. Then, as Running Fox drove a second
+arrow into the body of the giant, the latter
+rushed forward alone. At that instant the cubs
+began whimpering at the edge of the forest, and
+the mother bear, weak and suffering from a score
+of ugly wounds, ambled painfully off to join them.
+As the great bear came roaring down upon him
+the young Delaware realized that he was fighting
+for his life, and the thought steadied him. Twice
+more he sent his arrows tearing into the great
+muscular body, but they seemed to have little effect.
+The infuriated bear stopped just long enough to
+snap at the feathered shafts, and then it made a
+final rush at its foe. However, during that momentary
+delay Running Fox had fitted another
+arrow to his bow. He held it until the bear was
+only a few paces away, and then, as it rose unsteadily
+upon its hind legs, he uttered the shrill
+Delaware war-cry and drove the arrow deep
+between its fore legs. The giant crashed to the
+ground, and the excited lad immediately rushed
+forward to strike it with his war-club. At that
+moment, however, the bear suddenly recovered and
+struggled to its feet. The surprised young hunter
+almost collided with it. It struck savagely at him,
+but he jumped aside, and shot an arrow into the
+fatal mark behind the shoulder. It finished the
+fight. The bear sank slowly to the ground, and lay
+still. This time, however, Running Fox was more
+cautious, and he remained at a safe distance until
+the last signs of life had vanished. Then he ran
+eagerly forward and began to cut off the great
+curved claws.</p>
+
+<p>By the time Running Fox had finished his task
+darkness had already fallen, and as he was a considerable
+distance from the river he determined
+to remain where he was until daylight. Then he
+suddenly thought of the wounded mother bear. He
+feared that she was too badly hurt to travel far
+away, and he had already seen enough of her temper
+to make him cautious about risking an encounter
+in the dark. He left the plateau, therefore,
+and spent the night farther down the ravine.</p>
+
+<h1 id='t1423'>CHAPTER IV—IN THE GRIP OF THE RAPIDS</h1>
+
+<p>The sun was already above the tree-tops
+when Running Fox finally rejoined Spotted
+Deer at the river. They seated themselves
+on a fallen tree, and Running Fox showed
+his trophies and described his encounter with the
+bear. When Spotted Deer heard about the peculiar
+white patch on the bear’s shoulder he suggested
+that it might have been caused by a former arrow
+wound. Running Fox scoffed at the idea, however,
+and insisted that the mark had been placed
+there by Getanittowit.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I believe that must be the way of it,”
+Spotted Deer agreed, finally.</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox said that they must eat the heart
+of the bear to comply with the instructions which
+he had received in his dream. They kindled a tiny
+fire, and broiled the meat on a willow branch.
+Then, after Running Fox had sung several medicine-songs
+to pacify the spirit of the bear, the
+superstitious young warriors divided the precious
+trophy and ate it with solemn ceremony.</p>
+
+<p>“Now I will tell you something,” said Spotted
+Deer. “After you went away I began to look
+around. I walked along beside the water. Pretty
+soon I heard a loud noise. Then I came to a place
+where the water goes very fast. It makes a great
+noise and jumps up and down. Yes, it looks very
+mad. I do not like that place. I believe the Bad
+Water Spirits live there. I have heard my father
+tell about them. He says that they are very fierce,
+and are always fighting down there under the water.
+Yes, that is what makes the commotion. My
+father has told me that when any one falls into
+such a place he is broken against the rocks, and
+eaten by those Bad Water Spirits.”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, that is so, I have heard about it,” declared
+Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I stood there a long time watching that
+place,” continued Spotted Deer. “Then I went
+ahead. Pretty soon I saw a long strip of woods
+out there in the middle of the water. I heard
+many birds singing in the trees, and I stopped to
+listen. Then I saw some big rocks sticking out of
+the water. As I was looking at them I saw a very
+big fish jumping along between the rocks and the
+woods. Pretty soon I saw another. My eyes told
+me that it was Schawanammek, the great sturgeon.
+Well, I kept watching and I saw many of those
+big fish passing along. Then I saw how they came
+to be in that place. The water was very swift all
+around that strip of land, but between the rocks
+and the woods it was not so bad. Well, when I
+saw those big fish I wanted to spear some of them
+with my arrows. I said, ‘Hi, I will swim out to
+that place and kill some of those fish.’ Then I saw
+how swift the water was, and I heard the noise of
+that bad place below. Well, I began to think
+about it. I said, ‘I will wait until Running Fox
+comes back, and then we will talk about it.’ Now
+we will go and see it.”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, let us go,” proposed Running Fox, as his
+eyes lighted with enthusiasm.</p>
+
+<p>As the lads hurried along the river they soon
+heard the sullen roar of the rapids, and their hearts
+bounded at the sound. Then they came upon the
+long stretch of tossing white-caps, and they stopped
+and looked with superstitious awe upon the wild
+tumult of the waters. It was a terrifying spectacle.
+As Spotted Deer had said, the river appeared to
+have been roused into a fury. It raged past in
+great surging waves that crashed against the rocks
+and sent drenching showers of spray high into the
+air. In the calmer reaches the water whirled down
+into seething black pools which sucked down into
+their dismal depths whatever the torrent tossed
+into them. The Delawares shuddered as they
+looked upon them, for they seemed like doors to
+that weird underwater world where the Bad Water
+Spirits were supposed to dwell.</p>
+
+<p>“That is a bad place,” Banning Fox said, solemnly.</p>
+
+<p>“Come, let us hurry away,” proposed Spotted
+Deer.</p>
+
+<p>A short distance beyond the head of the rapids
+they came opposite the wooded island which Spotted
+Deer had described. They had not watched
+it many moments before they saw a great fish
+jump from the water between the rocks and the
+shore.</p>
+
+<p>“See, there is Schawanammek!” Spotted Deer
+cried, excitedly.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I saw him,” replied Running Fox. “Look,
+there goes another.”</p>
+
+<p>They watched several large sturgeon fight their
+way through the narrow channel that separated
+the rocks from the island.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, now you see how it is,” said Spotted
+Deer. “Do you feel strong enough to swim out
+there and kill some of those fish?”</p>
+
+<p>For some moments Running Fox continued to
+study the water in silence. The river was smooth
+but swift at that spot, and the head of the rapids
+was dangerously near. Their angry roar sounded
+an ominous warning, and Running Fox hesitated.
+He realized that the adventure was filled with
+peril, and wondered whether he ought to risk himself
+for the mere sport of killing Schawanammek.
+It seemed foolhardy for one bound upon an important
+mission to take unnecessary chances. However,
+as the great fish continued to show themselves
+Running Fox began to waver. Then he suddenly
+realized that Spotted Deer was awaiting his decision,
+and the latter’s proposal instantly seemed
+like a challenge. Running Fox believed that Spotted
+Deer might be testing his courage.
+The possibility made him reckless. Under those circumstances
+he would have tried to reach the island
+even though he knew that the attempt was certain
+to cost him his life.</p>
+
+<p>“Spotted Deer, I am going to swim out to that
+place, and kill some of those fish,” declared Running
+Fox. “Will you go with me?”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I will go,” Spotted Deer replied, quietly.</p>
+
+<p>“It will be a hard thing to do,” Running Fox
+warned him. “That water is very strong. It will
+carry us along very fast. We must go farther
+ahead, before we start to swim. If we get to that
+place perhaps we cannot get away again. I do not
+know how it will be. Well, I am going to do this
+thing no matter how it comes out.”</p>
+
+<p>They walked along the shore until they were
+several bow-shots above the island. Then, after
+they had concealed their robes and moccasins in
+the bushes, they tied their bows and arrow-cases on
+their backs and waded into the water. As it
+reached their knees they began to feel its strength,
+Each stride forward made it more difficult to remain
+upon their feet. When they had waded in
+waist-deep they threw themselves forward and began
+to swim.</p>
+
+<p>Once started, the lads swam boldly toward the
+middle of the river. Each stroke took them into
+swifter water, and they soon realized the seriousness
+of their adventure. Still they had no thought
+of turning back. The river swept them along at
+startling speed, and they swam desperately to get
+in line with the island. As they neared it they
+were dismayed to see great boulders directly ahead
+of them. They knew that unless they could get
+beyond them they would be swept against them
+and destroyed.</p>
+
+<p>“Come, we must swim harder,” cried Running
+Fox.</p>
+
+<p>They redoubled their efforts. Every moment
+was precious. Running Fox was the stronger
+swimmer, and he began to fear for Spotted Deer
+who was several bow-lengths behind him. However,
+Spotted Deer saw his peril, and was struggling
+desperately to place himself beyond the path
+of the boulders. At last his efforts were successful,
+and he followed Running Fox to the head
+of the island. They found a shallow place where
+they managed to get upon their feet and scramble
+safely to the shore.</p>
+
+<p>“Hi, that was a hard fight,” panted Spotted
+Deer, as they sat down to recover from their exertions.</p>
+
+<p>“Spotted Deer, I see that we have done a foolish
+thing,” Running Fox said, soberly.</p>
+
+<p>“Are you thinking about those Bad Water Spirits?”
+inquired Spotted Deer, as he looked toward
+the rapids.</p>
+
+<p>“No, I am not thinking about those mysterious
+people, but I believe we have got ourselves into
+a trap,” declared Running Fox. “It was a hard
+fight to get to this place, but it will be harder to
+get away.”</p>
+
+<p>The idea sobered them. For the moment they
+forgot all about Schawanammek, the great sturgeon.
+As they watched the river sweeping past
+them, and heard the angry challenge of the rapids,
+they suddenly realized that they had placed
+themselves in a serious predicament.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, we have come here to kill some of those
+big fish,” said Running Fox, attempting to make
+light of the adventure.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, let us go and find them,” proposed Spotted
+Deer.</p>
+
+<p>They moved carefully along the wooded shore
+of the island until they reached the narrow channel
+between the island and the boulders. The
+water was comparatively quiet at that place, and
+they were able to wade out to a large flat-topped
+rock upon which they seated themselves to watch
+for sturgeon. As they waited for the first big
+fish to appear they cast many uneasy glances
+toward the rapids. They appeared uncomfortably
+near the lower end of the island. The noise
+seemed much louder. The lads wondered whether
+they had underestimated the distance between the
+island and that long stretch of white-crested waves.
+Then a sturgeon entered the narrow channel, and
+all else was forgotten.</p>
+
+<p>“Hi, here comes Sehawanammek!” cried Spotted
+Deer, as he hastily prepared his bow.</p>
+
+<p>As the great fish swam past the rock Spotted
+Deer drove his arrow into it. It floundered helplessly
+for a moment or so, and Running Fox also
+sent an arrow into its body. Then, to the surprise
+of the excited young Delawares, the sturgeon
+turned and flashed down the channel with the current.
+A few moments afterward they saw it drifting
+helplessly into the rapids.</p>
+
+<p>“That is bad,” said Spotted Deer. “We have
+lost two good arrows, and Schawanammek has
+fooled us.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, we have sent some good food to Gunammachk,
+the otter,” laughed Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>It was some time before another sturgeon appeared,
+and that, too, would have been swept away
+by the river if Running Fox had not jumped recklessly
+into the water and seized it. Aided by Spotted
+Deer he dragged it to the island, and pulled
+it into the bushes.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, we have killed Schawanammek,” said
+Spotted Deer. “Now we must eat some of his
+flesh. Then we will be able to swim through the
+bad places like he does.”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I believe it will be a good thing to do,”
+agreed Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>Having left their fire-sticks with their robes, the
+lads were compelled to eat the fish raw. Then they
+began to think about leaving the island. They
+had no desire to waste more arrows on such easy
+game.</p>
+
+<p>“Now we must get away from here,” said Running
+Fox.</p>
+
+<p>“I see that it will be a hard thing to do,” declared
+Spotted Deer. “I believe I was very foolish
+to talk about coming here. Now I have got
+you into a bad place. I do not like that.”</p>
+
+<p>“Spotted Deer, I came here because I wanted
+to show you that I was not afraid. It was a foolish
+thing to do. Perhaps those Bad Water Spirits
+will kill us. Then our people will say, ‘Running
+Fox was not sharp enough to escape from the Mohawks.’
+I am sorry I came here.”</p>
+
+<p>They walked to the head of the island, and looked
+longingly toward the forest on the river bank. It
+seemed a long ways off, and the water looked very
+swift. Their task was to reach the shore before
+the current carried them into the rapids. They
+knew that to do that they would have to swim
+even harder and faster than they swam to reach
+the island. Running Fox believed that he might
+be equal to the task, but he had grave misgivings
+about Spotted Deer. The latter, however, felt
+quite as confident as Running Fox. Before they
+entered the water Running Fox sang several of
+the medicine-songs which old Sky Dog had taught
+him for just such emergencies. Then, having asked
+Getanittowit to help them, the lads began their
+perilous battle with the river.</p>
+
+<p>It was impossible to make any headway directly
+against the current, and the lads swam at a sharp
+angle but with their faces turned up the river.
+They had not gone far, however, before they saw
+that they were exhausting themselves without gaining
+enough to make the effort worth while. Then
+Running Fox turned and swam directly across the
+current. He found himself sweeping rapidly
+down the river, and he had grave doubts of reaching
+the shore before he drifted into the rapids.
+Each moment he heard their angry roar growing
+louder in his ears, and it nerved him to greater
+efforts. Calling upon Spotted Deer to increase his
+exertions Running Fox began a furious fight
+against the current. Strive as he might, however,
+he was unable to stay his mad flight down the
+river. The rapids were now only half as far away
+as they were when he started, and Running Fox
+began to lose heart. He had gone only a third of
+the distance between the shore and the island and
+each bow-length he drifted found him in rougher
+water. It suddenly dawned on him that it would
+be impossible to escape the rapids. For a moment
+the thought overwhelmed him, and he was on the
+point of surrendering. Then he heard a wild despairing
+cry behind him. Looking over his shoulder,
+he saw Spotted Deer turning back toward
+the island. Running Fox knew at once that the
+exhausted lad would never reach his goal. Twisting
+about he swam with the current to intercept
+Spotted Deer in his wild plunge down the river.</p>
+
+<p>“Come, Spotted Deer, show your courage!”
+cried Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>The challenge roused Spotted Deer to heroic efforts.
+He fought just long enough to enable Running
+Fox to get in line with him, and then he ceased
+struggling.</p>
+
+<p>“Come, follow me!” shouted Running Fox.
+“Do not waste yourself. Let the water carry you.
+Watch out for the bad places.”</p>
+
+<p>A moment later they were sweeping toward the
+rapids. Running Fox picked the route, and Spotted
+Deer tried to follow him. There was little
+chance to swim. All they could do was to keep
+themselves afloat, and try to dodge the rocks and
+whirlpools. It was a desperate chance, and the
+odds were all against them. However, it was the
+only chance for life and Running Fox had decided
+to take it. When they reached the head of the
+rapids they shot forward into a stifling smother
+of white-caps. Then they swirled down through
+the raging inferno of water at terrific speed.
+Monster waves surged over them, huge boulders
+flashed by within bow-length. Running Fox found
+it impossible to pick a route, and, terrified and bewildered,
+he confined his efforts to keeping his
+head above the surface and left the rest to chance.
+As for Spotted Deer, he lost sight of his companion
+as soon as they entered the rapids, and he, too,
+thought only of keeping from going down into the
+clutches of the Bad Water Spirits. Gasping, choking
+and struggling, the unfortunate lads were carried
+down the river. Once Running Fox crashed
+into a boulder, but fortunately it was a glancing
+blow and he escaped with nothing more serious
+than bruises. Spotted Deer drifted into one of
+the sucking black pools, and in some miraculous
+manner was whirled around the edge and thrown
+back into the current. There seemed no hope that
+either of the swimmers would escape with his life.</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox, however, finally reached the end
+of the rapids alive. When he found himself afloat
+in calm water he could scarcely believe his good
+fortune. His first thought was for Spotted Deer.
+He was nowhere in sight. What had become of
+him? There seemed but one answer. He had been
+pulled down by the Bad Water Spirits. Running
+Fox looked toward the rapids, and his eyes glowed
+savagely. Then he saw something bobbing down
+through the waves, and a great hope entered his
+heart.</p>
+
+<p>“Fight, Spotted Deer! Fight! I am here to
+help you!” screamed Running Fox, as he saw the
+form of his friend sweeping toward the end of the
+rapids.</p>
+
+<p>His words were useless, however, for Spotted
+Deer could not hear them. As his limp body
+finally shot into the still water and sank from
+sight, Running Fox dove after it and brought him
+to the surface. Then he swam painfully to the
+shore with him, and placed him tenderly on the
+beach. There was an ugly wound over his eye, and
+his limbs were bruised and swollen. Running Fox
+himself was bloody and bruised, but he gave no
+thought to his wounds. Bending frantically over
+his friend he worked feverishly to expel the water
+from his lungs. He had seen his people restore
+more than one unfortunate swimmer, and he had
+hopes of bringing Spotted Deer back to life. However,
+his efforts seemed in vain and he called hysterically
+upon Getanittowit for aid.</p>
+
+<p>“O Getanittowit, see what the Bad Water Spirits
+have done,” he cried. “O Getanittowit, take
+pity on me, and give me back my brother, Spotted
+Deer. See, Getanittowit, he is sleeping. O
+Getanittowit, take pity on him and wake him up.”</p>
+
+<p>Then he worked with renewed energy. Still
+Spotted Deer showed no signs of life. Running
+Fox was on the verge of collapse. He realized
+that he would soon be unable to continue his efforts.
+The thought roused him. Then, when he
+had given up hope, Spotted Deer sighed and opened
+his eyes. He stared stupidly at Running Fox, and
+again lapsed into unconsciousness. Still he was
+alive, and that was sufficient for Running Fox.
+His strength returned, and he continued his exertions
+until Spotted Deer regained consciousness.
+Then, as the latter smiled and whispered his name,
+Running Fox fell exhausted beside him.</p>
+
+<h1 id='t1858'>CHAPTER V—WOLVES</h1>
+
+<p>The following day found the Delawares too
+stiff and sore from their battle with the
+rapids to proceed with their journey. They
+limped as far as the spot where they had hidden
+their robes, and made no attempt to go farther.
+Besides, they had lost a number of their arrows
+in the river, and they spent the day making others
+to replace them. Toward evening as Running
+Fox was stalking several grouse that had alighted
+in a tree, he suddenly came upon a number of
+tracks that immediately claimed his attention.
+Dropping to his knees he examined them with great
+care. Then he rose and hastened to tell Spotted
+Deer, whom he had left resting upon a couch of
+hemlock boughs.</p>
+
+<p>“Spotted Deer, if you feel strong enough you
+must rise and follow me,” said Running Fox. “I
+have found something to show you.”</p>
+
+<p>“I will go,” declared Spotted Deer, rising stiffly
+to his feet.</p>
+
+<p>They soon reached the spot where Running Fox
+had discovered the tracks, and Spotted Deer examined
+them with much interest.</p>
+
+<p>“This is strange,” he said after a few moments.
+“These tracks look like the tracks of big dogs.
+How did they get here? Are we near a camp?”</p>
+
+<p>“No, Spotted Deer, these are not dog tracks,”
+said Running Fox. “That is what I took them
+for when I first saw them. Then I knew different.
+These are the tracks of Timmeu, the wolf.”</p>
+
+<p>“It is true,” replied Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>They noted that the tracks were several days
+old, and that the trail turned toward the north.
+It was also apparent that there had been a goodly
+number of wolves, for the lads saw tracks of various
+sizes. That night as they sat beside a small
+fire broiling the grouse which Running Fox had
+killed their thoughts turned to the wolf pack.</p>
+
+<p>“I have heard the hunters tell about those
+wolves,” said Running Fox. “They are very
+large and very fierce. They have fought with
+many of our people. My father killed some of
+them when he was hunting along the river.”</p>
+
+<p>“Why are they down in this country?” inquired
+Spotted Deer. “This is not the time for them to
+come down here. I have heard the hunters say
+that in the time of growing things they travel far
+beyond the country of the Mohawks.”</p>
+
+<p>“What you say is so,” replied Running Fox.
+“When it is cold our people have found them
+down near our village. I do not know how they
+come to be here now.”</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps we shall see them,” Spotted Deer
+suggested, hopefully.</p>
+
+<p>“No, I do not believe it,” said Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>The next day they resumed their journey at
+daylight. They had quite recovered from their
+trip through the rapids, and excepting a few minor
+cuts and bruises showed little evidence of the rough
+treatment which they had received from the river.
+They felt that they had escaped with a very light
+penalty for their foolishness, and they were very
+grateful to Getanittowit. However, they agreed
+that they would be more careful in the future.</p>
+
+<p>“Pretty soon we will come to dangerous
+country,” said Spotted Deer, as they continued up the river.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, we must keep a sharp watch for our enemies,”
+replied Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>They traveled through a splendid forest of massive
+oaks and chestnuts, and they saw many signs
+of game. At one place they again saw wolf tracks,
+but they were many days old and the lads gave
+them little thought. Then they came upon a well-worn
+trail leading away from the river, and as it
+showed fresh deer tracks they determined to follow
+it. It soon led them to a shallow pool in the center
+of an open marshy swale. From the numberless
+footprints, and the manner in which the
+ground had been pawed, they knew at once that
+the place was a natural salt-lick. They also knew
+that animals of all sorts frequented such places,
+and as the day was less than half spent they determined
+to spend some time watching for game.</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps we shall see some of the creatures
+that appeared in my dream,” said Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>The wish was soon gratified, for they had barely
+concealed themselves at the edge of the woods when
+they heard something approaching. They watched
+closely, and in a few moments a splendid buck
+appeared on the border of the marsh.</p>
+
+<p>“Achtu,” whispered Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Sh,” cautioned Running Fox, as he prepared
+an arrow.</p>
+
+<p>The wind was in their favor, and they had little
+fear of being discovered. The deer made a
+splendid picture as it stood silhouetted against the
+vivid green background of the forest. It was a
+big, graceful creature, with horns still sheathed in
+the soft moss-like covering which protects them until
+they complete their growth in the autumn. The
+buck spent some moments listening, and sniffing
+for signs of danger. Then, satisfied that all was
+well, he started toward the pool. At that moment,
+however, the wind veered and brought him
+the danger scent. For one fleeting instant he
+halted with his head raised in alarm. Then, having
+located the danger, he wheeled and sprang
+toward shelter. Two arrows sped after him. One
+flew high and stuck in a sapling, but the other
+buried itself in his side. Then with a great bound
+he disappeared into the woods. The lads heard
+him crashing away in mad flight, and they looked
+at each other with disgust.</p>
+
+<p>“That was bad work,” said Running Fox. “I
+was not ready. The wind fooled us.”</p>
+
+<p>“My arrow is sticking in that tree,” laughed
+Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, we must follow him,” declared Running
+Fox. “My arrow struck too far back, but perhaps
+it will make him lie down.”</p>
+
+<p>They hastened to the spot where the buck had
+disappeared, and found a number of large red
+splashes upon the leaves. It was evident that the
+deer had been hard hit, and they started hopefully
+on the trail. The buck was traveling in great
+bounds, and bleeding freely. It was not long,
+however, before they noticed that he was slackening
+his speed.</p>
+
+<p>“We will soon come up with him,” said Running
+Fox.</p>
+
+<p>Both lads were well experienced in the art of
+deer hunting, and they instantly recognized the
+unmistakable signs that promised an early collapse.
+They hurried along the trail, therefore, with high
+hopes of overtaking their quarry before the end
+of the day. The tracks led them into a vast hemlock
+swamp, and they advanced with great caution,
+for it looked like an ideal hiding place for
+the wounded buck. They soon saw that the deer
+had begun to walk, and at one place they saw that
+it had stopped as if preparing to lie down. It had
+gone on, however, and the lads hurried after it,
+keeping a sharp watch on all sides lest it should
+suddenly spring from cover and escape. As they
+penetrated into the gloomy depths of the swamp
+they saw many fresh tracks of lynx, and foxes
+and rabbits, but they paid little attention to them
+for they knew from experience that it was only
+by constant vigilance that they could hope to overtake
+and surprise the animal they sought.</p>
+
+<p>“See, he is growing weak,” said Running Fox,
+as he pointed to a place in the trail which indicated
+that the buck had stumbled awkwardly over
+a log that lay in his path.</p>
+
+<p>Then they saw him lying under a spruce a short
+distance ahead of them. The buck saw them at
+the same instant, and struggled to his feet. Running
+Fox shot his arrow and scored another hit,
+but as Spotted Deer released his bow-string the
+buck dashed between the trees and vanished from
+sight.</p>
+
+<p>“He will not run so far this time,” prophesied
+Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>The trail turned off at a sharp angle, and soon
+brought them to the edge of the swamp. They followed
+it through the woods to a pretty woodland
+stream, and there they found the buck lying dead
+beside the water.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I have done what the great medicine deer
+told me to do,” said Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>“It is good,” replied Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>When they finished skinning and quartering the
+deer the twilight shadows were falling upon the
+forest, and they decided to spend the night beside
+the stream. As they were some distance from the
+river, they believed it might be safe to make a tiny
+fire and dry some of the meat to take with them.
+They worked at the task until long after darkness
+had fallen. Then, as they wrapped themselves in
+their robes, and were preparing to sleep, Spotted
+Deer suddenly sat up and listened anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>“What is that?” he asked Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>For a moment or so they heard only the gentle
+murmuring of the breeze through the tree-tops.
+Then, far away in the night, they heard a sound
+that thrilled them. It was the hunting cry of the
+wolf-pack. They had heard it more than once in
+the winter near the Delaware village, and they
+recognized it immediately.</p>
+
+<p>“Timmeu has found the blood trail,” said Running
+Fox.</p>
+
+<p>The sounds came from somewhere beyond the
+swamp, and the lads had little doubt that the
+wolves were following the trail of the wounded
+buck. The thought stirred them, for they believed
+that they were about to have an encounter with the
+savage brutes about which they had heard so many
+wonderful tales. The sounds soon united in a wild
+babel that grew louder and more distinct each moment.</p>
+
+<p>“They are coming fast,” said Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, we will wait for them,” declared Running
+Fox. “Come, we will bring in some brush
+for the fire, so that we can see them.”</p>
+
+<p>They hurried to gather several armfuls of dry
+wood. Then they raked together the embers of
+their fire, and fanned them into a flame. By that
+time it was evident that the wolves were almost
+through the swamp. They were making a great
+din, and it seemed as if there were many animals
+in the pack. The eyes of the Delawares flashed
+as the wild baying drew nearer.</p>
+
+<p>“Now they are getting close,” cried Spotted
+Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, they have come out of the swamp,” replied
+Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>The lads had heard enough about that famous
+pack to feel sure that they would be attacked. Still
+the possibility failed to alarm them. They felt
+confident that they would be able to defend themselves,
+and they were eager for the fight. Then,
+as they waited anxiously for the wolves to appear,
+the commotion suddenly ceased.</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps the fire has frightened them away,”
+Spotted Deer said, regretfully.</p>
+
+<p>“No, I do not believe it,” replied Running Fox.
+“Timmeu is very cautious. Perhaps they saw our
+fire. Perhaps they found the man scent. They
+are sneaking up to have a look at us. I have
+heard my father tell how they do that. We must
+keep a sharp watch.”</p>
+
+<p>They listened anxiously, and peered eagerly into
+the darkness in the hope of locating the wolves.
+They felt quite certain that the wily brutes were
+close at hand endeavoring to learn the strength
+of their enemies before exposing themselves. For
+a long time, however, the alert young hunters could
+find no evidence of them. Then they heard a snarl
+almost in front of them. A moment afterward a
+pair of shining green eyes flashed in the darkness.
+The next instant they were gone.</p>
+
+<p>“Come, we must put some brush on the fire,”
+said Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>As the flames flared up and threw a circle of
+yellow light some distance into the woods, the lads
+fitted arrows to their bows and watched for a
+chance at the wolves. However, it appeared that
+those crafty beasts were wise enough to keep beyond
+the glow. The Delawares heard them trotting
+about through the undergrowth, but they were
+unable to see them. The caution displayed by the
+wolves seemed like cowardice to the eager lads who
+waited impatiently for them to attack, and they
+began to doubt some of the stories they had heard
+concerning their ferocity.</p>
+
+<p>“These animals are not brave,” sneered Spotted
+Deer. “Come, let us run out and chase them
+away.”</p>
+
+<p>“That would be a foolish thing to do,” cautioned
+Running Fox. “We must not take any chances.
+I believe what we have heard is true. Perhaps
+they are getting ready to make a big fight. Listen.
+Do you hear that? It is their war-cry. Now
+we must be ready.”</p>
+
+<p>A long, quavering howl sounded through the
+night. It was the rallying cry, and it was immediately
+answered by a wild din from the pack. It
+was evident that the wolves were growing bolder.
+They trotted about at the edge of the firelight, and
+the lads caught fleeting glimpses of dim, shadowy
+forms slinking through the shadows.</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps they will get brave enough to fight,”
+laughed Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“They will fight,” Running Fox assured him.</p>
+
+<p>The carcass of the deer was between the lads
+and the wolves, and it appeared that the latter
+were preparing to fight for possession of it. Still,
+it was some time before they grew hold enough
+to expose themselves in the firelight. At last,
+however, one great wolf more reckless than its companions
+rushed toward the prize. As it came into
+the glow Spotted Deer shot his arrow, and the
+wolf rolled into the hushes, howling dismally.
+Elated at his success, Spotted Deer raised his voice
+in the Delaware war-cry.</p>
+
+<p>“That was a bad thing to do,” said Running
+Fox. “Perhaps that will reach the ears of an
+enemy.”</p>
+
+<p>“It is true, Running Fox, I was very foolish,”
+Spotted Deer acknowledged, guiltily.</p>
+
+<p>At that instant the wolves charged in a body,
+and the lads saw that they would have all the fighting
+they desired. They killed several of the leaders,
+and for a moment the others hesitated. Then
+they divided and formed a circle, and the Delawares
+realized that they had been surrounded.
+Once roused to the attack, the wolves showed little
+fear, and the lads soon found themselves engaged
+in a desperate encounter. Standing back to back
+to prevent being attacked from the rear, they
+fought furiously to keep the ferocious animals
+from reaching them. More than one wolf was
+stopped in mid-air as it leaped forward to drag
+them to the ground. Once Running Fox was compelled
+to use his war-club to crush the skull of
+a wolf that had eluded his arrow. A moment later
+he heard a warning cry from Spotted Deer, and
+wheeling about he saw the latter borne to earth
+by a huge wolf that had two arrows sticking in its
+side. Running Fox drove a third arrow into the
+fatal spot behind the shoulder, and Spotted Deer
+leaped to his feet unharmed. Then the wolves
+suddenly became demoralized, and retreated into
+the shadows. Spotted Deer was eager to follow
+them, but Running Fox cautioned against it.</p>
+
+<p>“We have had a hard fight, but we have come
+out of it,” said Running Fox. “If we follow the
+wolves into the darkness we may be torn to pieces.”</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps that is so,” agreed Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>They piled more brush on the fire, and kept a
+sharp watch for another attack. However, as the
+time passed and the wolves failed to appear, the
+lads believed that they had skulked off. Still it
+was a long time before they dared to leave the fire
+to recover their arrows from the bodies of the
+wolves they had killed. While they were engaged
+in the task they heard savage snarls coming from
+the darkness, and saw the flash of angry eyes.
+They realized, therefore, that they were in constant
+danger of attack by the wounded wolves that had
+been unable to retreat with the pack.</p>
+
+<p>“This is dangerous work,” said Running Fox.
+“I believe the best thing to do would be to wait
+until the light comes.”</p>
+
+<p>He had barely uttered the warning, however,
+when a great black form rushed from behind a
+rock and attacked him. It snapped savagely at
+his legs, but he jumped aside in time to avoid the
+cruel white fangs. Then he wheeled at bay. He
+saw the hateful green eyes glaring at him through
+the night, and he aimed his arrow a short distance
+below them. As he released the bow-string the
+wolf attempted to spring at him, but the arrow
+plunged deep into its chest and ended its life.
+After that narrow escape the lads decided to withdraw
+to the fire. They gathered enough wood to
+last them through the night, and planned to take
+turns watching until daylight.</p>
+
+<h1 id='t2271'>CHAPTER VI—A PROWLER IN THE DARK</h1>
+
+<p>The night passed without further attack, and
+at dawn the lads scouted carefully about
+the scene of the battle and found the bodies
+of twelve large timber wolves. They found another
+wounded wolf hiding under the top of a
+fallen tree, and they rushed upon it and killed it
+with their war-clubs. Well pleased with their victory,
+the young Delawares spent some time chanting
+war-songs and dancing about the bodies of
+their victims. Then they broke off the tusks of the
+largest wolves as trophies to be proudly exhibited
+when they finally returned to the Delaware village.</p>
+
+<p>On the way back to the river Running Fox saw
+a small dark animal bounding along ahead of him.
+He immediately ran in pursuit of it, and as it
+flashed up the trunk of a tree he saw that it was,
+as he had guessed, a black squirrel. The squirrel
+hid on one side of the tree, and as Running Fox
+moved cautiously about the tree-trunk the crafty
+little creature moved with him, so that he was unable
+to surprise it. At last, however, Running
+Fox took his bow and stirred the leaves on the opposite
+side of the tree. It was an old hunting
+trick which he had learned from his father, and
+it proved entirely successful. Thinking that its
+pursuer was coming around on that side the bewildered
+squirrel edged around in full view of
+Running Fox. A moment afterward it fell at his
+feet with an arrow through its body.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, Wisawanik knows how to hide, but I
+fooled him,” laughed Running Fox, as he held
+up the prize. “See, Spotted Deer, I have killed
+a chief who wears the black robe. Yes, I have
+done what the medicine creatures told me to do.”</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox removed the black pelt with great
+care, and fastened it to his belt. Then they continued
+toward the river. As they neared the water
+they climbed to the top of a hardwood ridge to reconnoiter.
+They knew that they were almost at
+the end of the Delaware hunting grounds, and the
+thought made them cautious.</p>
+
+<p>“Pretty soon we will enter the country of our
+enemies,” said Running Fox. “Many of our people
+have been killed in that country. We must be
+very watchful.”</p>
+
+<p>“We will be as sharp as Woakus, the fox,” replied
+Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>They were able to see a long way up and down
+the river from the top of the ridge, and they studied
+the water with great care. However, as they
+failed to discover anything to arouse their suspicions,
+they soon resumed their way into the
+north. The day was more than half gone when
+Running Fox suddenly stopped, and pointed to a
+high rocky cliff on the opposite side of the river,
+and then to a massive dead pine directly ahead of
+them.</p>
+
+<p>“Do you see that high rocky place over there?”
+he inquired, turning to Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I see it,” replied Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Do you see that big tree ahead of us?”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I see it.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, we have reached the beginning of the
+great Iroquois hunting grounds,” declared Running
+Fox. “It begins over there on that side
+where you see those rocks, and it begins on this
+side where you see that big tree ahead of us. Do
+you know anything about those rocks?”</p>
+
+<p>“No, I do not know about them,” replied Spotted
+Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I will tell you about something that happened
+there,” said Running Fox. “I will tell it
+just as my father told it to me. Our people call
+that place Laktschellan, which means the-jumping-over-place.
+Now I will tell you how it got that
+name. A long time ago a Delaware hunter was
+chased up on those rocks by some Mohawks. Well,
+when they saw him up there they began to laugh
+because they thought he could not get away.
+Pretty soon they heard him calling down to them.
+He told them that he was going to jump down into
+the water. Well, when they heard that they began
+to laugh some more, because they thought he
+would surely be killed. Then some of the Mohawks
+began to climb up the rocks. When the
+Delaware saw them coming he gave a loud shout
+and jumped away from the rocks. He made a
+great noise when he fell into the water, and a
+white cloud flew high up into the air. Well, the
+Mohawks began to watch the water. They watched
+a long time, but he never appeared. Then they
+thought he was dead. Some of them began to
+jump into the water to find his body. Well, while
+they were doing that the Delaware was hiding in
+the bushes a little way off. He was laughing about
+how he had fooled the Mohawks. He waited there
+until the Mohawks got tired and went away. Then
+he ran to the Delaware camp, and told what he
+had done. The name of that brave man was Striking
+Hawk, and he lived a very long time ago.”</p>
+
+<p>“That is a good thing to know about,” declared
+Spotted Deer. “Whenever I pass that place I will
+always think about that brave hunter.”</p>
+
+<p>A few moments afterwards the lads entered the
+hunting grounds of their foes. The real war-journey
+had actually begun. The thought thrilled
+them. Still they were serious and thoughtful.
+They knew that many foes lurked in the vast wilderness
+which they were about to explore, and
+they realized the difficulty of avoiding them. Besides
+the Mohawks there were several other tribes
+of the great Iroquois nation who wandered into
+that country to hunt and fish with their tribesmen.
+These visitors were mostly Oneidas and Onondagas,
+whose villages were comparatively near the Mohawks,
+but the fierce Cayugas and the still fiercer
+Senecas occasionally came from the lakes and
+mountains far away toward the setting sun. Then
+there were also the Shawnees, who frequently ventured
+into the Iroquois country in large numbers.
+Such an array of enemies might have made the
+most courageous warrior hesitate about entering
+that perilous region, and the young Delawares
+knew that they must keep constantly alert to their
+danger if they hoped to escape.</p>
+
+<p>The lads continued along the river until near the
+end of the day, and then they turned deeper into
+the forest to find a safe hiding place in which to
+spend the night. They were making their way
+carefully over a rocky piece of ground covered with
+blueberry bushes, when they heard a loud buzzing
+sound close beside them.</p>
+
+<p>“Hi, that is Wischalowe, the Frightener,” cried
+Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>They recognized the sound as the angry buzzing
+of a rattlesnake. It seemed to be in a dense thicket
+of blueberry bushes, The lads realized that they
+must approach it with caution, for they knew that
+its bite was very deadly. Running Fox picked up
+several stones, and advanced carefully into the
+thicket. When he came near the sound he stopped
+and looked for the snake. At last he saw it several
+bow-lengths ahead of him. It was coiled to
+strike.</p>
+
+<p>“Hi, Wischalowe, I have found you,” cried
+Running Fox. “You look very ugly. Yes, you
+are called ‘The Frightener.’ Well, I am not
+afraid of you. Your war-cry does not frighten me.
+I have killed some of your people. Now I am going
+to kill you. But I am going to give you a
+chance to fight. Come, let me see how brave you
+are.”</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox advanced directly toward the angry
+snake. He parted the bushes carefully with
+his bow, and walked almost within bow-length.
+Then he stopped, and continued to taunt Wischalowe.
+However, the rattlesnake made no attempt
+to strike, and Running Fox tossed one of the stones
+within a hand-breadth of it. The snake instantly
+lowered its head and flattened its body against the
+ground—it was evidently about to strike. Running
+Fox advanced a step nearer, and the snake
+uncoiled two-thirds of its body and struck at him.
+He saw the ugly open mouth and the deadly fangs
+as he sprang aside.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, Wischalowe, you are very slow, like an
+old man,” laughed Running Fox. “Yes, I see
+that you are very mad about it. You are making
+a great noise. Perhaps it would frighten the
+women and children. Is that how you got your
+name? Well, Wischalowe, this will be your last
+song. Now I am going to kill you.”</p>
+
+<p>However, as Running Fox threw the rock the
+snake struck, and he missed it. Then to his surprise
+the snake partially coiled and struck again.
+It was an unexpected maneuver, and the reckless
+young Delaware barely escaped. He struck savagely
+with his bow, and hit the reptile a stunning
+blow behind the head. Before it recovered he
+stooped and crushed it with his war-club. Then
+he cut the string of bony scales, or rattles, from,
+the end of its tail.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, that was an easy fight,” laughed Running
+Fox, as he rejoined Spotted Deer. “Wischalowe
+tried to frighten us, and now I have killed
+him.”</p>
+
+<p>“Wisehalowe was foolish,” replied Spotted
+Deer.</p>
+
+<p>At the end of the day they stopped for the night
+beside a splendid little woodland spring, in the
+midst of a wonderful forest of towering hemlocks.
+The trees were so large and stood so close together
+that perpetual twilight reigned beneath them.
+Night came swiftly after sunset in that dense stand
+of timber, and the lads missed the cheery glow of
+the little camp-fire, for they believed that it would
+be foolhardy to run the risk of lighting it. They
+sat close together in the darkness, therefore, conversing
+in low, guarded tones and listening anxiously
+at the slightest sound. However, the great
+wilderness was unusually still, and they heard only
+the night wind whispering softly in the tree-tops.</p>
+
+<p>“Schawanachen, the warm wind, is singing the
+sleep song,” said Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>“It is a pretty song,” replied Spotted Deer.
+“Come, we will pile up some of this long grass,
+and let Schawanachen sing us to sleep.”</p>
+
+<p>They gathered several armfuls of the long feathery
+ferns that grew in great abundance at that
+spot, and made couches of them. Then they
+wrapped themselves in their robes and lay down to
+sleep.</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps it would be a good thing for one of
+us to watch,” suggested Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>“No, I do not believe we are in any danger
+here,” said Spotted Deer. “We have not seen or
+heard anything to trouble us.”</p>
+
+<p>“That is true,” agreed Running Fox. “Well,
+we will not do anything about it.”</p>
+
+<p>They had not been long asleep when Running
+Fox awakened with a feeling that all was not well.
+He raised himself cautiously upon his elbow, and
+spent many moments looking and listening for
+signs of danger. Spotted Deer was slumbering
+soundly, and Running Fox determined not to
+awaken him unless he discovered something to verify
+his uneasiness.</p>
+
+<p>“This is a strange thing,” Running Fox whispered
+to himself. “I do not see anything, and I
+do not hear anything, but I feel something wrong.
+I believe we are in some kind of danger. Well,
+I will watch.”</p>
+
+<p>For a long time, however, he found no reason
+for his suspicions. Still the peculiar premonition
+of danger persisted. It troubled him. He believed
+it was a warning from Getanittowit, and yet
+he did not know how to interpret it. Then he
+thought he heard something moving through the
+ferns. He held his breath to listen, but the silence
+was unbroken. At last, convinced that his
+fears were groundless, Running Fox again lay
+down to sleep. He had barely closed his eyes, however,
+when he was roused by the same stealthy
+sound in the ferns.</p>
+
+<p>“Now I know that something is wrong,” Running
+Fox told himself.</p>
+
+<p>As he sat up and stared anxiously into the night
+he again heard the gentle rustling of the ferns.
+For a moment he wondered if it might not be the
+wind. All was still, however, and even the murmurs
+in the tree-tops had died away. Running
+Fox felt that he was being watched. A few moments
+later his suspicions were verified, as a pair
+of glowing eyes shone from the darkness. Aware
+that they were threatened by some savage prowler
+of the wilderness, Running Fox leaned over and
+touched Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Do not make any noise,” cautioned Running
+Fox, as Spotted Deer awakened.</p>
+
+<p>“What has happened?” Spotted Deer inquired,
+anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>“I do not know what it is, but something is
+watching us,” declared Running Fox. “Yes, I
+heard it, and I saw its eyes.”</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps the wolves have followed us,” whispered
+Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“No, it is something different,” replied Running
+Fox. “Listen.”</p>
+
+<p>They heard something circling softly about them
+through the ferns. Then they caught the momentary
+flash of a pair of eyes. The next instant they
+vanished, and a twig snapped somewhere within
+bow-shot.</p>
+
+<p>“I believe it is Timmeu, the wolf,” declared
+Spotted Deer. “Perhaps he has come back to
+fight us.”</p>
+
+<p>“No, it is not Timmeu,” replied Running Fox.
+“The eyes are different, and this thing moves
+slower.”</p>
+
+<p>They heard a low growl, like that of an angry
+dog. Then they again saw the weird shining eyes
+watching them.</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps some Evil Spirit lives in this place,”
+Spotted Deer suggested, uneasily.</p>
+
+<p>“No, I do not believe it,” Running Fox assured
+him. “I believe it is Quenischquney, the panther.
+Yes, it is the sound I heard in my dream. Now
+I will tell you what to do. I will shoot my arrow.
+Then if Quenisehquney jumps in to fight you must
+send your arrow into him. By that time I will
+be ready with another arrow.”</p>
+
+<p>“I am ready,” said Spotted Deer. “See, there
+are his eyes. He sounds mad.”</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox discharged his arrow. They heard
+it strike, and then a terrifying scream rang
+through the night. A moment later a long dark
+form crouched before them. They heard the tail
+swishing rapidly among the ferns, and read a
+warning in the flashing eyes.</p>
+
+<p>“Do something!” cried Running Fox, as he prepared
+another arrow.</p>
+
+<p>Spotted Deer had hesitated an instant too long,
+and as he released his bow-string the panther
+sprang. It missed him by less than a bow-length,
+and disappeared into the night. They heard it
+coughing and snarling, and thrashing about in the
+ferns. Then it suddenly became quiet.</p>
+
+<p>“It is dead,” said Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps,” replied Running Fox. “Quenischquney
+is very cute, we must be careful.”</p>
+
+<p>They watched anxiously, but the eyes failed to
+appear. Then, as the silence continued, Running
+Fox began to grow uneasy. He feared that the
+panther might have sneaked away, and the possibility
+made him reckless.</p>
+
+<p>“I do not like this,” he told Spotted Deer.
+“Perhaps, as you say, Quenischquney is dead. But
+perhaps he has sneaked away. That would be very
+bad. I must follow him and kill him. Yes, I
+must take his claws, and wear them as the mysterious
+Medicine Creatures told me to do. If I
+do not obey them something bad may happen to
+us. Now I am going over there to find out if
+Quenischquney is dead.”</p>
+
+<p>“That is a very dangerous thing to do,” protested
+Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I cannot help it,” replied Running Fox.
+“I must not let Quenischquney get away.”</p>
+
+<p>“I will go with you,” proposed Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>They waited some moments, watching and listening
+for a clue to the whereabouts of the
+wounded panther. Then, as the baffling silence
+continued, they advanced cautiously toward the
+place where they had last seen the glare of its
+eyes. They went forward very slowly, about a
+bow-length apart. It was very dark, and they
+realized that they must depend more upon their
+ears than their eyes to warn them of danger.
+After every third or fourth stride, therefore, they
+stopped to listen, while they peered anxiously on
+all sides of them for a tell-tale flash of those ugly
+green eyes. However, they neither heard or saw
+anything of the animal they sought.</p>
+
+<p>“I believe that fierce Quenischquney is dead,”
+declared Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“We must not be too sure,” Running Fox
+warned him.</p>
+
+<p>He had barely finished speaking when they heard
+a warning growl directly ahead of them. They
+stopped and watched for a chance to shoot their
+arrows. The growling continued, and they heard
+the ferns rustling, but they were unable to locate
+the panther. They knew it was close to them, but
+for some reason they were unable to discover its
+eyes. For a moment they were puzzled. Then
+Running Fox guessed the truth.</p>
+
+<p>“I know how it is,” he whispered, excitedly.
+“Quenischquney is crouching down in the high
+grass. I believe he is getting ready to jump.”</p>
+
+<p>“Shall I send an arrow over there where we
+hear him?” asked Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>Quenischquney himself answered the question,
+for at that very instant he made his spring, and
+bore Spotted Deer to the ground. Running Fox
+saw a long black shadow pass before him, heard a
+short angry snarl, and then the quick startled voice
+of Spotted Deer. For an instant the suddenness
+of the attack bewildered him. He hesitated a moment
+to recover his wits, and then as Spotted Deer
+called to him he sprang to his assistance.</p>
+
+<p>“O Running Fox! Running Fox!” screamed
+Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Use your knife!” cried Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>The next instant he was upon the panther. He
+plunged his flint knife deep behind the shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>Then, as the infuriated beast turned upon him, he
+drove an arrow into its body. Quenischquney
+leaped, but crashed to the ground within a bow-length.
+For some moments he thrashed wildly
+about in the ferns, coughing and snarling furiously.
+Then he became still. The lads approached
+cautiously, and saw him lying quietly upon his side.
+Running Fox drove another arrow into him, but
+he failed to move. Then they went up to him, and
+saw that he was dead.</p>
+
+<p>“Did Quenischquney do much harm to you?”
+Running Fox asked Spotted Deer. “Come over
+here and let me look at you.”</p>
+
+<p>“No, Quenischquney did not harm me,” Spotted
+Deer replied, bravely. “I felt his claws, but
+I stuck my knife into his throat, and he could not
+bite me. Yes, I am bloody, but most of it came
+from Quenischquney. It is a good thing you were
+with me. If I had been alone I might have been
+killed.”</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox saw that Spotted Deer had escaped
+without serious injury. He had a number
+of painful gashes on his arms and the upper part
+of his body, but Running Fox hurried him to the
+spring and soon stopped the bleeding by soaking
+small pieces of sphagnum moss in the cold water
+and inserting it in the wounds.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, you will have some marks on your body
+to tell about when we get back to our people,”
+laughed Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>“I will tell them how you killed Quenischquney,”
+replied Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>As Spotted Deer declared that he felt little pain
+from his injuries, they returned to the dead
+panther and cut off the claws. Then they sang
+medicine-songs, and danced about the body of
+Quenischquney until well along toward the middle
+of the night.</p>
+
+<p>“Now we will stop,” Running Fox said, finally,
+“It will soon be light. Come, we will go back and
+lie down again.”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, we can sleep easy, fierce Quenischquney
+will not trouble us now,” replied Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<h1 id='t2769'>CHAPTER VII—THE MYSTERIOUS CANOE</h1>
+
+<p>The Delawares had not gone far the following
+day before they came upon an inviting
+eddy in the river, and as the day was unusually
+warm they determined to loiter for a swim.
+The water was cool and refreshing, and they
+splashed about in great delight. Spotted Deer especially
+enjoyed it, for the cold water felt very
+soothing to the burning gashes he had received
+from the panther. In spite of their frolicking,
+however, the lads kept a sharp watch for foes.
+They soon saw the necessity of it, as Running Fox
+suddenly looked up the river and discovered something
+which caused them to scramble frantically to
+the shore.</p>
+
+<p>A bark canoe had suddenly appeared around a
+bend of the river, and was drifting slowly toward
+them. The lads watched it with great uneasiness.
+It appeared to be unoccupied and abandoned.
+Still the suspicious Delawares feared a trap.
+“Perhaps some one is lying down inside of it,”
+suggested Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, we will soon be able to find out about
+that,” replied Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>They studied the approaching canoe with great
+attention, but were unable to tell to what tribe
+it belonged. Running Fox had been well trained
+in the art of observing, and his sharp eyes soon
+told him enough to quiet his fears.</p>
+
+<p>“See, it sits high in the water,” he told Spotted
+Deer. “If any one was inside it would be low
+down and heavy.”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, that is true,” agreed Spotted Deer. “But
+some one may be swimming on the other side of
+it.”</p>
+
+<p>“No, I do not believe it,” said Running Fox.
+“It does not tremble, and it leaves no trail.”</p>
+
+<p>Satisfied, therefore, that the mysterious canoe
+was deserted, the Delawares wondered how they
+might gain possession of it without exposing themselves
+to discovery. They feared that crafty foes
+might be watching from ambush, and they hesitated
+to show themselves.</p>
+
+<p>“See, it is moving toward land,” Running Fox
+whispered, excitedly.</p>
+
+<p>A short distance below them a narrow gravelly
+beach reached far out into the water, and they noticed
+that the canoe was drifting directly toward
+it. They watched eagerly until the canoe finally
+struck upon the projecting point of land. Then,
+as the canoe swung slowly about with the current,
+they realized that they must act quickly to secure
+it.</p>
+
+<p>“I will go out and catch it,” said Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>He skulked through the bushes as cautiously as
+a fox. When he reached the spot where the canoe
+had struck he stopped to search the river for foes.
+Then he saw the canoe swinging stern foremost
+down the river. He realized that in another moment
+it would be beyond his reach. Throwing
+caution to the winds, Running Fox rushed boldly
+into the water and seized the prize. As he had
+guessed, it was unoccupied. As he drew it toward
+him it left a tell-tale mark in the gravel. However,
+he made no attempt to erase it, for he hoped
+that any one following on the trail would find it
+and be deceived. It made it appear that, having
+lodged for a time at that spot, the canoe had finally
+floated free and drifted down the river.</p>
+
+<p>Once in actual possession of the canoe, Running
+Fox signaled for Spotted Deer to join him. They
+waded with the prize until they found a safe hiding
+place, and then they dragged it into the
+bushes. They had found a long hickory bow and
+a buckskin quiver filled with arrows in the bottom
+of the canoe.</p>
+
+<p>“This is very strange,” said Running Fox, as
+he examined the weapons.</p>
+
+<p>The lads saw at once that they were different in
+pattern from their own, and they had little doubt
+that they were of Iroquois design. Still they were
+not sure. They stared at them in amazement.
+The whole affair was a great mystery. They would
+have given much to know how far the canoe had
+come, and how the weapons happened to be in it.</p>
+
+<p>“Whoever left these things in that canoe was
+very foolish,” said Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I see that he kept the paddle,” replied
+Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>“That is true, I did not see that,” said Spotted
+Deer.</p>
+
+<p>At first the Delawares were inclined to keep the
+weapons, and hide the canoe in the woods until
+they returned down the river on their way to the
+Delaware camp. It would have been a splendid
+trophy, and they dreaded to lose it, but Running
+Fox finally decided to set it adrift.</p>
+
+<p>“This canoe has floated away, and some one
+will come down here looking for it,” he said. “If
+they do not find it, they will become suspicious.
+Perhaps they will look for our trail. We have a
+long journey to make, and we are in great danger.
+We will not take any chances. Come, we will
+keep the weapons, and give up the canoe.”</p>
+
+<p>“You are the leader, I will do as you say,”
+Spotted Deer said, resignedly. “But if some one
+comes after this canoe they will miss the weapons.”</p>
+
+<p>“We will fool them about that,” laughed Running
+Fox.</p>
+
+<p>They carried the canoe to the water, and as they
+set it adrift Running Fox overturned it with his
+foot. Spotted Deer laughed as he saw the reason
+for the wily bit of stratagem which would make
+the owner of the canoe believe that his weapons
+were somewhere at the bottom of the river. They
+watched until the canoe floated slowly from sight
+around a bend of the shore.</p>
+
+<p>“Now we must hide, and watch to see who comes
+after it,” said Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>They concealed themselves in the bushes, and
+began to watch the river. All day they remained
+there, as alert and patient as a lynx waiting for
+prey. Nothing escaped them. Their eyes caught
+every movement, their ears heard every sound.</p>
+
+<p>“I do not believe any one will come,” said Spotted
+Deer, after they had watched a long time in
+vain.</p>
+
+<p>“We must wait,” Running Fox told him.</p>
+
+<p>Then, toward the end of the day, their patience
+was rewarded. They saw a second canoe coming
+swiftly down the river. They saw at once that it
+was similar in pattern to the one that had preceded
+it. It was guided by two sturdy paddlers, whom
+the lads recognized even at a distance as Mohawk
+warriors. It was not the first time that the young
+Delawares had seen those fierce fighters, for several
+had been captured and brought to the village
+by Delaware scouts. Now, however, they looked
+upon them with different emotions. The lads felt
+their hearts pounding wildly against their ribs as
+the Mohawks approached, but they had concealed
+themselves with great care and they had little fear
+of being discovered. At any rate there was no
+chance to retreat.</p>
+
+<p>“We must keep very quiet,” cautioned Running
+Fox.</p>
+
+<p>The Mohawks kept to the middle of the river,
+while they watched the shore for signs of the
+missing canoe. As they passed, the lads studied
+them closely. The warrior in the stern of the
+canoe was a powerful middle-aged man of threatening
+appearance, but his companion looked more
+youthful and pleasing of countenance. They
+turned the canoe toward the beach, and the
+Delawares wondered whether they would discover
+the mark in the gravel. They were not long
+left in doubt, for they saw the younger warrior
+pointing toward the spot, and talking excitedly
+to his companion. The latter seemed suspicious.
+It was apparent that he was watching the shore.
+Then he said something, and they moved slowly
+toward the beach. They spent some time studying
+the mark in the gravel, and the Delawares watched
+them in painful suspense. They wondered
+whether the crafty Mohawks would really be deceived
+by the stratagem of Running Fox. However,
+they soon saw that it had been successful,
+for the paddlers pushed out into the current and
+disappeared down the river.</p>
+
+<p>“We have fooled those warriors,” laughed Running
+Fox.</p>
+
+<p>“I could have sent an arrow into them,” said
+Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“That would have been very foolish,” Running
+Fox told him. “Perhaps you would not have
+killed them, and they would have gone back and
+told their people what had happened. No, we are
+in a dangerous country, and we must not let them
+know about us. If they see us it will be hard to
+get near their camp. The fox does not jump at
+the bear when he steals to his lodge for meat.”</p>
+
+<p>“That is true,” agreed Spotted Deer. “Well,
+I will be very cautious.”</p>
+
+<p>“Pretty soon those warriors will come back,”
+said Running Fox. “We must watch sharp.”</p>
+
+<p>As the evening shadows were settling upon the
+forest the Mohawks returned with the missing
+canoe. They passed close to the shore, and the
+Delawares had a splendid view of them. They saw
+that the faces of the canoemen were streaked with
+black.</p>
+
+<p>“Those warriors are painted for war,” said Running
+Fox, after the paddlers had passed from hearing.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I saw the black marks across their faces,”
+replied Spotted Deer. “Who are they going to
+fight?”</p>
+
+<p>“I do not know,” Running Fox declared, uneasily.
+“We must find out. Perhaps they are
+getting ready to fight our people. We will follow
+them.”</p>
+
+<p>They waited until they felt sure that the Mohawks
+were a safe distance ahead of them, and
+then they left their hiding place, and followed cautiously
+up the river. They soon came in sight of
+the canoes, and trailed them until darkness finally
+blotted them from sight. Then the Delawares
+were puzzled. They had expected the Mohawks
+to stop at the end of the day. The fact that they
+still continued their journey made the lads
+believe that they were either in a great hurry, or
+else were making toward some familiar camp-site
+near at hand. The latter possibility induced the
+Delawares to follow on the trail. They hurried
+along within sound of the water, straining their
+eyes to catch the warning flicker of a camp-fire.
+However, as the night wore on, and they failed to
+get any trace of the mysterious canoemen, the
+Delawares began to realize that they were exhausting
+themselves in vain.</p>
+
+<p>“It is foolish to keep going,” declared Running
+Fox. “Perhaps those warriors will not stop
+before it gets light. Perhaps they will stop, but
+if they do not make a fire we cannot find them.
+They are painted for war. Warriors on the war-trail
+do not make fires. If we try to go ahead,
+we may pass them. That would make things bad
+for us. I believe the best thing to do is to stop
+until it gets light.”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I believe it will be the best thing to do,”
+agreed Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>They turned from the river, and reconnoitered
+carefully through the grim black wilderness in
+search of a safe stopping place for the night. They
+finally found suitable shelter in a thick stand of
+pines on the summit of a rocky knoll directly above
+the river.</p>
+
+<p>“This is a good place,” said Running Fox.
+“When it gets light we will be able to see a long
+ways along the water. Perhaps we will find the
+Mohawks.”</p>
+
+<p>They determined to keep a sharp watch until
+daylight, for they feared that their foes might be
+nearer than they supposed. It was agreed that
+one should remain on guard while the other slept.
+Spotted Deer said that he would take the first
+watch. He had not been long on guard when he
+heard the weird serenade of Gokhos, the owl. Acting
+upon the impulse of the moment he placed his
+hands to his mouth, and gave a perfect imitation
+of the call. Running Fox sprang up at the sound.</p>
+
+<p>“What was that?” he inquired, anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>“I am talking with Gokhos,” laughed Spotted
+Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“You are very foolish,” said Running Fox, as
+his eyes flashed angrily. “Warriors do not cry
+out like children when there are enemies about to
+hear. Perhaps what you heard was a signal. I
+have heard my father tell how the Mohawks use the
+voice of Gokhos to call one another. You have
+done a bad thing.”</p>
+
+<p>Spotted Deer accepted the rebuke in silence. He
+suddenly realized the peril of his act. It filled
+him with shame. He could offer no excuse.</p>
+
+<p>“Running Fox, I see that I have done a very
+foolish thing,” he said. “I did not think about
+it. Now I see that it may get us into trouble. I
+feel very bad.”</p>
+
+<p>“We will not talk any more about it,” said Running
+Fox.</p>
+
+<p>They listened anxiously, and in a few moments
+they heard the call of Gokhos again echoing
+through the forest. It seemed to come from farther
+up the river. The notes sounded perfectly
+natural, but Running Fox was suspicious.</p>
+
+<p>“I believe it is Gokhos,” said Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps,” replied Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>A short time afterward the cry was repeated
+nearer at hand, and Running Fox looked at Spotted
+Deer and smiled.</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps Gokhos is coming to talk with you,”
+he said. “I believe it will be better to move
+away.”</p>
+
+<p>As they retreated cautiously into the night, the
+weird, mocking cry again came to them through
+the darkness. Running Fox strained his ears to
+find a flaw in it, but it sounded genuine. Still he
+was distrustful.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, perhaps it is only Gokhos,” he told Spotted
+Deer, “I do not hear anything wrong with it,
+but I do not feel right about it. We have seen the
+Mohawks. They were painted for war. We are
+in their country. We must not be too bold.”</p>
+
+<p>As he finished speaking they were surprised to
+hear Gokhos calling from somewhere down the
+river. For a moment it allayed their suspicions,
+for they realized that only Gokhos himself could
+have moved so rapidly. Then they heard the
+other cry farther to the northward, and their
+fears were strengthened.</p>
+
+<p>“Now I believe it is the Mohawks calling one
+another,” declared Running Fox. “We will stay
+here, and watch until it gets light.”</p>
+
+<h1 id='t3132'>CHAPTER VIII—A NARROW ESCAPE</h1>
+
+<p>At daylight the lads continued along the
+ridge upon which they had spent the night,
+until they found a spot which offered them
+a long, unobstructed view of the river. Then they
+settled themselves to watch for their foes. The
+mysterious owl calls on the previous night had
+convinced them that some of the Mohawks were
+still down the river, and they hoped before long
+to see them. They waited patiently until half of
+the day had passed, but no one appeared.</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps they are moving through the woods
+on foot,” suggested Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps,” replied Running Fox. “We have
+watched a long time, but we have not seen any one.
+I believe the Mohawks have passed some other way.
+Come, we will go ahead.”</p>
+
+<p>They advanced through the forest with great
+caution, for they knew that they might come face
+to face with their foes at any moment. Watchful,
+and alert to their peril, therefore, the lads took
+every precaution. Nothing escaped their notice.
+They stopped suspiciously each time the wind
+stirred the leaves; they strained their ears to catch
+a warning in the most familiar sound. The fact
+that the Mohawk canoemen were painted for war
+suggested the possibility of a large war-party somewhere
+near at hand. The Delawares knew that
+under those circumstances many sharp-eyed scouts
+were roaming through the woods on all sides of
+them.</p>
+
+<p>Toward the end of the day the lads heard a wild
+turkey calling. It seemed to be somewhere on a
+ridge to the eastward, and they stopped to listen.
+It was a common sound in the woods about the
+Delaware camp, and under other circumstances
+they would have given little attention to it. However,
+with the owl calls fresh in their minds, the
+Delawares immediately became suspicious. Running
+Fox placed his finger across his lips, and
+looked warningly at Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“I will keep as still as Achpoques, the wood
+mouse,” laughed Spotted Deer, as he recalled his
+blunder with the owl calls.</p>
+
+<p>They listened some time before the call was repeated,
+and then they were unable to discover anything
+suspicious about it. Nevertheless they determined
+to wait until they heard it again. The
+next time, however, Running Fox thought he detected
+an unfamiliar note. He had hunted wild
+turkeys since he was old enough to pull a bowstring,
+and he was an expert at imitating their
+call.</p>
+
+<p>“I do not like that,” he told Spotted Deer. “No,
+I do not believe it is Gulukochsun.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, we will listen again,” said Spotted Deer.
+“I did not hear anything wrong about it.”</p>
+
+<p>However, as the familiar gobble again rolled
+through the woods Running Fox was compelled to
+acknowledge that he found it entirely natural.
+Still he was not satisfied.</p>
+
+<p>“This is not the time when Gulukochsun sounds
+his war-cry,” he declared, suspiciously.</p>
+
+<p>“I have been thinking about that,” replied
+Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>Then as they continued to listen they heard an
+answer. It sounded as if it came from the opposite
+side of the river. The lads looked at each
+other and nodded significantly. When they heard
+the call a second time they detected several strange
+notes that proclaimed it false. They felt certain
+that it came from a human throat.</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps some hunter is trying to draw Gulukochsun
+over there,” suggested Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“No, I do not believe it,” said Running Fox.
+“A hunter would come over here to find Gulukochsun.”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, that is true,” agreed Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>The counterfeit call was soon answered, and then
+the gobbling ceased. The lads were filled with
+suspicion. They began to mistrust that both calls
+were false. They believed that Iroquois scouts
+were again exchanging signals.</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps these are the same people who talked
+with the words of Gokhos,” said Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, that may be true,” replied Running Fox.
+“Well, I believe they are going to meet down there
+at the water. We will steal down there and have
+a look at them.”</p>
+
+<p>“That will be a dangerous thing; to do,” said
+Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, we must be very careful,” Running Fox
+told him.</p>
+
+<p>Then they began a daring advance toward the
+river. They believed that the scout whom they
+had heard first was still somewhere behind them,
+and they hoped to reach the river ahead of him,
+They moved swiftly, therefore, watching and listening
+for the first warning of danger. When they
+finally got within easy bow-shot of the water they
+concealed themselves in a dense thicket of willows.
+Then they watched anxiously for their enemies
+to appear. It was not long before they again
+heard the turkey call on the other side of the river.
+A few moments after it had ceased, an answering
+gobble sounded from the woods directly back of
+them. It was so perfect that if they had heard
+it under any other circumstances they would have
+been entirely deceived.</p>
+
+<p>“Now watch sharp,” cautioned Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>At that instant they saw a solitary warrior moving
+swiftly along in the shadow of the trees on
+the opposite shore. In a few moments he dragged
+a canoe from the bushes, and paddled rapidly
+across the river. He had barely landed before
+another warrior passed noiselessly within several
+bow-lengths of the concealed Delawares, and joined
+him at the edge of the water.</p>
+
+<p>“They are Mohawks,” whispered Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>Spotted Deer was about to reply when one of
+the warriors suddenly turned and looked directly
+toward their hiding place. The lads felt quite
+sure that they had been discovered, and their hearts
+bounded wildly at the thought. Still it seemed
+impossible for the low whisper from Running Fox
+to have reached the figures at the edge of the
+water. However, after a moment or so the warrior
+had again turned to his companion, and the
+lads breathed easier. Then they heard a bird stirring
+about noisily in the undergrowth, and they
+understood why the warrior had looked toward
+their hiding place. They instantly realized the
+danger that threatened them, for both warriors
+were now looking intently toward the willows.
+The Delawares feared that in another moment their
+suspicious foes might decide to investigate the
+sound. Discovery seemed near at hand. They
+realized that they must do something to quiet the
+fears of their enemies. There was not a moment
+to spare. The lads looked anxiously into each other’s
+eyes. Then the bird resumed its noisy search
+for food. One of the warriors prepared to send
+an arrow into the willows. At that moment Running
+Fox discovered the bird scratching among
+the leaves. The bird saw him at almost the same
+instant, and as he moved cautiously it sounded an
+alarm and flew above the bushes. The Mohawk
+laughed and lowered his bow. The danger had
+passed.</p>
+
+<p>Spotted Deer started to say something, but Running
+Fox placed his finger across his lips and
+warned him to be still. Their narrow escape had
+made him doubly cautious, and he feared that the
+lightest whisper might reach the sensitive ears of
+those alert scouts. They were conversing earnestly,
+and although they talked in guarded tones
+the lads distinctly heard the low unintelligible
+hum of their voices. They listened eagerly for
+they would have given much to know what was being
+said. However, the Mohawks were talking too
+cautiously to give them a clue. Besides, the Delawares
+doubted that they would have understood
+the Iroquois dialect even if they had heard it.
+Once the warrior who had crossed the river swept
+his arm toward the west, and the lads believed
+that he was describing something of importance
+which he had discovered in that direction. The
+Delawares studied the two men closely. They saw
+at once that they were not the warriors whom they
+had seen the previous day. These Mohawks were
+both great stalwart men in the prime of life. Their
+faces, too, were painted black in token of war. It
+was evident that they were scouts searching the
+forest for signs of their foes. In a few moments
+they entered the canoe, and poled it rapidly up the
+river.</p>
+
+<p>“Come, we must follow them,” declared Running
+Fox. “I believe the Mohawks are gathering
+a great war-party. We must find out where they
+are.”</p>
+
+<p>Once the canoemen had disappeared around a
+long wooded arm of the shore, the Delawares left
+the willows, and hurried through the woods in
+pursuit of them. They kept a safe distance from
+the water for they feared that the crafty Mohawks
+might suddenly return on their trail to
+make sure that no one was following them. The
+lads had a vague idea that they were nearing the
+headwaters of the river, and they began to look for
+several prominent landmarks which had been described
+to them. Toward evening they saw the
+first of them, a great granite-topped mountain on
+the opposite side of the river. They had often
+heard it mentioned by the Delaware scouts, and
+they realized that they were close to the great Mohawk
+trail, which began at the headwaters of the
+river and extended many leagues into the north.
+They also knew that the Shawnees entered that
+region from the westward, and their trails, too,
+were to be found somewhere in the vast forest beyond
+the river. The young Delawares realized,
+therefore, that each stride was taking them into
+more perilous ground, and they advanced with
+great care.</p>
+
+<p>As the long evening shadows finally began to
+reach out over the water, the Delawares feared
+that their foes were again about to escape under
+cover of the darkness. The possibility made
+them more daring, and they hurried along closer
+to the river. They had not gone far, however,
+when they discovered the Mohawks moving slowly
+along near the shore. Just before dark they
+landed, and dragged the canoe into the shadows.</p>
+
+<p>“I believe they will stay at that place until it
+gets light,” said Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>“We will watch for their fire,” said Spotted
+Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“They will not light a fire,” declared Running
+Fox. “Now I will tell you what to do. It would
+be foolish to go any nearer to them, before it gets
+light. We will stay where we are. When the
+light comes I will tell you something else.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, you are the leader,” replied Spotted
+Deer. “I will listen to your words.”</p>
+
+<p>When it grew dark they crawled beneath the
+drooping branches of a large spruce. Then as the
+night wore on, and they heard nothing from their
+foes, they stole silently to the river. All was
+black, and still, and mysterious, and they were
+glad to return to their hiding place beneath the
+spruce.</p>
+
+<p>As the first gray hint of dawn appeared in the
+east Running Fox awakened Spotted Deer, and
+led the way to the river. They waded carefully
+into the water and swam to the opposite shore.
+Then they stole silently through the woods until
+they were opposite their enemies. Dropping to
+their hands and knees, they crawled into the fringe
+of bushes that lined the water. Then, as the light
+strengthened, and they peered eagerly between the
+branches, they saw three overturned canoes dimly
+outlined in the shadows on the other side of the
+river.</p>
+
+<p>“That is strange,” whispered Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“The Mohawks have found one another,” said
+Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>A short time afterward they saw a lone figure
+at the edge of the forest. They felt certain it was
+one of the Mohawk scouts. He stood in the shadows
+watching the river. Then he hastened across
+the narrow beach, and dropped at the edge of the
+water to drink. As he rose he looked across the
+river, and the lads thought they recognized him.</p>
+
+<p>“He is one of the warriors who found the
+canoe,” said Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, now I see what has happened,” replied
+Running Fox. “When we heard the calls of Gokhos,
+then that warrior and his friend were talking
+with the warriors we followed here. Now they are
+all together. Pretty soon they will meet the war-party.”</p>
+
+<p>The Mohawk had already returned to the woods,
+and the lads watched anxiously. Then they saw
+four figures gather about the canoes. They had
+little difficulty in identifying them as the four
+scouts whom they had seen previously. The Delawares
+were somewhat puzzled, however, when the
+Mohawks carried two canoes to the water, and left
+the third lying at the edge of the woods. Then
+three of the warriors entered the two canoes and
+paddled up the river. The fourth Mohawk, whom
+the lads recognized as the younger of the two who
+had searched for the canoe, remained behind. He stood
+some moments looking after his companions,
+and when they passed from sight he turned up the
+beach and disappeared into the forest.</p>
+
+<p>“I believe the Mohawks have found some signs
+of the Shawnees,” declared Running Fox. “They
+have left that warrior to watch. It is bad. Now
+we cannot follow them. We must wait and see
+what he is going to do.”</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps he will wait there until the war-party
+appears,” said Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>The possibility disturbed them, for they knew
+in that event they would be in a serious predicament.
+It was a long time before their suspense
+was ended. Then the Mohawk carried his canoe to
+the water, and disappeared down the river.
+The Delawares had not expected that maneuver,
+and they were unable to guess a reason for it.</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps the Mohawks have found the Shawnees,
+and that warrior has gone to watch them,”
+suggested Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps,” replied Running Fox. “I do not
+like it. Perhaps there are more Mohawks behind
+us. Yes, the war-party may be moving the other
+way.”</p>
+
+<p>The thought alarmed them. As soon as the solitary
+warrior had passed from sight, therefore, the
+Delawares hurried up the river on the trail of his
+companions. When half of the day had passed
+they reached the headwaters of the river. They
+had failed to overtake the Mohawks, and they were
+somewhat at a loss to know just what to do.</p>
+
+<p>“It is bad,” declared Running Fox. “We have
+come to a dangerous place. We have lost sight
+of the Mohawks. We must be very careful until
+we find their trail.”</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps they are watching this place,” said
+Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, we will creep around as softly as Quenischquney,
+the panther,” replied Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>They scouted cautiously about the headwaters
+of the river until they found a narrow trail leading
+toward the north. When they stooped and
+examined it they found evidence which convinced
+them that some one had passed over it that very
+day. They had little doubt that it was the three
+Mohawks whom they had followed up the river.</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps this is the trail that leads to the great
+Mohawk camp,” said Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“No, my father told me different,” declared
+Running Fox. “This trail leads to a big lake.
+Beyond that there are no trails. It will be hard
+to find the Mohawk camp.”</p>
+
+<p>They were moving carefully along the trail when
+they were halted by the sound of voices directly
+ahead of them. It was evident that the speakers
+were almost upon them, and the startled lads
+darted into the bushes and dropped to the ground.
+In a few moments they saw two of the Mohawk
+canoemen returning along the trail. They were
+walking slowly and looking intently at the ground.
+It looked as if they had dropped something, and
+had come back to find it. The Delawares were
+on the verge of panic, for they believed that the
+sharp-eyed scouts would be almost sure to discover
+their trail. However, when the Mohawks passed
+by within bow-length of them the lads took hope.
+When they had gone from hearing, Running Fox
+sprang to his feet and called upon Spotted Deer
+to follow him.</p>
+
+<p>“Come, we must fool those warriors, and get
+a good start,” he said.</p>
+
+<p>They ran directly along the trail, being careful
+to leave plenty of tracks. They had not gone far,
+however, before they heard the shrill cry of
+Nianque, the lynx, ringing through the woods behind
+them.</p>
+
+<p>“That is a danger signal,” Running Fox declared,
+excitedly. “Those warriors have found
+our trail. Now we must run far back into the
+woods and hide.”</p>
+
+<p>They turned from the trail, and sped through
+the forest like frightened deer. Then the lynx cry
+again sounded from the trail, and in a few moments
+they heard it answered from the north.
+They knew that the warriors who had discovered
+their trail had warned their comrade, and they believed
+that they would soon be pursued.</p>
+
+<h1 id='t3550'>CHAPTER IX—FORCED INTO HIDING</h1>
+
+<p>The Delawares had not gone far when they
+heard sounds which convinced them that
+the Mohawks were already searching for
+them. The thought spurred them to greater efforts,
+and they scrambled frantically to the top
+of a low hardwood ridge to reconnoiter. They saw
+what appeared to be a large spruce swamp directly
+ahead of them, and they determined to make
+it their hiding place.</p>
+
+<p>“If we reach that place it will be hard for the
+Mohawks to find us,” said Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>As they started down the ridge, however, the
+piercing Mohawk war-cry rang in their ears, and
+an arrow hummed angrily between them. Spotted
+Deer instantly turned to fight, but Running Fox
+seized his arm and dragged him forward.</p>
+
+<p>“Run! If we stop we may be surrounded!”
+cried Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>They tore through the undergrowth at top speed
+and another arrow flew harmlessly above their
+heads. As they ran Running Fox continued to
+shout, “Saganaga! Saganaga!” It was the name
+by which the Delawares were known to the Iroquois,
+and Spotted Deer could not guess his reason
+for proclaiming his identity. They heard the
+Mohawk yelling savagely somewhere behind them,
+and they knew that he was leading his comrades
+to the trail.</p>
+
+<p>“Let us wait, and kill that warrior,” proposed
+Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, yes, as soon as we get to the swamp,” replied
+Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>However, as they neared the swamp they heard
+other cries still farther behind them, and they
+realized that more Mohawks had joined the chase.
+Then the cries and signals suddenly ceased, and
+the Delawares knew that their foes were hurrying
+along in silence in the hope of surprising them.
+The lads dared not slacken their pace, and when
+they finally reached the border of the swamp they
+were almost exhausted. Then they turned at bay,
+and waited in ambush to kill the Mohawk who
+had attacked them on the summit of the ridge.</p>
+
+<p>“How did that warrior come up with us so
+fast?” inquired Spotted Deer,</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I believe that warrior was there all the
+time,” declared Running Fox. “Perhaps he was
+traveling along that ridge when he heard the danger
+cry of his people. Then he stopped to listen.
+Pretty soon he heard us coming through there.
+Then he tried to kill us. I do not believe he knows
+who we are.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then why did you keep calling out ‘Saganaga’?”
+demanded Spotted Deer. “Now he will
+know that we are Delawares.”</p>
+
+<p>“No, he will not know it,” laughed Running
+Fox. “I called out that way to fool him. He will
+take us for Shawnees. Yes, he will say, ‘Hi, the
+frightened Shawanos took me for a Saganaga.’ Yes,
+he will tell his people about it. They will take
+us for the boastful Shawnees.”</p>
+
+<p>“Running Fox, you are very sharp,” said Spotted
+Deer. “Now I see that you have done a good
+thing. But we must kill that warrior who found
+us on the ridge. Yes, he will lead his people to
+this place, and perhaps they will find us.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I would like to kill him, but I do not
+believe he will rush ahead alone,” replied Running
+Fox. “Perhaps he was with a war-party. I believe
+the best thing we can do will be to go into
+this big swamp and hide.”</p>
+
+<p>They watched and listened a few moments
+longer, and then they retreated into the dreary
+depths of the swamp. Two-thirds of the day had
+passed, and they believed that it would be impossible
+for the Mohawks to find them before it grew
+dark. Then they hoped to steal away under cover
+of the night. However, the Mohawks seemed determined
+to transform the swamp into a trap, for
+instead of following the fugitives they scattered
+and surrounded their hiding place. At nightfall
+the Delawares heard them signaling on all sides
+of them, and their hearts filled with gloom. Running
+Fox began to fear that he had blundered.</p>
+
+<p>“Spotted Deer, I believe we have done a foolish
+thing,” he said, bitterly. “Yes, I believe we
+should have kept out of this place.”</p>
+
+<p>“The Mohawks cannot find us here,” Spotted
+Deer declared, confidently.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I am not sure about it,” replied Running
+Fox. “But it will be hard to get away.”</p>
+
+<p>It was too late for regrets, however, and the
+Delawares determined to make the best of their
+predicament. When it grew dark, therefore, they
+began a cautions advance toward the edge of the
+swamp. They moved through the darkness as silently
+as phantoms. They had gone a considerable
+distance when Running Fox suddenly stopped
+and whispered a warning to Spotted Deer, who
+was following a bow-length behind him.</p>
+
+<p>“Listen, something is coming,” cautioned Running
+Fox.</p>
+
+<p>“Where is it?” inquired Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Sh,” breathed Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>Then, as they hastily prepared their arrows and
+stood there endeavoring to identify the sound, they
+heard stealthy footfalls somewhere ahead of them.
+They had little doubt that it was one of their foes.
+They wondered if it was the warrior who had surprised
+them on the ridge. A moment later a pair
+of great glassy eyes glowed in the darkness, and
+then they heard a frightened snort. The next
+instant a deer crashed off toward the border of the
+swamp.</p>
+
+<p>“It was only Achtu,” said Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“It is bad,” declared Running Fox. “If the
+Mohawks are watching they will hear Achtu.
+Then they will say, ‘Something has frightened that
+deer. Perhaps it was the people we are looking
+for.’ Yes, they will know where we are. We must
+turn and go a different way.”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I believe it would be a good thing to do,”
+agreed Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>The lads immediately changed their course, and
+planned to leave the swamp farther to the west.
+They were moving cautiously in that direction
+when they heard the call of Gokhos, the owl. They
+felt quite sure it was a signal. In a few moments
+it was answered by the husky harking of Woakus,
+the fox. Both calls seemed to come from somewhere
+in the swamp, and the Delawares feared
+that the Mohawks had sent scouts to explore their
+hiding place.</p>
+
+<p>“The scouts have come to find us,” said Running
+Fox. “We will fool them.”</p>
+
+<p>They were almost at the border of the swamp
+when they were turned back by voices directly
+ahead of them. Then, as they retreated into the
+night, they again heard the short, quick yapping
+of Woakus, the fox. This time it seemed to be
+almost within bow-shot, and the lads realized their
+peril. They stopped and waited for the Mohawk
+scout to pass them. In a few moments they heard
+him. Then he seemed to stop, and the Delawares
+wondered if he had discovered them. Long, anxious
+moments passed while they stood there, with
+arrows ready, peering expectantly into the night.
+At last, however, they heard their foe moving
+toward the edge of the swamp, and they knew
+that for the moment at least they were safe.</p>
+
+<p>“We must go back to the place we came from,”
+whispered Running Fox. “The Mohawks are all
+around us. We cannot get away.”</p>
+
+<p>“We will hide until they go away,” said Spotted
+Deer.</p>
+
+<p>They began a slow, cautious retreat toward the
+middle of the swamp. They were stopped many
+times by mysterious sounds which often seemed
+within bow-length of them, but each time the danger
+passed, and they finally gained the depths of
+the swamp in safety. Then they concealed themselves
+in the dense top of a fallen hemlock, and
+determined to stay there until daylight.</p>
+
+<p>“Now we must find a better place,” said Running
+Fox, as the soft gray light of dawn penetrated
+their hiding place. “Pretty soon the Mohawks
+will come here to look for us. Then we must hide
+as close as Wisawanik, the squirrel.”</p>
+
+<p>“This is a good place,” replied Spotted Deer.
+“If we keep still it will be hard to see us in here.”</p>
+
+<p>“No, I do not like this place,” declared Running
+Fox. “The Mohawks will be sure to look into
+this tree-top. We must hide where they will not
+expect to find us.”</p>
+
+<p>“Where shall we go?” asked Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Come, I will find a place,” Running Fox assured
+him.</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox led the way to a great black
+spruce with low sweeping branches. Then, as he
+began to climb, he asked Spotted Deer to remain
+upon the ground. When Running Fox finally settled
+himself well up toward the top of the tree, he
+called down to Spotted Deer and asked if he could
+see him.</p>
+
+<p>“No, I do not see anything of you,” replied
+Spotted Deer, after he had walked carefully about
+the tree.</p>
+
+<p>“That is good,” said Running Fox. “Now you
+must climb up here.”</p>
+
+<p>As Spotted Deer began to climb they heard the
+first Mohawk signal. It sounded a short distance
+south of them. In a few moments they heard
+other signals from the east, the west and the north.</p>
+
+<p>“The Mohawks have made a circle,” said Running
+Fox. “Pretty soon they will draw together.
+Well, I do not believe they will find anything in
+their trap.”</p>
+
+<p>“No, Wisawanik has told us how to hide, and
+we will fool them,” laughed Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>It was a long time before the lads heard anything
+further from their foes. Then a flock of
+crows made a great commotion a short distance to
+the right of them, and the Delawares believed that
+the noisy birds had discovered one of the Mohawk
+scouts. They took delight in picturing the rage
+of the helpless Mohawk as he heard the crows proclaiming
+his advance to all within hearing distance
+of them.</p>
+
+<p>“Ahas is warning us,” whispered Running Fox.
+“We must watch sharp.”</p>
+
+<p>“Ahas is a good friend,” replied Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>When they had watched a long time without seeing
+any one they decided that either Ahas had
+fooled them, or else the Mohawk had turned in
+some other direction. Then the noise began again,
+and this time the crows were much nearer. Peering
+carefully through the branches, the Delawares
+saw them circling about above the tree-tops. As-they
+watched them, and realized that the Mohawk
+scout might move directly toward their hiding
+place, the lads suddenly understood their peril.</p>
+
+<p>“I do not like that,” Running Fox said, uneasily.
+“If Ahas flies this way it will be bad. Yes,
+he will see us, and make a great noise. Then the
+Mohawks will know where to find us.”</p>
+
+<p>“That is true,” agreed Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>They watched the crows with great anxiety. The
+birds were flying about in short circles, and making
+a great racket. Then some of the crows swung
+off, and flew directly toward the stand of spruces
+in which the Delawares had taken refuge.</p>
+
+<p>“Now we will see what is going to happen,” said
+Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Keep very still,” cautioned Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>As the crows approached their hiding place the
+Delawares huddled close to the trunk of the tree,
+and sat as motionless as statues. The crows passed
+so near that the lads distinctly heard the sound of
+their wings. They escaped discovery, however,
+and the thought gave them confidence.</p>
+
+<p>“See, those other birds are going away,” Spotted
+Deer whispered, excitedly, a few moments
+afterward.</p>
+
+<p>The crows had suddenly ceased their noise, and
+were flying off toward the opposite end of the
+swamp. The Delawares watched them with thankful
+hearts. They believed that Getanittowit had
+suddenly chased them away. However, the lads
+knew that the danger was far from over, for at
+that moment they heard a signal within bow-shot of
+their tree. A few moments afterward they heard
+an answer. Then they heard twigs snapping, and
+they looked at each other in alarm.</p>
+
+<p>“The Mohawks are here,” whispered Running
+Fox.</p>
+
+<p>They looked carefully down between the
+branches and saw a Mohawk warrior emerge from
+the shadows. He stopped within bow-length of the
+spruce, and the lads breathed fast with excitement.
+Then they heard him speak, and they saw that
+another Mohawk had joined him. The newcomer
+had approached so quietly that they had failed to
+hear him, and they realized how easily one of those
+soft-footed scouts might steal upon them under
+cover of the night. The two Mohawks exchanged
+a few words, and then they moved cautiously
+toward the top of the fallen hemlock. The lads
+trembled as they realized what would have happened
+if they had remained in that hiding place.
+The Mohawks stooped and looked carefully into
+the dense tangle of branches, and then they seated
+themselves upon the prostrate trunk. It was not
+long, however, before another signal sounded close
+at hand, and one of the warriors raised his hands
+to his mouth and imitated the gobble of the wild
+turkey. It brought an immediate response, and
+soon afterward a third warrior appeared. It
+looked as if the Mohawks had selected that very
+spot for a meeting place, and the alarmed Delawares
+feared the result. They knew that at any
+moment one of the keen-eyed scouts might decide
+to look into the tree-tops, and the possibility kept
+them in painful suspense. Signals were
+constantly being exchanged between the scouts who
+had met, and those who were still searching the
+swamp, and the crafty Delawares were careful to
+memorize the calls. When the signaling finally
+ceased the lads courted ten Mohawks sitting in
+council near the base of the spruce. They were
+stern, fierce looking men, and the Delawares could
+easily guess what their fate would be if they fell
+into their hands.</p>
+
+<p>Finally, after what seemed an eternity to the
+anxious lads in the tree-top, the Mohawks rose and
+prepared to leave. However, at the very moment
+when the Delawares were rejoicing in their good
+fortune, one of the scouts turned and looked
+toward the big spruce. The lads believed that in
+some mysterious way he had suddenly learned their
+whereabouts. Their hearts almost stopped beating
+at the thought. The Mohawk was still looking up
+at the tree, and saying something to one of his
+companions. That warrior, too, seemed to have
+discovered something of interest in the top of the
+spruce. The Delawares were almost afraid to
+breathe. They knew that the slightest move would
+betray them. Then as the moments passed, and
+the Mohawks showed no intention of attacking
+them, they began to hope that they had not been
+seen. Still the two Mohawks continued to talk,
+and watch the tree. The other scouts had already
+passed from sight.</p>
+
+<p>“Come, these warriors are alone, let us kill them
+before they tell their friends about us,” whispered
+Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“No, we must wait until we are sure they have
+found us,” cautioned Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>A moment afterward they saw the wisdom of
+his advice, for the two Mohawks turned and disappeared
+after their comrades. The Delawares
+looked after them in wide-eyed astonishment. They
+could scarcely believe that they had gone.</p>
+
+<p>“See, the robe Wisawanik gave us hides us from
+our enemies,” said Running Fox. “Yes, Ahas
+flew over us, and could not find us. Then the
+boastful Mohawks looked into this tree, and could
+not see us.”</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps the Mohawks have gone to tell their
+friends about us,” suggested Spotted Deer. “Perhaps
+they will come back.”</p>
+
+<p>“No, they would not leave us here to get away,”
+replied Running Fox. “I believe that warrior
+was looking at this great tree. Yes, I believe he
+was telling his friend something about it. Perhaps
+something happened to him at this place. I do
+not believe he saw us.”</p>
+
+<p>However, the lads watched anxiously for some
+time after the Mohawks had disappeared. More
+than once they thought they heard them returning,
+but as the time passed and they failed to appear
+the Delawares began to hope that they had
+actually left the swamp. They had little doubt
+that other Mohawks were stationed along the
+boundaries of the swamp, and they believed it
+would be folly to attempt to leave their hiding
+place before their foes had abandoned the search.
+They felt quite certain that the Mohawks would
+loiter along the edge of the swamp through the
+night, hoping that the fugitives would attempt to
+escape under cover of darkness. Therefore, the
+wily Delawares determined to remain in the swamp
+until the following day.</p>
+
+<p>“It is the best thing to do,” declared Running
+Fox. “If the Mohawks do not hear anything of
+us when it grows dark, then I believe they will
+give up the hunt. Yes, I believe they will go
+away before the next sun appears.”</p>
+
+<p>“You are a good leader,” Spotted Dear declared,
+loyally, “You have fooled the Mohawks.
+Now I believe we will get out of here.”</p>
+
+<h1 id='t3979'>CHAPTER X—SPOTTED DEER DISAPPEARS</h1>
+
+<p>The night passed without alarm, and at daylight
+the Delawares began to listen for signals.
+As the time passed, and they neither
+saw nor heard anything of the Mohawks, they believed
+that they had finally abandoned the pursuit.</p>
+
+<p>“It is good,” declared Spotted Deer. “Now we
+will hurry away from here,”</p>
+
+<p>“No, we must wait a little longer,” Running
+Fox warned him. “I believe the Mohawks have
+gone away, but we must be sure. Perhaps they
+are keeping quiet to fool us. Yes, they may be
+waiting along the edge of the swamp.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, we will stay here,” agreed Spotted
+Deer.</p>
+
+<p>They waited until the day was half gone, and
+then, having heard nothing to rouse their suspicions,
+they again moved cautiously toward the border
+of the swamp. As they neared it, they stopped
+and spent a long time listening and watching. The
+way seemed clear, however, and they determined
+to risk all on the chance. A few moments afterward
+they crossed the boundary of the swamp, and
+disappeared into the forest.</p>
+
+<p>“Now we are safe,” laughed Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, we got out of that trap, but there is still
+great danger,” Running Fox warned him. “This
+country is filled with our enemies. We must keep
+watching.”</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox turned toward the west, as he believed
+that the Mohawks were somewhere to the
+eastward. Besides, if his enemies should discover
+his trail he hoped to mislead them into believing
+that he and Spotted Deer were Shawnees, for he
+knew that those people lived in the great wilderness
+to the westward. The Delawares continued
+to travel until long after darkness had fallen, and
+finally stopped in a dense forest of pines. They
+were greatly elated over their successful escape,
+but they were somewhat worried by the thought
+that the Mohawks might have learned their identity.</p>
+
+<p>“If they know who we are, it will be hard to
+get near their camp,” said Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, that is true,“ replied Running Fox.
+”But I do not believe they know who we are. I
+believe they took us for Shawnee scouts.”</p>
+
+<p>The next day the Delawares turned toward the
+north. They had been told that the Mohawk village
+was somewhere within a day’s journey of a
+large woodland lake, and they climbed to all the
+high places to look for it. Their efforts were in
+vain, however, for the vast wilderness continued
+unbroken as far as they could see. The following
+day, therefore, Running Fox proposed that they
+should separate, and explore the country in different
+directions.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I believe it is the best thing to do,” said
+Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>It was agreed that Spotted Deer should reconnoiter
+from a range of mountains farther to the
+westward, while Running Fox continued northward
+along the ridge of hills which they had followed
+from the headwaters of the river. They
+planned to meet at the end of the second day at
+the base of a large pine-clad mountain about a
+day’s journey toward the north.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, we are going away from each other,”
+said Running Fox. “We will be in great danger.
+We must not let the Mohawks catch us.”</p>
+
+<p>“We will watch out,” said Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>They agreed that if either of them failed to appear
+at the meeting place at the appointed time
+the other was to wait there a full day longer. Then
+if his comrade failed to appear he was to go in
+search of him. The thought depressed them.
+They realized fully the peril of venturing alone
+through the stronghold of their foes, but they saw
+no other way of learning the location of the Mohawk
+camp. As Running Fox had said, it seemed
+to be the only thing to do, and they determined
+to make the best of it. Therefore, they parted
+without further ceremony, and hurried away on
+their mission.</p>
+
+<p>Early the second day, as Running Fox reconnoitered
+from the summit of a high mountain,
+he discovered what appeared to be a large body
+of water several days’ journey farther toward the
+north. He watched it a long time, and finally
+decided that it must be the lake of which he had
+heard. Then he examined the sky for a trace of
+smoke from the hidden Mohawk camp. Several
+times he thought he had found it, but each time
+it turned out to be clouds, and he finally decided
+that it would be useless to waste more time looking
+for it. Well pleased with his discovery, he
+hastened down the mountain and set out to meet
+Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>As Running Fox drew near the meeting place
+he stopped to reconnoiter. Then, after he had
+circled carefully through the woods to make sure
+that no enemies were lurking in the vicinity, he
+continued toward the spot where he and Spotted
+Deer had planned to meet. Daylight had faded
+into dusk, and night was near at hand. They
+had agreed to meet before dark, and Running Fox
+felt quite sure that Spotted Deer was already at
+the meeting place. To make sure he whistled the
+plaintive notes of the white-throated sparrow. It
+was one of the signals which they had agreed upon,
+and Running Fox listened anxiously for the answer.
+When he had repeated the song many times
+without getting a reply he began to worry. Then
+he told himself that perhaps Spotted Deer was
+somewhere out of range of the signal. To make
+sure of reaching him, he imitated the shrill quavering
+cry of Quenischquney, the panther. It
+echoed through the woods with startling force, and
+Running Fox knew that if Spotted Deer were anywhere
+near he would be sure to hear it. Still it
+brought no response, and Running Fox was perplexed.
+Twice more he sent the startling shriek
+ringing through the wilderness, and each time he
+feared that sharp Mohawk ears might hear it, and
+detect the counterfeit. Still he saw no other way
+of learning whether Spotted Deer was in the vicinity.
+However, as time passed and he heard
+nothing from his friend he became alarmed. He
+wondered what had detained Spotted Deer. The
+question suggested many alarming possibilities,
+and Running Fox tried to drive them from his
+thoughts. He told himself that Spotted Deer
+would appear before the night passed, and soon
+after it grew dark he began to signal with the
+call of the little red owl. He called many times,
+but no response came out of the darkness. Then,
+when half of the night had passed, Running Fox
+began to lose hope. He feared that Spotted Deer
+had been killed or captured by the Mohawks, and
+the thought drove him to despair. His first impulse
+was to rush recklessly away in search of
+Spotted Deer. Then he suddenly remembered that
+he had agreed to wait a full day at the meeting
+place.</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox spent the following day in an
+agony of suspense. He neither saw or heard anything
+of Spotted Deer, and by the time night came
+the miserable lad had worried himself into a frenzy
+of despair. He had little doubt that Spotted Deer
+had fallen a victim to the Mohawks, and he began
+to blame himself for having sent him upon the
+expedition. Then his heart filled with anger, and
+he determined to search the wilderness until he
+had learned the fate of his friend. If Spotted
+Deer was a prisoner he vowed to rescue him, and
+if he had been killed he promised to avenge his
+death. Then, sleep being out of the question,
+Running Fox spent the night singing his medicine-songs
+and praying to Getanittowit for the
+safety of Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>Day had barely dawned when Running Fox
+started away in search of his friend. He turned
+toward the west, and traveled at a pace that
+brought him to the rugged range of mountains
+which Spotted Deer had set out to explore, by
+midday. He climbed to the top of the ridge and
+continued toward the north. As he sped through
+the forest, the distracted lad kept a constant
+watch for the trail of Spotted Deer. However, he
+was unable to find the slightest clue, and at dark
+he abandoned the search with a heavy heart.</p>
+
+<p>Having failed to discover any evidence of his
+friend, Running Fox was in doubt as to just what
+to do. He still hoped that Spotted Deer might be
+safe, and in that case he believed that he would
+eventually return to the meeting place. Running
+Fox realized, therefore, that unless he, too, returned,
+Spotted Deer might go in search of him.
+He told himself that in that event they might never
+find each other. On the other hand if Spotted
+Deer had been captured each moment was precious,
+and Running Fox dreaded to think what
+might happen if he blundered into a wrong decision.
+At daylight, however, he determined to
+return to the place where they had agreed to meet.</p>
+
+<p>The day had ended when Running Fox finally
+arrived at the appointed rendezvous. He approached
+the spot with high hopes. At each stride
+he expected to hear the familiar signal from his
+friend. When he failed to hear it, he stopped and
+again whistled the notes of the white-throated
+sparrow. Then he waited, straining his ears for
+the reply. There was no answer, however, and
+Running Fox gave way to despair. He needed
+no further proof. He was sure that Spotted Deer
+had fallen into the hands of his foes. As he pictured
+his plight, Running Fox blamed himself for
+not continuing the search. He feared he had lost
+the chance of saving Spotted Deer. Running Fox
+knew only too well the hatred which the Mohawks
+held for his people, and he felt sure that they would
+lose little time in taking vengeance upon the unfortunate
+young captive. The thought drove him
+to distraction. He determined to return at once
+to the distant mountain range, and continue the
+search until he found the Mohawks and learned
+the fate of his friend. However, his strength was
+unequal to the task, for two days of forced traveling
+had completely exhausted him. He realized,
+therefore, that it would be folly to attempt to do
+anything further until he had recovered from his
+exertions.</p>
+
+<p>Night had already closed down, and the disconsolate
+young warrior threw himself upon the
+ground, and moaned out his grief for his friend.
+At intervals he roused himself, and sat up to listen.
+More than once he fancied he heard a cautious
+footfall near at hand, or a faint signal farther
+away, and his heart bounded wildly. Each,
+time, however, his imagination played him false,
+and his hope gave way to deeper despair. At other
+times he imitated the call of the little red owl. It
+was a favorite signal which he and Spotted Deer
+had used since their first hunting expedition, and
+his heart ached as it went unanswered. Then his
+tortured brain finally sought relief in sleep.</p>
+
+<p>The sun was shining when Running Fox awakened.
+As he opened his eyes, and sat up, he exclaimed
+with surprise. Spotted Deer was seated
+within bow-length of him.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I am here,” laughed Spotted Deer, as
+Running Fox continued to stare at him in speechless
+amazement.</p>
+
+<p>“I cannot believe what I see,” stammered Running
+Fox, as he moved over to Spotted Deer and
+seized his hand. “Well, now I see that you are
+not a ghost. How did you get here?”</p>
+
+<p>“I came to this place while it was dark,” explained
+Spotted Deer. “Then I gave the call of
+the little red owl. I did that many times, but
+no one answered. Then I moved around looking
+for you. At last I found you. At first I was
+frightened, for I thought you were dead. When
+you did not move I touched you. You did not
+feel it. Then I shook you. You did not feel that
+either. Then I got frightened again. Well, I
+stooped over and listened. I heard your breath.
+That made me feel good. Then I said, ‘I will sit
+here beside him, and pretty soon he will open his
+eyes and see me.’ Well, you kept on sleeping,
+and pretty soon I fell asleep. When it grew light
+I opened my eyes. Then I waited. Now you see
+me.”</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox spent some moments in silent meditation.
+He was greatly disturbed at what Spotted
+Deer had told him. He realized that utter
+exhaustion had placed him at the mercy of any
+foe who might have happened along. The thought
+worried him. He felt ashamed of his weakness.</p>
+
+<p>“Spotted Deer, I see you here alive—it is
+enough,” Running Fox declared, warmly. “I believed
+that the Mohawks had caught you. Now
+I see that you have escaped. I am feeling good
+again. But I must tell you that I am troubled
+about something else. You say that you came up
+and took hold of me. That is bad. A good war-leader
+would not let that happen. I do not know
+how it happened, but I feel bad about it.”</p>
+
+<p>“Running Fox, you must not talk that way,”
+replied Spotted Deer. “Perhaps it will never happen
+again. You were very tired.”</p>
+
+<p>Then Running Fox told of his exhausting search
+to find him, and Spotted Deer instantly understood
+the reason for the helpless condition in which he
+had found him.</p>
+
+<p>“Now I see how it happened,” said Spotted
+Deer. “If you were not very strong you would
+have been dead. Yes, if you were not a good war-leader
+you would not have come back here. We
+will not talk any more about it.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, what did you find?” inquired Running
+Fox.</p>
+
+<p>“I found a big war-party,” declared Spotted
+Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Tell about it,” Running Fox said, eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, after I went away from here I went right
+to those mountains where you tried to find me,”
+said Spotted Deer. “I could not see any water
+so I kept going ahead. Soon after the second sun
+I heard some signals. Then I heard some more.
+That made me very cautious. Well, pretty soon
+I found an old trail. It turned back this way.
+Then I hid myself between some rocks, and began
+to watch. After a long time I heard some one
+coming. Then two warriors went by very fast.
+I could not see what they looked like. Well, I
+kept watching, and pretty soon I heard many
+voices. Then I saw that those people were not
+following the trail. They passed behind me. I
+followed them. When the next sun came I saw
+that they were moving toward The-Place-Where-The-Cold-Comes-From.
+Then I climbed a high
+hill, and saw a big piece of water. It was about
+two suns’ travel ahead of those people. Then I
+said, ‘Hi, they are Mohawks, and their village is
+near that water.’ Well, I found out what I
+wished to know. Then I came here.”</p>
+
+<p>When Spotted Deer finished speaking Running
+Fox remained silent. He seemed to be thinking
+about what Spotted Deer had told him. The latter
+watched him closely. He wondered if he had
+displeased him by remaining away so long.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, Running Fox, how do you feel about it?”
+asked Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“You say that you have found out what you
+wished to know,” replied Running Fox. “I am
+not sure about that. I, too, saw that piece of
+water. I came back to tell about it. I did not
+see any signs of the Mohawk village. Perhaps it
+is near some other piece of water. You say that
+you could not tell who those warriors are. Then
+how do you know that they are Mohawks? We
+must not be too sure about that. There is only
+one way to find out. We must catch up with them.
+Spotted Deer, I am not saying anything against
+what you have done. This is our first war-trail.
+You found those people. It was a good thing to
+do.”</p>
+
+<p>“Running Fox, you have spoken good words,”
+declared Spotted Deer. “Now I see that I did
+not find out enough about those people. Well, I
+will do whatever you tell me to do.”</p>
+
+<p>“We will go and find them,” replied Running
+Fox.</p>
+
+<h1 id='t4354'>CHAPTER XI—A SKIRMISH WITH THE SHAWNEES</h1>
+
+<p>The Delawares immediately set out to find
+the distant lake, and learn the identity of
+the people whom Spotted Deer had seen.
+They followed the route which Running Fox had
+taken several days before, and late the second day
+they climbed to the top of the high mountain from
+which he had discovered the lake. They judged
+that the water was about two days’ journey away.</p>
+
+<p>“Does that look like the water you saw!” Running
+Fox asked Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, it is the same,” replied Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>Then he turned toward the west, and pointed out
+the route which the unknown war-party had followed.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, if they did not turn off some other way
+they must be at the water by now,” declared Running
+Fox. “It would be foolish, to try to catch
+up with them. We must go ahead carefully, and
+see if we can find their camp.”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, that is how I feel about it,” agreed Spotted
+Deer.</p>
+
+<p>They spent the night on the mountain-top, and
+at dawn resumed their journey toward the lake.
+Later in the day, as they were making their way
+through a dense swamp, they heard a harsh cry
+over their heads. Looking up they saw a large
+bald eagle circling slowly above the tree-tops.
+Running Fox immediately became excited.</p>
+
+<p>“See, there is Woapalanne!” he cried. “That
+means a fight. Yes, I saw him flying around like
+that before I had the battle with the bear. Do
+you hear him calling? Well, that is the war-cry
+of his people. Spotted Deer, I believe we are going
+into some kind of danger.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I do not know about those things, but I
+believe that what you say is true,” said Spotted
+Deer.</p>
+
+<p>They watched the eagle with gloomy forebodings,
+and as it chanced to disappear into the north
+their suspicions were strengthened. Running Fox
+felt confident that they were about to have an encounter
+with their foes.</p>
+
+<p>“We must keep together, and watch sharp,” he
+warned Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>At the end of the following day they reached the
+lake. Having seen nothing of the roving company
+of warriors that Spotted Deer had encountered,
+the lads wondered whether they were encamped
+somewhere along the shore of the lake. They determined
+to take every precaution, and instead of
+advancing directly to the lake they stopped on the
+top of a low ridge some distance back from the
+water.</p>
+
+<p>“We will wait here until it gets dark,” said
+Running Fox. “Then we will crawl down there,
+and see if we can find out anything.”</p>
+
+<p>The lake was large, and the Delawares had little
+doubt that it was the body of water for which
+they had been cautioned to watch. They wondered
+where the Mohawk camp was located. They
+believed it was somewhere toward the north. Still
+they saw no evidence of it. They searched the
+sky until dark, but were unable to find a trace
+of smoke. Then, as night finally shut down, they
+determined to go to the shore of the lake to search
+for the war-party.</p>
+
+<p>The Delawares stole down through the silent
+black woods as softly and as cautiously as Woakus,
+the fox. When they reached the edge of the
+water they immediately sat down to watch and
+listen. They had little hope of finding the telltale
+gleam from a camp-fire, for they knew that
+if the Mohawks were actually on the war-trail
+they would not dare to expose themselves in that
+manner, even in the heart of their own stronghold.
+Therefore, when the lads found nothing
+to alarm them, they advanced carefully along the
+shore of the lake. They had gone some distance
+when they were astonished to see the light of a
+fire shining out over the water. It was far ahead
+of them near the other end of the lake, and for
+some moments the Delawares watched it in silence.</p>
+
+<p>“It must be that those warriors have stopped
+there,” said Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“It is mysterious,” replied Running Fox. “If
+those people are on the war-trail why do they
+make a fire?”</p>
+
+<p>The lads were unable to explain it. They had
+seen the Mohawks painted for war, and under
+those circumstances it seemed incredible that they
+would dare to make a fire. It appeared as if it
+must have been lighted by some one else. Still,
+that too seemed beyond belief. The Delawares
+realized that even a large war-party of enemies
+would scarcely be so bold in the domains of their
+foes. Then Spotted Deer suggested that it might
+be a company of warriors from one of the western
+villages of the Iroquois.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, that may be true,” agreed Running Fox.
+“But there is something strange about it.”</p>
+
+<p>“What is it?” inquired Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, these people may he Oneidas or Onondagas,”
+said Running Fox. “Perhaps they have
+come here to talk with their brothers, the Mohawks.
+Perhaps they do not know that the Mohawks
+are on the war-trail. Perhaps they have
+not seen any enemies on their journey. Well, if
+this water is near the Mohawk village, why did
+these people stop here? If they are the same people
+you saw, then they must have arrived here
+before the last sun appeared. Why did they wait
+here? If they had gone on they would be pretty
+close to the Mohawk camp by now.”</p>
+
+<p>“What you say is true,” replied Spotted Deer.
+“But I will tell you how it might be. I do not
+believe these people are Mohawks. I believe I
+was wrong about that. I believe that they are
+Oneidas or Onondagas. Perhaps they are Cayugas
+or Senecas from far away toward the place
+Where-The-Sun-Goes-To-Sleep. Well, perhaps
+they have made a long journey. Perhaps they
+want to rest. Perhaps the Mohawks do not know
+they are here. Then they must wait. Yes, they
+must send scouts to tell the Mohawks that they
+are coming to see them. Then the Mohawks will
+get ready a big feast. It is the proper way to do.
+I believe that is why we have found them here.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I see that it may be as you say,” said
+Running Fox. “But we will not find out about
+it by sitting here and talking. We see a fire.
+Well, we must creep up close, and find out who
+made it.”</p>
+
+<p>“I am ready,” declared Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>They rose and began a daring advance along
+the edge of the lake. They moved with great caution,
+stopping frequently to listen for a warning
+of danger. However, the fire was a considerable
+distance ahead of them, and they believed that
+they would be comparatively safe until they got
+within bow-shot of it. Then they were startled by
+a loud splash in the river.</p>
+
+<p>“What was that?” Spotted Deer whispered,
+anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>“Sh,” cautioned Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>They listened many moments but the silence was
+unbroken.</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps it was some one paddling a canoe,”
+said Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“I believe it was a big fish,” replied Running
+Fox. “Perhaps it was Maschilamek, the trout.”</p>
+
+<p>Then, as they heard nothing more, they continued
+toward the fire. They had not gone far before
+they smelled smoke. They knew that the
+wind was in their favor. It gave them confidence,
+for they realized that there was less likelihood of
+being heard. A short time afterward they saw
+a small light flash across their path. A moment
+later it appeared at one side of them. Spotted
+Deer stopped.</p>
+
+<p>“It is only Sasappis, the fire-fly,” whispered
+Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>“He is carrying his torch to frighten the witches
+out of the woods,” declared Spotted Deer. “My
+mother has told me about him. We must be careful
+not to harm him.”</p>
+
+<p>A short distance farther on they were halted
+by the deep ringing notes of the big horned owl.
+The call seemed to come from somewhere to the
+right of them. It was repeated three times in
+rapid succession, and the Delawares immediately
+became suspicious. A few moments afterward
+they heard another owl calling directly behind
+them. It was so near that they easily detected a
+number of false notes in it. They knew it was a
+signal, and their hearts filled with alarm.</p>
+
+<p>“We have run into a trap,” Running Fox whispered,
+savagely. “Come, we must get to the
+water. It is the only chance.”</p>
+
+<p>They were close upon the river, but as they
+turned to reach it they heard twigs snapping directly
+ahead of them. Then they realized that
+they had been surrounded, and that they must
+fight against heavy odds to save themselves. They
+saw now that the fire was a clever ruse of their
+enemies to draw their foes into an ambush. The
+lads had little doubt that they were again face to
+face with the hated Mohawks.</p>
+
+<p>“Stand still!” whispered Running Fox, as they
+heard some one passing through the bushes at the
+edge of the river. “It is dark, and they may go
+by us. Then we must rush into the water, and
+swim to the other side.”</p>
+
+<p>“Let us climb into a tree,” proposed Spotted
+Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“No, that would be foolish,” replied Running
+Fox. “These people have surrounded us. They
+are close. If we climb into a tree they will know
+where we have gone. Then they will wait until
+it gets light, and kill us like Wisawanik, the squirrel.”</p>
+
+<p>The next moment a piercing yell rang through
+the night, and the Delawares heard their foes rushing
+forward on all sides of them. For an instant
+they stood there, filled with panic. Then
+Running Fox recovered his wits, and took command.</p>
+
+<p>“Come, we must fight our way to the water!”
+he cried.</p>
+
+<p>Fitting arrows to their bows they hurried toward
+the river. They had not covered half of the distance,
+when two stalwart figures rose out of the
+darkness to oppose them. An arrow sped close to
+Running Fox, and the next instant his own arrow
+dropped his enemy to the ground. Turning
+to call Spotted Deer, he heard him thrashing about
+in the undergrowth. Rushing to his assistance,
+Running Fox found him fighting valiantly for his
+life. Running Fox drove an arrow between the
+shoulders of his assailant, and as the warrior rolled
+over the young Delaware stooped and peered eagerly
+into his face. He felt sure that he was not
+a Mohawk, but he was unable to identify him.
+Running Fox noted, however, that the warrior’s
+face was streaked with charcoal, in token of war.
+Then the lads heard their foes closing in upon
+them, and they realized that they must be off.
+As they sped toward the river they heard some
+one behind them shouting, “Mengwe! Mengwe!”
+at the top of his voice.</p>
+
+<p>“Now I know who these people are,” cried Running
+Fox. “That person behind us is shouting
+the Shawnee name for the Mohawks. Yes, this is
+a Shawnee war-party. They take us for Mohawks.
+It is good.”</p>
+
+<p>The Delawares reached the edge of the water in
+safety, and had waded in knee-deep when the first
+Shawnees appeared on the shore. Then, as an
+arrow hummed ominously above their heads, the
+lads plunged forward and swam furiously to escape
+from bow-shot. They heard the Shawnees
+rushing into the river in pursuit of them, and as
+soon as they reached deeper water the Delawares
+dove from sight. They rose to the surface within
+several bow-lengths of each other, far out in the
+river. They listened a moment to make sure that
+none of their foes were within reach of them, and
+then they turned and swam toward the opposite
+shore. They passed through the water as silently
+as Winingus, the mink, for they knew that
+sharp-eared foes were listening to catch the faintest
+sound. They heard a number of signals
+from the shore they had left, and once they thought
+they heard voices within bow-shot of them. It
+drove them to greater efforts, and they raced
+through the water at top speed. However, as they
+drew near the shore and found themselves in
+shallow water they moved more cautiously. They believed
+that, having lost sight of them in the darkness,
+their crafty foes were listening to hear them
+leave the water, and they determined to take every
+precaution against giving a clue.</p>
+
+<p>“We will swim ahead until we are a long ways
+above this place,” proposed Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“No, that would be a bad thing to do,” Running
+Fox told him. “If the Shawnees reach land
+they will travel faster than we can move through
+the water. Perhaps they will send scouts along
+the edge of the water. Then it would be hard to
+get into the woods. We will swim ahead a little
+ways, and then we will walk out.”</p>
+
+<p>They swam some distance farther, and then
+waded ashore. They waited a moment at the edge
+of the forest to listen for the Shawnees. The fire
+was still burning brightly on the opposite shore,
+and the Delawares smiled grimly as they realized
+how easily they had blundered into the trap that
+had been set for their enemies, the Mohawks.
+Then, as they feared that the Shawnee swimmers
+had reached land and begun to search for them,
+they turned and sped away into the night.</p>
+
+<h1 id='t4680'>CHAPTER XII—SMOKE</h1>
+
+<p>Running Fox immediately took the lead,
+and turned toward the north. He believed
+that the Shawnees would hesitate to
+follow them far in that direction for fear of being
+led into an ambush. Besides, it was the only direction
+in which the Delawares could go without
+sacrificing their lead. It was not long, however,
+before they heard signals ringing through the
+night a short distance behind them.</p>
+
+<p>“The Shawnees are close, we must travel
+faster,” said Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>Dawn was breaking when they reached the end
+of the lake. Having heard nothing further from
+their pursuers they believed that they had turned
+back. However, the fact that both the Mohawks
+and the Shawnees were painted for war kept them
+alert to their danger. They believed that a big
+battle was impending, and they felt sure that the
+wilderness was filled with hostile scouts. Shortly
+after sunrise, therefore, they stopped to rest, and
+hold a council-of-war.</p>
+
+<p>“I believe the best thing to do is to keep going
+ahead until the sun goes down,” declared Running
+Fox. “Then we will climb to a high place,
+and look for smoke. If we do not see it, then we
+must circle around. Yes, we must climb to all the
+high places, and look every way. I do not believe
+the Mohawk camp is beyond two suns’ journey
+away. Perhaps it is nearer.”</p>
+
+<p>“I do not see any other way to do,” replied
+Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>They resumed their way into the north, keeping
+a sharp watch for their foes, and climbing to the
+tops of the ridges to search the sky for smoke. At
+the end of the day, however, they had seen nothing
+which would give them a clue to the location
+of the Mohawk camp.</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps it is not near that water,” suggested
+Spotted Deer. “Perhaps we have gone the wrong
+way.”</p>
+
+<p>“No, I do not believe it,” said Running Fox,</p>
+
+<p>“I am thinking about something different. The
+Mohawks are at war with the Shawnees. Perhaps
+they are afraid to make fires.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then how can we find the camp?” inquired
+Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“I believe it will be a hard thing to do,” replied
+Running Fox. “We must ask Getanittowit
+to help us.”</p>
+
+<p>The following day they again decided to separate—Running
+Fox to make a half circle toward
+the east, while Spotted Deer made a similar detour
+toward the west. They agreed to meet at
+dark at a great spire-shaped rock on the summit
+of a low hill directly ahead of them.</p>
+
+<p>“No matter what you see, come back when it
+gets dark,” said Running Fox,</p>
+
+<p>“I will do as you tell me,” agreed Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox made his way toward a ridge of
+hills less than a half day’s journey to the eastward.
+He had traveled about two-thirds of the
+distance when he suddenly came upon the remains
+of a small fire. It had been made between two
+rocks, and cleverly concealed by a screen of brush.
+A few embers still glowed from the ashes, and it
+was evident that whoever had camped there had
+only recently departed. Running Fox circled
+carefully about the spot, trying to learn the identity
+of the firemaker. He found some tracks leading
+toward the east. However, he was only able
+to follow them a short distance, as the country
+was rough and rocky, and they soon disappeared.
+Running Fox believed that the crafty scout had
+purposely left a plain trail for a short distance
+to baffle his foes. The Delaware felt quite sure
+that farther on the unknown traveler had turned
+in another direction.</p>
+
+<p>“I must watch out for that person,” Running
+Fox told himself.</p>
+
+<p>He reached the ridge of hills a short time afterward,
+and looked anxiously toward the north for
+evidence of the Mohawk camp. The sky was clear
+and cloudless, however, and there was no trace of
+smoke. Running Fox felt troubled. He feared
+that the unexpected appearance of the Shawnees
+threatened the success of his expedition. Still he
+had no thought of turning back. Having made
+his boast to his father he determined to make it
+good, or sacrifice his life in the attempt.</p>
+
+<p>The day was well advanced, and Running Fox
+had about decided to leave the ridge and return
+to Spotted Deer, when he suddenly discovered a
+heavy column of smoke rising above the tree-tops a
+short distance south of him. It suggested many
+interesting possibilities, and Running Fox studied
+it closely. For a long time it puzzled him. He
+could scarcely believe that it came from the Mohawk
+camp. In the first place he felt sure that
+the camp was farther from the lake. Besides,
+there was but one dense column of smoke, while
+smoke from a village usually rose in several thin
+columns, or hovered above the camp in light hazy
+clouds. Running Fox decided, therefore, that the
+smoke which he saw must be a signal. The possibility
+quickened his interest. Then the smoke
+column began to waver and break. In a few moments
+he saw it separate into a number of puffs
+or clouds. They followed one another at short
+intervals, and Running Fox became convinced that
+some one was sending a message. He would have
+given much to have been able to read it. He
+searched the sky in all directions, hoping to see
+an answer but none appeared.</p>
+
+<p>“I believe some one is talking to the Mohawk
+camp,” said Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>The Delaware realized that if his guess was true
+it was quite probable that the signal would go
+unanswered. He believed that it would be read
+by sharp-eyed sentinels who had been stationed
+on the high places to watch for it, but he felt sure
+that no tell-tale spiral of smoke would be permitted
+to betray the location of the village. If an
+answer were sent, Running Fox believed it would
+appear somewhere far away from the camp. Still,
+the mere sight of the signal filled him with hope,
+for he told himself that the Mohawk village was
+surely somewhere within sight. He waited until
+the smoke faded from the sky, and then as he saw
+nothing to indicate that the signal would be answered
+he hurried away to meet Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>Darkness had already fallen when Running Fox
+approached the rock where he was to meet his
+friend. This time, however, his signal brought an
+immediate response, for Spotted Deer was waiting
+for him.</p>
+
+<p>“We have found each other—it is good,” said
+Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“It is good, my brother,” replied Running Fox.
+“Have you looked around?”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I have circled all around this hill; there
+is no one hiding here,” Spotted Deer assured him.</p>
+
+<p>“Then we will sit down and talk,” said Running
+Fox.</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox told what he had seen to the eastward,
+and Spotted Deer listened with great attention.
+The smoke particularly impressed him.
+He agreed with Running Fox that it must have
+been a signal. However, Spotted Deer was not
+so sure that it had anything to do with the camp.</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps that smoke was sent up by the Shawnees,”
+he suggested. “Perhaps a Mohawk scout
+was talking with the war-party.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, it may turn out that way, but I feel different
+about it,” insisted Running Fox. “Now
+you must tell me what you found out.”</p>
+
+<p>Spotted Deer said that he had gone a considerable
+distance toward the west without discovering
+any signs of his foes. Then he had climbed to
+the top of a mountain to reconnoiter. He had
+watched a long time when he finally saw what he
+believed was smoke far away toward the north.
+He had strained his eyes to make sure, but it faded
+from the sky before he could convince himself.
+Then he had set out to meet Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>“That is what happened,” concluded Spotted
+Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, we have not done much,” Running Fox
+declared, gloomily. “I believe the Mohawk camp
+is close. There is only one thing to do. We must
+keep moving around until we find it. We will wait
+here until the next sun comes. Then we will look
+around some more.”</p>
+
+<p>The following day they again scouted carefully
+through the woods in search of the Mohawk camp.
+This time, however, they remained together and
+turned toward the north. Running Fox felt convinced
+that the village was somewhere in that direction,
+and as he was the leader Spotted Deer
+was content to rely upon his judgment.</p>
+
+<p>“I believe there must be a trail going toward
+that camp,” declared Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I did not hear our people say anything
+about it,” replied Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>Nevertheless they determined to keep a sharp
+watch for anything that looked like an opening
+through the forest. They continued toward the
+north for half of the day, and then Running Fox
+proposed that they should circle toward the west.</p>
+
+<p>“That will bring us near the place where you
+saw something that looked like smoke,” he told
+Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I am not sure about what I saw, but I
+believe it would be a good thing to go over there,
+and look around,” said Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>Then for a long time they traveled in silence.
+Running Fox seemed moody and thoughtful, and
+Spotted Deer made no attempt to rouse him. The
+latter realized that a war-leader had many responsibilities,
+and he felt quite sure that Running Fox
+was meditating upon some plan for bringing success
+to his undertaking.</p>
+
+<p>“Spotted Deer, there are two things that trouble
+me,” Running Fox said, finally.</p>
+
+<p>Spotted Deer remained silent. He knew that
+it would not do to question a war-leader unless
+the latter chose to enlighten him.</p>
+
+<p>“First I am troubled because I have not found
+Gokhos, the great white Medicine Owl,” continued
+Running Fox. “If we had the skin of that
+mysterious bird I believe much good would come
+of it. But I am troubled about another thing.
+Yes, I am troubled about the Shawnees. They
+have come into this country to fight the Mohawks.
+It is a bad thing for us. I believe the Mohawks
+will keep many warriors around the village.
+Well, now I will tell you something different. I
+have set out to do this thing, and I am going
+through with it no matter what happens to me.”</p>
+
+<p>“Those are good words,” Spotted Deer declared,
+admiringly. “You will soon find Gokhos,
+the great white Medicine Owl, and then we will
+be able to do some great things. I am not thinking
+about the Shawnees——”</p>
+
+<p>“Stop!” Running Fox interrupted, excitedly.
+“I see smoke rising behind that ridge.”</p>
+
+<p>They saw a misty blue haze drifting above the
+top of a low ridge directly ahead of them.</p>
+
+<p>“That is the place I was looking at,” said Spotted
+Deer. “Yes, I know it by that big mountain
+over there.”</p>
+
+<p>“I believe we have found the Mohawk camp,”
+declared Running Fox. “We must watch sharp.
+If the village is on the other side of that ridge
+we are very close. Spotted Deer, I believe we
+are in great danger.”</p>
+
+<p>They immediately concealed themselves in the
+woods to watch. It was not long, however, before
+both of them agreed that the smoke came from the
+Mohawk camp. The thought filled them with joy.
+They believed that they were almost within sight
+of their goal, and they were eager to verify their
+hopes. However, Running Fox realized that it
+would be the height of folly to attempt to look
+over the ridge before dark. He had little doubt
+that, if the camp really was on the other side,
+the crafty Mohawks had stationed scouts along the
+crest of the ridge to guard the village against
+surprise. Therefore, he decided to wait until
+night came to his assistance.</p>
+
+<p>“We must stay here until it gets dark,” he told
+Spotted Deer. “Then we will creep up on that
+ridge, and find out if the camp is over there.”</p>
+
+<p>“I believe we will find it,” Spotted Deer replied,
+confidently.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, that smoke looks like camp smoke, but
+I am not sure about it,” said Running Fox.</p>
+
+<h1 id='t4988'>CHAPTER XIII—SURPRISED</h1>
+
+<p>Shortly after dark the impatient young
+Delawares set out on their perilous search
+for the Mohawk camp. When they reached
+the base of the ridge they stopped to listen. Then,
+as they heard nothing to arouse their suspicions,
+they climbed carefully up the steep brushy slope.
+They were almost at the top when Running Fox
+thought he heard something moving through the
+bushes. They immediately dropped and lay close
+to the ground. They waited a long time, but
+nothing appeared. At last they decided that they
+had been needlessly alarmed, and they rose and
+continued up the ridge.</p>
+
+<p>Once on top the Delawares’ first thought was to
+look for the glow of the Mohawk fires. When they
+failed to find them they began to lose hope. It
+was evident that the Mohawk camp was not where
+they had expected to find it.</p>
+
+<p>“I do not see what I expected to find—it is
+bad,” whispered Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox made no reply. He appeared to
+be listening.</p>
+
+<p>“That smoke must have been another signal,”
+said Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox still continued silent. He sat
+with his bow across his knees, staring moodily into
+the night. Having been unable to draw him into
+conversation, Spotted Deer, too, subsided into silence
+and waited patiently for Running Fox to
+announce a plan of action.</p>
+
+<p>They sat there for a long time, and then they
+were suddenly roused by the sound of a dog barking
+somewhere near the spot where they had
+looked for the Mohawk camp. Running Fox instantly
+became alert. Cautioning Spotted Deer to
+silence, he listened eagerly. In a few moments
+the barking changed to sharp cries of pain, and it
+was evident that the animal had been cowed into
+silence. Then for a long time all was still.</p>
+
+<p>“Now I know what I came here to find out,”
+said Running Fox. “My ears have told me what
+my eyes could not see. Spotted Deer, the great
+Mohawk camp is down there where we heard that
+dog.”</p>
+
+<p>“Where are the fires?” demanded Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps there are no fires,” replied Running
+Fox. “Perhaps they are hidden by the trees.
+Perhaps the camp is closed in by high stakes. I
+do not know how it comes that we cannot see the
+fires, but I believe the camp is there.”</p>
+
+<p>“Then we will go down there and find it,” Spotted
+Deer proposed, impulsively.</p>
+
+<p>“No, I have a different plan,” Running Fox
+told him. “I am going down there alone. I will
+look around. Then I will come back and tell you
+about it. You must wait here.”</p>
+
+<p>“Running Fox, that is not a good thing to do,”
+protested Spotted Deer. “I must go with you.
+Perhaps you will get into a fight down there. Yes,
+I must be there to help you.”</p>
+
+<p>“Spotted Deer, I am the leader,” Running Fox
+reminded him. “I am doing this thing because it
+is the best way to go about it. If we both go
+down there and get caught then there will be no
+chance to get away. If I go down there alone and
+get caught then you must get me out of it. I
+will not go into the camp without you, but I must
+go and look around. It is the only way to do. I
+will not talk any more about it.”</p>
+
+<p>“Running Fox, you say that you are the leader,
+it is true,” replied Spotted Deer. “Yes, I will
+do what you tell me to do. I believe it is the best
+way.”</p>
+
+<p>“That is good,” said Running Fox. “Now I
+will tell you something different. If anything had
+happens to me down there I will make the call of
+Quenischquney, the panther. If you hear that
+then you must come down there and do what you
+can. But perhaps you will get into danger. Then
+you must make the call of Quenisehquney. Then
+I will come to help you. Now I am going away.”</p>
+
+<p>“I will keep singing the sacred songs to help
+you,” said Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, that will be a good thing to do,” agreed
+Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>A moment later he disappeared into the night.
+Running Fox moved down the ridge with great
+caution, for he felt quite sure that Mohawk sentinels
+were somewhere within bow-shot of him.
+He stopped many times to listen, but heard nothing
+to alarm him. When he reached the bottom
+of the ridge he turned directly toward the place
+where he had heard the dog barking. As he advanced
+he kept a sharp watch for the warning
+glow of the Mohawk fires. The forest was very
+dense, however, and as he believed that the Mohawk
+village might be walled about by a log stockade
+he had little hope of discovering the fires.
+Then he thought of a better plan. Moistening
+one of his fingers, he raised it above his head and
+learned that what little wind there was came from
+the north. As he was traveling almost due west,
+he made a wide detour to get the wind in his face.
+Soon afterward he saw the value of the wily maneuver,
+when the unmistakable odor of smoke was
+borne to his nostrils. It filled him with joy, for
+he realized that at last he had found an easy trail
+to the hostile camp.</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox followed the tell-tale smoke scent
+with the eager persistence of a famished wolf. As
+long as the breeze held steady he hurried along
+with little fear of going astray. However, when
+the wind weakened, or shifted, his task became
+more difficult. Under those conditions he
+invariably lost the trail, and was compelled to circle
+about until he found it. Thus he felt his way
+toward his goal, until at last he was halted by the
+familiar sounds from the camp itself. He stopped
+and raised his eyes to Getanittowit.</p>
+
+<p>“O Getanittowit, I have come near to the camp
+of my enemies, the proud and boastful Mohawks,”
+whispered Running Fox. “O Getanittowit, I am
+in great danger. O Getanittowit, make me as
+sharp as Woakus, the fox, and as brave as Machque,
+the bear. O Getanittowit, take pity on me
+and help me.”</p>
+
+<p>Having made this earnest appeal to Getanittowit,
+the Great One, the devout young Delaware
+resumed his daring advance toward the Mohawk
+camp. As he neared it the sounds increased, and
+he knew that the village contained many people,
+The thought made him more cautious, and he
+stopped to reconnoiter. Running Fox felt sure
+that he was within a few bow-shots of the village,
+and yet he could see no trace of it. He scouted
+cautiously through the woods looking for it, but
+although the sounds warned him that the camp
+was dangerously close at hand the night effectually
+hid it from his sight.</p>
+
+<p>“This comes of not following the advice of Gokhus,
+the Medicine Owl,” the superstitious young
+Delaware told himself. “Gokhus is the only one
+who can see through the dark. Yes, if I had the
+skin of the great white Medicine Owl I believe I
+would be able to see this camp.”</p>
+
+<p>Nevertheless he determined to continue looking
+for the Mohawk village. He knew that to come
+within sight of the camp he must run the risk of
+capture and death, but he felt little fear. He believed
+that Getanittowit would help him, and the
+assurance gave him courage. He advanced, therefore,
+with every faculty keenly alert, determined
+to actually see the hostile camp before he thought
+of turning back.</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox was moving slowly through the
+woods when he suddenly found himself on the
+edge of a large clearing. Corn and squashes were
+growing there, and the Delaware instantly realized
+that he had found the Mohawk camp. The
+thought set his heart beating wildly. Then he
+heard a number of persons chanting a song, and
+looking toward the sound he saw a long high,
+shadow stretching across one side of the clearing.
+He knew at once that it was a log stockade enclosing
+the camp. He saw a pale yellow glow
+above it, and he believed it came from the Mohawk
+fires.</p>
+
+<p>Having finally got within arrow-range of his
+goal, Running Fox shrank back into the shadows
+of the forest, and looked upon the great Mohawk
+camp with awe. For a moment or so it frightened
+him, and he found himself trembling with nervousness.
+It looked like a huge trap from which it
+would be hard to escape. The thought weakened
+his confidence. He heard a dog barking, and he
+wondered if it had caught his scent. He raised a
+moistened finger into the air to test the wind. It
+was in his favor, and he felt much relieved. A
+few moments afterward a small square of light
+appeared in the long black wall. Something black
+flashed across it, and then the light vanished into
+the night. Running Fox was perplexed. He wondered
+if it had been a signal of some sort. Perhaps
+he had been discovered. The possibility
+brought sweat to his brow. For an instant he
+thought of retreating. However, the very suggestion
+filled him with shame. He asked himself
+if Running Fox, the son of the great war-chief,
+Black Panther, were a coward.</p>
+
+<p>“No, I will not run away,” he whispered, savagely.
+“I will stay here, and see what is going to
+happen to me.”</p>
+
+<p>Then, as he continued to watch the grim black
+outline of the stockade, the square of light again
+appeared, and this time it was some moments before
+it vanished. In the meantime a number of
+dark objects had flashed across it. Running Fox
+was unable to explain it. It seemed as if it must
+be a signal to some one outside of the village. Still
+he could not understand how it was done. He
+knew that there was no fire outside of the stockade,
+else he would have seen the glare. Then
+where did the light come from, and what made it?
+For a long time Running Fox was unable to guess.
+At last, however, the truth flashed across his mind.</p>
+
+<p>“Hi, now I know about it,” he told himself.</p>
+
+<p>“There is a hole in that log wall. Yes, some one
+pulled something away, and made it open. Then
+some one moved something across that place.
+Then some one closed it up again, and made it
+dark. Pretty soon some one opened it again.
+Then some one moved something across that place
+many times. Perhaps it was a signal.”</p>
+
+<p>Having guessed that much, it was only a few
+moments until the sharp-witted young scout
+learned the full truth. He realized that the opening
+must have been an entrance or door into the
+village, and that the mysterious black objects
+which had momentarily shut out the light were
+people either entering or leaving the camp. That,
+however, was the only point about which he had
+any doubt. He would have given much to know
+whether the people who had passed through the
+opening were warriors returning from the war-trail,
+or scouts going out to look for the enemy.
+Then, as a great commotion suddenly broke out
+in the camp, Running Fox believed that the answer
+had been given by the Mohawks themselves.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I believe some warriors have come back
+from the fight with the Shawnees,” said Running
+Fox.</p>
+
+<p>Each moment the noise increased, and it was
+evident that a celebration of some sort was in
+progress. Then the glow above the stockade brightened,
+and Running Fox believed that the fires
+were being rekindled in preparation for some important
+ceremony. The thought pleased him, for
+he believed that with the Mohawks absorbed in
+celebrating a victory, it would be easier to approach
+the village. Having discovered the entrance
+into the camp, the reckless lad resolved to
+have at least one peep at his foes before he returned
+to Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox waited until the noise indicated
+that the celebration was well in progress, and then
+he moved toward the camp. He had carefully
+noted the location of the opening in the stockade,
+but he feared to approach it, for he knew that at
+any moment he might encounter some one leaving
+the village. He turned toward the end of the
+stockade, therefore, and was almost within leaping
+distance of the camp when he was halted by a
+challenge directly behind him. Acting upon the
+impulse of the moment, Running Fox stopped for
+an instant, and mumbled an unintelligible reply.
+Then, as the night hid the person who had hailed
+him, he tried to hurry away. He planned to
+dodge around the end of the stockade and dash
+into the woods. The ruse failed, however, for the
+suspicious Mohawk followed him. Aware that
+further attempts to deceive would be useless, Running
+Fox ran off at great speed. The Mohawk
+immediately raced after him, yelling at the top
+of his voice.</p>
+
+<p>As Running Fox dodged around the end of the
+stockade he crashed into two Mohawks who were
+running up at the call of their tribesman. The
+surprise was mutual, and all three fell to the
+ground. A moment afterward the young Delaware
+found himself lying helplessly upon his back
+with two stalwart warriors holding him down. As
+he attempted to shout a warning to Spotted Deer
+one of the Mohawks seized him by the throat and
+began to choke him unmercifully. However, Running
+Fox had no idea of surrendering. He fought
+with the fury of a wildcat until one of his foes
+struck him a stunning blow on the head with a
+war-club.</p>
+
+<p>When the lad regained his senses some moments
+later he found himself surrounded by a number
+of Mohawk warriors. His arms had been tightly
+bound behind him, and a heavy piece of buckskin
+had been tied over his mouth. As Running Fox
+opened his eyes, the warrior who had choked him
+kneeled and glared fiercely into his face. Then
+he seized him roughly by the shoulder, and motioned
+for him to rise. As the Delaware obeyed
+the Mohawks crowded excitedly about him, peering
+eagerly into his face, and threatening him with
+their weapons. Running Fox showed no fear,
+however, and in a few moments they ceased tormenting
+him and led him into the camp.</p>
+
+<p>The Mohawk village was lighted by several large
+fires, and Running Fox saw a great many people
+gathered in the center of the camp. They were
+mostly women and children, with a small company
+of old men and guards who had been left behind
+to protect the village when the warriors had rushed
+out at the cry of alarm. As Running Fox was
+led into the firelight the Mohawks quickly recognized
+him as a Delaware, and immediately began
+to taunt and abuse him. The old women and the
+boys were particularly vicious, and several of the
+latter ran up and began to beat him with sticks.
+The Delaware’s eyes flashed threateningly, but he
+knew better than to resist for he realized that it
+would only expose him to still harsher treatment
+from his tormentors.</p>
+
+<p>When Running Fox and his guards reached the
+center of the village they were beset by a great
+throng of people who seemed intent upon reaching
+the prisoner. They appeared so hostile that
+the Delaware feared they intended to kill him
+there and then. They surged wildly about him
+shouting their war-cries, and striking at him over
+the shoulders of his guards. The latter were
+struggling valiantly to protect him, but it looked
+as if they would be overpowered at any moment.
+At the height of the tumult, however, Running
+Fox saw several warriors hurrying forward from
+the other end of the camp. As they approached,
+the foremost warrior called out, and at the sound
+of his voice the Mohawks immediately fell back.
+It was evident that the warrior was a man of great
+authority, and Running Fox wondered if it could
+be Standing Wolf, the famous Mohawk war-chief.</p>
+
+<p>A few moments afterward the Mohawk stood
+before him. He was a tall, broad-shouldered man
+of middle age, with a cruel face and restless black
+eyes. For a moment Running Fox felt afraid of
+him. Then, as the Mohawk looked searchingly
+into his face, the lad suddenly remembered that
+he must uphold the honor of his tribe. He raised
+his head and met the challenge unflinchingly.
+They gazed steadily at each other for several moments,
+and the vast assemblage of Mohawks
+watched them in silence. Then the Mohawk
+laughed scornfully, and turned to his people. He
+addressed them in a few sharp sentences, and his
+words were received with what seemed to be expressions
+of approval. At any rate the Mohawks
+made no further demonstrations against the prisoner,
+and Running Fox wondered whether the
+warrior had spoken in his behalf. It seemed too
+much to expect, however, and the young Delaware
+feared that his relief was only the prelude to a
+more trying ordeal yet in store for him. Then he
+saw the man whom he took to be Standing Wolf,
+talking to the three warriors whom Running Fox
+had encountered outside of the camp. A moment
+later one of them approached him, and untied
+the buckskin bandage which had been placed
+over his mouth. For an instant Running Fox was
+tempted to shout a warning to Spotted Deer. Upon
+second thought, however, he abandoned the idea.
+He doubted that Spotted Deer would hear it, and
+besides, he believed it would be foolish to acquaint
+the Mohawks with the fact that he had a companion.
+In the meantime the Mohawk leader had
+again approached him. Running Fox was greatly
+astounded to hear him speak in the Delaware dialect.</p>
+
+<p>“Do the boastful Delawares send boys to fight
+their enemies?” he inquired, sarcastically.</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox made no reply.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, do Delaware children remain silent when
+they are spoken to?” the Mohawk demanded, angrily.
+“I do not like that. When Standing Wolf
+speaks he must be answered. Come, speak fast
+or I will teach you how to obey.”</p>
+
+<p>“I will answer you,” Running Fox said, angrily.
+“Standing Wolf, you have asked me something.
+Well, I will tell you what you wish to
+know. My people keep their men to fight the
+brave Shawnees. My people send their boys to
+kill the Mohawks.”</p>
+
+<p>It was a reckless speech, and Running Fox
+immediately realized that he had sealed his doom as
+he looked into the angry eyes of Standing Wolf.
+For a moment the great Mohawk war-chief looked
+upon him in unconcealed amazement. Then he
+mumbled something, and advanced threateningly.
+Running Fox showed no signs of weakening, however,
+and Standing Wolf struck him a stinging
+blow across the mouth. It was the signal for a
+wild outbreak from the onlookers, for they realized
+that their famous war-chief had been insulted
+by a mere lad. The thought drove them into a
+frenzy, and only the prompt interference of Standing
+Wolf himself saved the Delaware from instant
+torture and death. When he had quieted
+the people, the Mohawk chief called several trusted
+warriors to lead Running Fox away.</p>
+
+<p>The unhappy lad was taken to a square bark
+lodge or shack. It contained a single room or
+compartment, and appeared dark and uninhabited.
+Once inside the building, the Mohawks threw
+Running Fox to the ground and bound his feet,
+which until that moment had been free. Then
+they left him.</p>
+
+<p>The two guards had barely gone from hearing
+when Running Fox heard something stirring over
+in a corner of the lodge. However, darkness
+made it impossible to tell what it was. He listened
+anxiously, and finally thought he heard some
+one chanting a medicine-song. It was low and indistinct,
+but still there was something about it
+that sounded familiar. A few moments later
+Running Fox identified it as one of the songs
+which he had learned from old Sky Dog, the Delaware
+medicine-man. Then the startling truth suddenly
+confronted him.</p>
+
+<p>“Spotted Deer!” Running Fox cried in a tense
+whisper.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, Running Fox, I am here,” replied Spotted
+Deer. “This is very bad. Now I know that
+there is no chance for us.”</p>
+
+<h1 id='t5454'>CHAPTER XIV—ANXIOUS DAYS</h1>
+
+<p>Spotted Deer said that he had been surprised
+and captured soon after Running Fox
+left him. At first the Mohawks mistook him
+for a Shawnee, and his appearance in the camp
+was the occasion for a wild commotion. He was
+taken to the center of the village and tied to the
+torture stake. Then the Mohawks suddenly discovered
+that he was a Delaware. They seemed
+greatly surprised, and it was evident that they
+feared the presence of a Delaware war-party somewhere
+near the camp. Thinking to frighten the
+young captive into telling them what they wished
+to know, Standing Wolf threatened him with all
+sorts of terrible tortures if he refused to give the
+information they desired. However, Spotted
+Deer scorned the threats, and the Mohawks were
+unable to make him talk. At last they unbound
+him, and threw him into the lodge in which Running
+Fox so unexpectedly found him.</p>
+
+<p>“Now I have told you how I came here,” concluded
+Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I see that you could not help it, but it
+is very bad,” replied Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>Then he related his own experiences. When he
+told how he had defied the great Mohawk war-chief,
+Spotted Deer exclaimed in astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>“That was a foolish thing to do,” he declared.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I see that I did a bad thing,” acknowledged
+Running Fox. “I believe I will be killed,
+but you may live to get away and tell our people
+what they wish to know.”</p>
+
+<p>“No, Running Fox, I believe the Mohawks will
+kill me, too,” said Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>At that moment Running Fox thought he heard
+some one moving cautiously away from the entrance
+of the lodge, and he feared that spies had
+been stationed there to listen. The Delawares immediately
+ceased talking. They lay there a long
+time listening, but all was still. The night-hush
+had fallen upon the camp, and it was evident that
+the Mohawks had retired to their lodges. However,
+the lads felt quite sure that the entrance to
+their own lodge was closely guarded. Still it
+seemed like an unnecessary precaution, for they
+had been so skillfully bound that they would have
+been unable to escape even if the way had been
+open.</p>
+
+<p>Left to their thoughts, the lads immediately began
+to speculate upon their chances. Running
+Fox believed that for himself at least death was
+inevitable, and he tried to become reconciled to
+the thought. However, his great fear was that
+by antagonizing the Mohawk chief he had also
+sealed the fate of Spotted Deer. The possibility
+filled him with despair. If only Spotted Deer
+might be spared to eventually learn and carry
+away the secret which had brought them to the
+Mohawk camp, Running Fox would have been
+willing to suffer and die without complaining.
+Now, however, he believed that his sacrifice would
+be in vain. The idea drove him into a frenzy.
+Carried away by emotion, he fought desperately
+to free himself from his bonds. His efforts were
+useless, however, and he soon saw the folly of wasting
+his strength, for the present escape seemed
+impossible.</p>
+
+<p>“It is no use to fight that way,” Spotted Deer
+told him. “No, we must wait until we get a better
+chance.”</p>
+
+<p>“That is true,” agreed Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>The long night finally passed, and as day
+dawned the lads looked anxiously about the lodge
+to learn if they were guarded. They appeared to
+be alone, but they mistrusted that sharp-eared
+sentinels were just outside the entrance. However,
+the lads took advantage of their privacy to
+study the details of their prison. It was a square,
+one story structure about four bow-lengths high.
+It was made of slabs of bark which were held in
+place by two rows of upright saplings or poles.
+The roof, which was peaked, was also of bark, and
+had a small square opening in the center to let out
+the smoke of the camp-fire. The lads found themselves
+in a room about four bow-lengths square,
+with a shallow fire-pit in the middle, and low willow
+bunks or platforms along two sides. The
+lodge would have accommodated six or eight persons,
+and was similar in design and material to
+those erected by the Delawares. It showed no
+signs of recent occupancy.</p>
+
+<p>It was not long before the Delawares heard
+some one approaching. Their hearts quickened at
+the sound, for it suggested a number of disturbing
+possibilities. Then the robe which covered
+the doorway was drawn aside, and a warrior entered
+the lodge. He was a great powerful fellow,
+and he stared so fiercely at the captives that they
+felt quite sure he meant them no good. They returned
+his glances without wavering, and in a few
+moments he turned and called to some one outside.
+An aged woman answered the summons, and the
+lads saw that she brought food and water.</p>
+
+<p>The warrior kneeled and unbound their hands.
+Then the old woman placed meat and water before
+them, and hobbled away. The guard, however, instantly
+began to annoy them. Pointing at the
+bones and scraps of meat which had been set before
+them, he imitated the whining of a dog, and
+laughed boisterously. The Delawares knew that
+he was trying to make them understand that they
+had been fed with the leavings from the camp
+which ordinarily were given to the dogs. The lads
+gave no sign that they comprehended the insult.
+Realizing that refusal to eat the food might subject
+them to a brutal attack, they consumed it in
+sullen obedience. Then they looked expectantly
+toward the Mohawk. He was laughing and making
+significant gestures with his knife to make
+them realize the punishments that awaited them.
+They watched him without the slightest trace of
+emotion. Their indifference seemed to anger him,
+and he began to talk fiercely in the Mohawk dialect.
+The lads showed plainly that they did not
+understand his threats, and he suddenly seemed
+to realize that he was making himself ridiculous.
+A moment afterward he tied their hands behind
+them, and drew the buckskin thongs deep into
+the flesh. Then he laughed gleefully, and left the
+lodge.</p>
+
+<p>“That warrior is very fierce,” said Spotted
+Deer, as the footfalls died away.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, he did not frighten us,” boasted Running
+Fox.</p>
+
+<p>“That made him mad,” laughed Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>It was not long before they began to feel the
+effects of his cruelty. The tight buckskin thongs
+ate slowly into their flesh, and caused them great
+agony. However, they bore it in silence. Each
+knew what the other was enduring, but neither of
+them was willing to acknowledge that the Mohawk
+had made him suffer.</p>
+
+<p>As the day progressed they heard considerable
+noise and confusion in the camp, and they believed
+that the Mohawks were preparing for some
+important ceremony. The thought filled them
+with gloomy premonitions. Running Fox, especially,
+read a warning in the sounds. He knew
+that his bold defiance of the famous war-chief
+would not be permitted to pass unpunished, and
+he feared that at any moment he would be called
+out to pay the penalty. He had heard many
+stories about the awful tortures which the Mohawks
+inflicted upon their prisoners, and he wondered
+if he were about to experience them. The
+possibility tried his nerve.</p>
+
+<p>“Running Fox, what I hear makes me feel bad,”
+Spotted Deer said, uneasily. “Perhaps the Mohawks
+are getting ready to kill us.”</p>
+
+<p>“We must be brave,” Running Fox told him.</p>
+
+<p>Soon afterward several fierce looking warriors
+entered the lodge, and stared at the captives.
+However, they made no attempt to annoy them,
+and left without speaking. The lads were at a
+loss to explain the visit. Then other warriors
+came, and several women and children. As none
+of the visitors showed any inclination to harm
+them, the Delawares felt somewhat reassured.
+They knew that the Iroquois tribes often adopted
+young warriors whom they captured, and they
+wondered if they, too, were to be spared. The
+thought gave them hope, for while they would not
+have thought of pledging allegiance to their foes,
+still they believed that they might be able to turn
+the opportunity to good advantage.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, we will fool the Mohawks until we find
+a chance to get away,” whispered Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“They are sharp,” Running Fox warned him.</p>
+
+<p>Then they heard criers going about the camp
+calling the people to assemble. Their fears immediately
+returned. They listened anxiously as
+the Mohawks began to sing, and shout their war-cries.
+Then the noise suddenly ceased. The Delawares
+heard some one talking excitedly. They
+thought they recognized the voice of Standing
+Wolf, the Mohawk war-chief. At the end of the
+talk a great shout went up from the camp.</p>
+
+<p>“I do not like that,” said Running Fox. “I
+believe some one is turning the Mohawks against
+us.”</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps they are talking about something different,”
+Spotted Deer replied, hopefully. “Perhaps
+a war-party is going out to fight the Shawnees.”</p>
+
+<p>“No, I do not believe it,” said Running Fox.
+“Spotted Deer, I believe we will soon be killed.”</p>
+
+<p>However, no one came to disturb them until the
+end of the day, and then the warrior and the old
+woman again entered the lodge with food and
+water. When the Mohawk unbound their wrists
+the lads found that they had temporarily lost the
+use of their arms. They made several attempts
+to reach the food that had been placed before them,
+but for some moments they were unable to raise
+their hands from their sides. The Mohawk seemed
+to take great delight in their discomfort. He
+jeered, and laughed, and insisted upon their eating
+the food. The lads feared that if they were
+unable to comply with his demands he would take
+away the food, and tell the Mohawks that they
+had refused it. They made heroic efforts, therefore,
+and finally succeeded in getting the food to
+their mouths. Then the guard again bound their
+wrists, and left them to suffer.</p>
+
+<p>As the evening shadows fell upon the camp the
+Delawares once more heard sounds of hustling activity.
+The Mohawks were breaking wood for
+fires, and the lads felt a vague premonition of
+danger. In a few moments they heard the crackling
+of the flames, and saw the light through the
+hole in the roof of the lodge. They waited in anxious
+suspense.</p>
+
+<p>“Pretty soon we will know what is going to happen
+to us,” said Running Fox. “Do you feel
+brave?”</p>
+
+<p>“I believe we are in great danger, but I am not
+afraid,” replied Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>An ominous hush had fallen upon the camp.
+Then the covering was drawn from the doorway
+of the lodge, and three warriors entered. The
+lads knew at once that these men had been sent
+to get them, and they feared that their hour of
+trial was at hand. For a moment they weakened.
+Then as the Mohawks came toward them, they recovered
+their courage, and waited calmly to learn
+their fate.</p>
+
+<p>“Be brave,” said Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>“I am a Delaware,” Spotted Deer replied,
+proudly.</p>
+
+<p>One of the Mohawks stooped and freed Running
+Fox from his bonds.</p>
+
+<p>Then they motioned for him to rise. It was
+evident that they had no intention of taking Spotted
+Deer. The latter struggled furiously to rise
+and accompany his friend, but the Mohawks
+laughed and pushed him back.</p>
+
+<p>“Keep still,” said Running Fox. “You must
+keep alive to finish this thing. I am not afraid
+to die. Tell my father those words.”</p>
+
+<p>Before he had finished speaking the Mohawks
+were leading him toward the door of the lodge.
+He walked with difficulty, however, for his legs
+had been so tightly bound that circulation had
+been entirely stopped. Each step was agony, but
+the courageous lad fought hard to conceal his suffering.
+As he was pushed roughly from the lodge
+he heard Spotted Deer frantically singing the
+medicine-songs which old Sky Dog had taught him.
+Running Fox wondered whether they would save
+him in the present emergency.</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox saw the Mohawks gathered about
+a great fire in the center of the camp. They
+greeted his appearance with a wild outburst of
+yells, and he realized that he could expect no
+mercy. His guards led him toward the fire, and
+stood him with his back against a stout stake, a
+short distance from the flames. Then Standing
+Wolf and a number of important looking warriors
+walked up to him. For some moments they
+stared at him in silence, and Running Fox looked
+fearlessly into their eyes. He knew only too well
+the severity of the punishment which was about
+to be inflicted upon him, but he determined to endure
+it without flinching. He felt that the honor
+of his tribe was at stake, and the thought gave
+him courage. The last trace of fear had left him,
+and he found himself calm and unafraid. In a
+few moments he heard the Mohawk chief addressing
+him in the Delaware tongue.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, you were very boastful when you came
+here; do you feel brave now?” demanded Standing
+Wolf.</p>
+
+<p>“A Delaware is always brave,” replied Running
+Fox.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, we will see about it,” Standing Wolf
+declared, warningly.</p>
+
+<p>He turned and spoke a few words to the warriors
+behind him, and Running Fox saw them
+smile contemptuously. Then Standing Wolf began
+to address the great throng of people who had
+gathered about the fire. His speech seemed to
+greatly excite them, and when he finished they
+began to shout, and jeer, and threaten the captive.
+However, Standing Wolf and his escort kept them
+in control. Then the chief spoke to the warriors
+who had brought Running Fox from the lodge,
+and they immediately bound the lad to the stake.</p>
+
+<p>“Young man, you are about to see how the Mohawks
+treat their enemies,” said Standing Wolf.
+“You, alone, are to blame for whatever happens
+to you. You are young, and I might have saved
+you. But you talked very boastful. Yes, you
+have made my heart black against you. Now you
+must pay for it.”</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox remained silent. There was nothing
+to say. He realized that he had blundered,
+and that the blunder was to cost him his life.</p>
+
+<p>Standing Wolf gave the signal, and a noisy
+company of women and boys formed about the prisoner,
+while the warriors looked on. Then several
+old men raised their voices in a weird chant, and
+the Mohawks began to dance about the post. Running
+Fox saw that they were armed with supple
+willow wands or whips, and he easily imagined
+what they intended to do with them. They beat
+him unmercifully, but he endured it without a
+tremor. Many diabolical old women tried to blind
+him by striking him across the eyes, but he foiled
+them by slightly raising his head so that the blows
+fell short. Standing Wolf and his warriors looked
+on with sullen indifference, and Running Fox wondered
+if they intended to have him beaten to death.
+Not until many of the women had exhausted themselves
+did the Mohawk chief finally interfere, and
+stop them. Then he again confronted the prisoner.</p>
+
+<p>“Have you any words now?” he inquired scornfully.</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox was covered with welts and gashes,
+but his eyes flashed as defiantly as ever. He ignored
+the taunt, and remained silent.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I see that you are afraid to speak,” said
+Standing Wolf. “When your mouth is closed
+your ears must be open. Listen to what I am
+about to say. What you have just gone through
+is only the beginning of what is going to happen
+to you. The women and boys have beaten you.
+Now we will show you something different.”</p>
+
+<p>When Standing Wolf finished speaking he
+called to the warriors, and they formed a great
+circle about the prisoner. Most of them carried
+knives and war-clubs, but a few had bows and arrows.
+When they had taken their places Standing
+Wolf pointed at Running Fox, and spoke
+briefly in a fierce tone. What he said seemed to
+rouse the Mohawks to a fury, and as soon as he
+finished they began to dance wildly about the captive.</p>
+
+<p>“O Getanittowit, help me,” whispered Running
+Fox. “O Getanittowit, make me strong.”</p>
+
+<p>As they danced past the stake each warrior
+crouched and yelled fiercely into the ears of the
+erect young Delaware. Several struck him across
+the face with their open palms, but he gave no
+evidence that he felt the blows. Convinced that
+he was about to receive the full fury of the hatred
+which the Mohawks held for his people, Running
+Fox resolved to die like a hero. The Mohawks
+were rapidly rousing themselves into a frenzy.
+They had drawn their knives, and were making
+vicious passes within a few inches of his body.
+Some who carried war-clubs rushed forward and
+struck the post within a handbreadth of his head.
+Running Fox bore it all without flinching.</p>
+
+<p>Then Standing Wolf once more interrupted the
+proceedings. This time, however, he did not address
+the prisoner, but called several of his escort
+aside and began to talk earnestly. A number of
+fiendish old women immediately took advantage
+of the opportunity to attack the prisoner. They
+rushed upon him with their sticks, and began to
+beat him over the head and shoulders. Standing
+Wolf saw them, however, and promptly ordered
+them to stop. A moment or so afterward he spoke
+to the warriors. Running Fox watched him
+closely. He was unable to guess whether Standing
+Wolf was talking for or against him. The
+Mohawks received his words in silence, and the
+Delaware imagined he read disappointment in
+many of the faces. At the conclusion of the talk
+two warriors left the circle, and approached the
+prisoner. They stopped in front of him, and one
+drew his knife. He stood a moment staring fixedly
+into the eyes of Running Fox. The great
+crowd of Mohawks watched in ominous silence.
+Standing Wolf was standing with his arms folded
+across his breast, smiling grimly. Running Fox
+felt that his end was at hand, and he straightened
+proudly to receive the knife-thrust in his heart.
+A murmur of approval rose from the Mohawks.
+Many moments passed. Still the warrior hesitated
+to carry out his command. Running Fox
+felt himself weakening under the suspense. It
+was evident that the wily chief was hoping to
+break down his courage before he killed him. The
+thought gave the lad new strength. Having endured
+that far, he determined to maintain his
+nerve to the end. He waited, therefore, smiling
+scornfully into the eyes of the warrior who confronted
+him.</p>
+
+<p>Then the Mohawk darted forward to perform
+his mission, but instead of driving his knife into
+the heart of the prisoner he passed behind him,
+and severed the thongs which bound him to the
+stake. A moment afterward two guards led the
+astounded Delaware back to the lodge in which
+he had been imprisoned.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, my brother, Getanittowit has listened to
+the medicine-songs!” Spotted Deer cried, joyfully,
+as soon as the Mohawks had passed out. “I believed
+the Mohawks killed you, and I wanted to
+die. Now my heart is filled with songs. Tell me
+how you come to be alive.”</p>
+
+<p>“I cannot tell you that,” Running Fox said,
+confusedly. “I believed I would be dead by now,
+and here I am alive. It is very mysterious.”</p>
+
+<h1 id='t5924'>CHAPTER XV—A BATTLE WITH THE CHIPPEWAS</h1>
+
+<p>For a long time the lads were kept in continual
+doubt as to whether they were to
+live or die. Then they unexpectedly found
+a friend in the young son of one of the Mohawk
+medicine-men, a man of great influence with
+Standing Wolf. From that time their uncertainty
+was set at rest. The young Mohawk made
+them understand that they were not to be killed.
+Some time later, when he had learned to express
+himself in the Delaware tongue, he told why Running
+Fox had been spared.</p>
+
+<p>The Mohawk said that Standing Wolf had determined
+to kill Running Fox, but the medicine-man
+interfered. The latter had had a dream concerning
+the youthful prisoners, and declared that
+a great calamity would fall upon the camp if they
+were put to death. At first Standing Wolf paid
+little attention to him, and prepared to carry out
+his revenge. However, at the very moment when
+Running Fox was tied to the torture stake misfortunes
+began to fall upon the camp. First an
+old man fell and broke his leg. Then a child of
+one of the women who was participating in the attack
+on Running Fox died suddenly while the
+mother was in the act of beating the prisoner. As
+a climax the medicine-bundle fell from its tripod
+in the sacred lodge, as the warriors were dancing
+about the stake. Word of the strange coincidences
+was instantly carried to the Mohawk chief, and
+when the alarmed medicine-man himself rushed
+up and told what had happened to the medicine-bundle
+even Standing Wolf became filled with superstitious
+awe, and immediately altered his decision
+regarding the fate of the captive.</p>
+
+<p>The Delawares showed great interest in the Mohawk
+medicine-bundle, and asked a number of
+questions concerning it. They asked in vain, however,
+for the young Mohawk only shook his head,
+and pretended to misunderstand them. Fearing
+that further questioning might arouse his suspicions,
+they immediately changed the topic of conversation.</p>
+
+<p>Although Standing Wolf had spared the lives
+of the Delawares, he used every means in his power
+to annoy and humiliate them. For a long time
+he compelled them to go about the village with
+their hands loosely bound behind them, so that they
+were powerless to save themselves from the attacks
+of the women and children whom he made
+no attempt to restrain. He also kept them on the
+verge of starvation, and fed them with the most
+unpalatable scraps from the camp. They were
+warned that if they approached nearer than a
+bow-shot to the doorway in the stockade they would
+be killed by the first person who saw them. As
+they were constantly watched, and the entrance to
+the camp was continually closed and barred with
+massive logs, the lads thought the warning quite
+unnecessary. Then as the days passed they were
+permitted to wander more freely about the village.
+However, they soon realized that to attempt to escape
+would be the height of folly. Therefore,
+they continued to cultivate their friendship with
+the son of the medicine-man in the hope of eventually
+learning the secret which had brought them
+upon their mission. With that once in their possession,
+they had implicit faith that Getanittowit
+himself would offer them an opportunity to escape
+from their foes.</p>
+
+<p>The Delawares had been in the Mohawk camp
+many days when Winaminge, The-Time-Of-Roasting-Ears,
+arrived. It was at that season that the
+Iroquois gathered together to celebrate the Green
+Corn Festival. Sometimes the various Iroquois
+tribes celebrated the occasion in their own village,
+and at other times they traveled to the villages
+of their nearest tribesmen. Upon this particular
+occasion, however, it was apparent that the Mohawks
+intended to observe the festival by themselves.
+The Delawares watched the preparations
+with interest, for they were similar to those which
+they had observed in their own tribe, and they
+hoped that before the four days’ celebration ended
+they might learn the secret for which they were
+risking themselves.</p>
+
+<p>In celebrating the Green Corn Festival the ceremonies
+were begun each day soon after dawn, and
+ended promptly at midday, or when the sun
+reached the meridian. It was a festival of thanksgiving
+to Ha-weu-ne-yu, the Great Spirit, for ripening
+the corn, beans and squashes. On the day
+before the celebration began, the entire tribe gathered
+in the center of the village to confess their
+wrong deeds, and promise to live better lives.
+Strips of white shells, or wampum, were passed
+from one to another, and each person held it while
+acknowledging his misdeeds, and pledging himself
+to a better life in the future. The wampum was
+believed to record and preserve each pledge. The
+women and even the older children were required
+to join in the ceremony. The Delawares, however,
+were barred from participating, or approaching
+within hearing distance. They looked on in
+respectful silence from the door of their lodge.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, we have made the vows,” the young Mohawk
+told them at the conclusion of the ceremony.
+“When the next sun comes we will begin the celebration.”</p>
+
+<p>The lads would have liked to ask him if the mysterious
+medicine-bundle would appear in the ceremony.
+They realized, however, that any reference
+to it might ruin all chance of learning what
+they wished to know.</p>
+
+<p>“Running Fox, I believe that these people are
+about to do a great thing,” said Spotted Deer. “I
+believe Standing Wolf and the medicine-men will
+have much to do with it. If we watch sharp perhaps
+we will find out something about the mysterious
+medicine-bundle that gives this great chief
+his power.”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, that is true,” replied Running Fox.
+“But we must be very careful. The Mohawks are
+as cute as Sanquen, the weasel. If they find out
+what we are after it will be the end of us.”</p>
+
+<p>The Green Corn Festival began at dawn the following
+day. The Delawares were awakened by a
+number of criers, or couriers, who hurried through
+the camp calling the people from their lodges. As
+the lads reached the door of their lodge they saw
+the Mohawks gathering in the center of the village.</p>
+
+<p>“Come, let us go over there, and see what is going
+to happen,” proposed Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps that will make the Mohawks mad,”
+suggested Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, that may be true,” replied Spotted
+Deer. “But I am going to see how near I can
+get.”</p>
+
+<p>A moment afterward they were hurrying toward
+the center of the camp. They had not gone far,
+however, when they encountered a surly looking
+old woman who instantly challenged them. Pointing
+toward the lodge which they had just left she
+made them understand that they were to return
+at once. To be ordered about by a toothless old
+woman was a rather humiliating experience for
+the high tempered young Delawares, especially as
+they saw a number of warriors looking on with
+great amusement. For a moment, therefore, the
+lads held their ground. This drove the old woman
+into a wild rage, and she immediately seized a
+stick and began to beat them. Realizing that further
+resistance might lead to more serious consequences
+the Delawares began to walk slowly toward
+their lodge. The old woman was not satisfied,
+however, and she tried to make them run. A great
+crowd had gathered to watch her, and the Delawares
+heard much jeering and laughing at their
+expense. Carried away by anger, Spotted Deer
+suddenly wheeled and sprang at his tormentor,
+yelling so fiercely that the old woman dropped her
+stick and hobbled away as fast as she could go.
+The Mohawks were quick to see the humorous side
+of the incident, and laughed good naturedly.</p>
+
+<p>“I believe that old woman is a witch,” Running
+Fox declared, angrily, when they reached the
+lodge. “She made us look foolish. Some time I
+will kill many Mohawks to wipe that out of my
+heart.”</p>
+
+<p>“She made me very mad,” replied Spotted
+Deer. “Well, I frightened her, and now all the
+people are laughing about it. We must watch out.
+She will try to harm us.”</p>
+
+<p>Then their thoughts were diverted by the appearance
+of Standing Wolf and a number of the
+principal men of the tribe. They stood in the
+middle of the camp, and the Mohawks formed
+around them. There was a few moments of silence,
+and then the Mohawk chief addressed his
+people. The eyes of the Delawares glowed threateningly
+as they watched him, for he was a cruel,
+relentless foe whom they had learned to hate.</p>
+
+<p>“I would like to kill that man,” declared Spotted
+Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“I believe he bears a charmed life,” said
+Running Fox. “We must find out how he gets his
+power before we can kill him.”</p>
+
+<p>“When Standing Wolf had finished speaking he
+called the father of the lad who had befriended
+the Delawares, and the medicine-man approached
+with something wrapped in a small black bearskin.
+Then he drew off the robe, and presented Standing
+Wolf with what appeared to be a small bundle
+of bird and animal skins.</p>
+
+<p>“It is the mysterious medicine-bundle!” Spotted
+Deer whispered, excitedly.</p>
+
+<p>“Do not talk—watch,” Running Fox cautioned
+him.</p>
+
+<p>They saw Standing Wolf carefully unfasten the
+wrappings from the medicine-bundle, and remove
+a skin of the great white Medicine Owl. He held
+it before him, and raised his face toward the heavens.
+It was evident that he was chanting a sacred
+medicine-song. Then he turned toward the four
+principal points of the compass, and repeated the
+ceremony. The Delawares watched him with fascinated
+eyes. They believed that at last the secret
+of his power had been discovered. Gokhos,
+the mysterious white Medicine Owl, was his lucky
+talisman.</p>
+
+<p>“Now I know why Getanittowit put us in this
+camp,” said Running Fox. “Yes, I have seen
+the white robe of Gokhos, the Medicine Owl, and
+I will not go away without it.”</p>
+
+<p>“It is wrapped in the mysterious medicine-bundle,”
+Spotted Deer warned him. “Much harm
+may come to us if we open one of those bundles.”</p>
+
+<p>“No, I do not believe it,” replied Running Fox.
+“I must do as it appeared in my dream. Spotted
+Deer, if we get that mysterious white skin, I believe
+we will become as great as Standing Wolf.”</p>
+
+<p>The thought fired their imagination. They lost
+all further interest in the Green Corn Festival,
+and cared only to know into which lodge the medicine-man
+carried the sacred bundle. They
+watched patiently until the first day’s ceremony
+ended at midday. Then they sought to keep the
+medicine-man and his precious burden in sight,
+but in spite of their best efforts he eluded them in
+the great throng of Mohawks, and their long vigil
+ended in bitter disappointment.</p>
+
+<p>“I believe we will find it in the lodge of that
+medicine-man,” declared Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“No, I believe it is in the lodge of Standing
+Wolf,” said Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, if that is true perhaps some bad Medicine
+Creatures will kill us if we go into the lodge,”
+Spotted Deer suggested, solemnly.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, I cannot help it,” replied Running Fox.
+“When I find out where the mysterious medicine-bundle
+hangs I am going in to get that skin.”</p>
+
+<p>“How will you get away?” inquired Spotted
+Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“When I have that big medicine thing I will
+be able to do anything,” Running Fox assured
+him.</p>
+
+<p>The Mohawks devoted the balance of the day to
+sports and games, and at dark they gathered for
+the great feast of succotash, which was made of
+corn, beans and squashes. The food was cooked
+in large clay urns, or bowls, and each member of
+the tribe helped himself. Before the people began
+to eat, however, one of the medicine-men started
+a weird, melancholy chant, and in a few moments
+the entire tribe united in a mighty chorus. It was
+a song of thanks to the Great Spirit, for supplying
+their wants. At the end of the simple ceremony,
+the Mohawks proceeded to enjoy themselves.
+The Delawares looked on with envious eyes, for
+in spite of the hilarity and good-will which prevailed
+at the feast the Mohawks showed no intention
+of sending any of the food to their captives.
+“Perhaps this would be a good time to look for
+the medicine-bundle,” suggested Spotted Deer.
+“The Mohawks are all together in the middle of
+the camp, and there will be no one to see us.”</p>
+
+<p>“No, we must not go now,” Running Fox told
+him. “If we leave this lodge they will know about
+It. When we go to look for the medicine-bundle
+we must know how we are going to get out of the
+camp.”</p>
+
+<p>The Green Corn Festival continued through the
+three following days, and each night the feast was
+resumed. The last night, however, was largely
+given up to a number of sacred dances which the
+Delawares were not permitted to see. While the
+dances were in progress the lads were bound, and
+confined in their lodge. An aged warrior sat in
+the doorway to prevent them from looking out.</p>
+
+<p>The following day the village was thrown into
+a turmoil by the return of several Mohawk hunters
+who said that a large war-party of Chippewas
+were approaching from the north. The Delawares
+learned the news from their friend, the son
+of the medicine-man. He said that the Mohawks
+expected the Chippewas to attack the village in
+revenge for the death of a number of Chippewa
+hunters whom the Mohawks had surprised and
+killed some time previously.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, there will be a big fight,” declared the
+Mohawk. “The Chippewas are very fierce, but
+my people will kill them. My friends, I warn you
+to be very careful what you do. If you try to
+get away, or try to help the Chippewas, you will
+surely be killed.”</p>
+
+<p>The Delawares instantly realized the significance
+of his warning, and they determined to profit
+by it. They knew that it would be foolhardy to
+attempt to escape while the camp was besieged
+by enemies, for it was certain that the entrances
+and weak spots would be more closely guarded
+than ever. Besides, they had little doubt that if
+they should fall into the hands of the Chippewas
+the latter would mistake them for Mohawks, and
+kill them at once.</p>
+
+<p>“This thing is bad for us,” said Running Fox.
+“If this fight goes against the Mohawks they will
+believe that we have brought bad fortune upon
+them, and perhaps they will kill us. If the Chippewas
+break into the village they will kill us for
+Mohawks. We must do what we can to show the
+Mohawks that we have nothing to do with it.”</p>
+
+<p>The Delawares wisely remained in their lodge,
+therefore, while the Mohawks prepared for battle.
+Scouts were immediately sent out to locate the
+hostile war-party, while a great company of warriors
+assembled to defend the camp. Standing
+Wolf and a number of sub-chiefs and medicine-men
+hurried to the council-lodge.</p>
+
+<p>“Now perhaps we will see how this great chief
+gets his power,” said Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“We will try to watch him,” replied Running
+Fox.</p>
+
+<p>The day was almost ended when the lads saw
+the scouts enter the camp. A short time afterward
+the young Mohawk came to the lodge, and
+told the Delawares that the Mohawks expected the
+Chippewas to attack the village some time during
+the night or early dawn. He also boasted that his
+people had gained a notable victory over the
+Shawnees, and had sent them, fleeing toward their
+own boundaries in a wild panic.</p>
+
+<p>“The foolish Chippewas have come a long distance
+to get here, but we will soon chase them away,”
+declared the Mohawk lad.</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps it will not be so easy,” suggested
+Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“You will see,” laughed the young Mohawk.</p>
+
+<p>The Delawares awaited the encounter with considerable
+impatience. They had been warned
+against leaving the lodge under penalty of death,
+and they realized that they would see little of the
+fight. However, they were determined to see as
+much as possible, and as soon as it grew dark they
+seated themselves in the doorway of the lodge.
+The camp was brightly illuminated to guard
+against the Chippewas scaling the stockade without
+being seen. Groups of warriors stood about
+the barred entrances, and others patrolled the inside
+of the stockade. Standing Wolf and several
+noted war-leaders stood in the center of the camp
+to give commands. The women and children, and
+even the dogs, were sheltered in the lodges.</p>
+
+<p>“See, those warriors are talking about us,” said
+Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>Two of the warriors with Standing Wolf were
+looking toward the Delawares. In a few moments
+they spoke to the war-chief, and he, too, looked
+toward the Delawares.</p>
+
+<p>“We have done a bad thing to show ourselves,”
+Running Fox declared, uneasily.</p>
+
+<p>The next moment they saw Standing Wolf call
+one of the fighting men, and point at the lodge.
+The warrior at once turned and walked rapidly
+toward the Delawares.</p>
+
+<p>“Something is going to happen to us,” said
+Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>“Come, we will move back into the lodge,” proposed
+Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“No!” cried Running Fox. “We will not be
+frightened into our den like rabbits. We have put
+ourselves here. Well, we will stay here and meet
+this man.”</p>
+
+<p>As the warrior approached them he began to
+talk fiercely, and point toward the interior of the
+lodge. The Delawares had little doubt about his
+meaning, and yet they made no attempt to comply
+with his commands. A moment later they
+realized their folly, for the Mohawk raised his
+bow and shot an arrow directly between them. It
+was a hint which they thought it well to accept,
+and they immediately withdrew into the lodge.
+The Mohawk entered after them, however, and
+proceeded to bind their hands and feet. Then,
+to make matters worse, he tied buckskin bandages
+over their eyes.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, we have got ourselves into this trouble,”
+Running Fox declared, savagely. “It was foolish
+to show ourselves to Standing Wolf. Now we
+will see nothing. If the Chippewas get into the
+camp we will be killed like Moskimus, the rabbit,
+when we find him in our traps.”</p>
+
+<p>“It is bad,” agreed Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>They lay a long time listening for the sounds
+of battle. An unusual hush had fallen upon the
+camp, and it was evident that the Mohawks also
+were listening. Then the notes of Gokhos, the
+owl, sounded close outside the camp. In a few
+moments they heard the logs being drawn from the
+opening in the stockade.</p>
+
+<p>“One of the scouts has come into the camp to
+tell about something,” said Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Listen!” cried Running Fox. “The Chippewas
+have come.”</p>
+
+<p>The melancholy howl of the timber wolf rang
+through the forest. It rose on four sides of the
+camp. Then a wild outburst of yells broke forth
+close to the stockade.</p>
+
+<p>“The fight has begun!” Spotted Deer cried, excitedly.</p>
+
+<p>For some time the Mohawks and their foes contented
+themselves with shouting defiance at one
+another. It was evident that the former felt quite
+secure behind their log stockade, and had no inclination
+to risk themselves in the open. It was
+not long, however, before the Delawares heard
+sounds which led them to believe that the Chippewas
+intended to force the fighting. They had apparently
+kindled fires on all side of the stockade in
+an effort to burn the village. The possibility was
+somewhat alarming to the helpless young captives
+in the deserted lodge. Once the stockade caught
+fire they knew that it would only be a question of
+moments before the dry bark lodge would be in
+flames. However, the noise from the camp indicated
+that the Mohawks were quick to realize the
+peril, and the Delawares had little doubt that they
+would rush out and attempt to extinguish the fires.</p>
+
+<p>“Listen, the Mohawks are on the outside of the
+camp!” Running Fox cried, a few moments later.</p>
+
+<p>The Delawares heard the fierce Mohawk war-cry
+ringing through the night on every side of the
+village, and they knew that a great fight was taking
+place on the other side of the stockade. The
+village was in wild disorder. The sounds of battle
+had alarmed the women and children, and
+roused the dogs, and all of them added their voices
+to the din. The camp was lighted by the lurid
+glare of the flames, while dense clouds of smoke
+rolled into the lodges. The Delawares feared that
+some of them had already been set on fire. Then
+somewhere on the opposite side of the village they
+heard sounds which set their hearts beating wildly.</p>
+
+<p>“I believe the Chippewas have got into the
+camp!” declared Spotted Deer. “We will see if
+the great Standing Wolf can drive them out.”</p>
+
+<p>However, in a few moments they heard the triumphant
+yells of the Mohawks, and they knew
+that the Chippewas had been forced out or overcome.
+The fight on the outside of the camp
+seemed to be raging in undiminished fury. Then
+there, too, the Mohawk war-cry echoed triumphantly
+through the night, and the Delawares believed
+that for the moment at least the Chippewas
+had been driven off.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, the Mohawks have won a big battle,”
+said Spotted Deer, as the sounds of conflict gradually
+subsided.</p>
+
+<p>“It is good,” declared Running Fox. “Perhaps
+it will help us. I believe the Chippewas have
+made a hole into the camp. Perhaps we will be
+able to crawl out.”</p>
+
+<p>Soon afterward they heard the Mohawk war-party
+entering the village in triumph. They
+marched noisily about the camp shouting, and
+singing their war-songs. The Delawares wondered
+whether they had brought in any prisoners.
+Then the young Mohawk entered the lodge, and
+saw the predicament of his friends.</p>
+
+<p>“Hi, my friends, my people have done what I
+told you about,” he cried, as he stooped and took
+the bandages from their eyes. “We have killed
+many Chippewas. All who escaped are running
+toward their lodges. Standing Wolf ran out and
+killed three Chippewas at one time. He is a great
+man. Perhaps this great victory will make his
+heart good toward you. Perhaps he will let you
+go. Now I will go, and talk with my father about
+it. Perhaps he will help you.”</p>
+
+<p>“You are a Mohawk, but you are a good
+friend,” Running Fox said, warmly.</p>
+
+<p>While the Delawares had little hope that the
+fierce Mohawk chief would relent and give them
+their liberty, still they realized that an appeal in
+their behalf from one of the powerful Mohawk
+medicine-men might go a long way toward gaining
+them sufficient freedom to enable them to escape.</p>
+
+<p>“See, they do not free our hands and feet,” said
+Spotted Deer. “I believe the Chippewas have
+made an opening into the camp.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, we must try to do something,” declared
+Running Fox. “Pretty soon it will get light.
+Then perhaps we can look around, and see what
+has happened.”</p>
+
+<h1 id='t6493'>CHAPTER XVI—THE ESCAPE</h1>
+
+<p>The following day the Delawares waited impatiently
+for an opportunity to venture
+into the village, and learn the result of the
+battle. However, the day was more than half
+gone before any one came to the lodge to free them.
+Then a warrior came, and unbound them. He
+made them understand that they might go into the
+camp, and partake of food.</p>
+
+<p>“This is bad,” said Running Fox, as they left
+the lodge. “The Mohawks kept us tied up until
+they closed up the place where the Chippewas got
+in. Now there is no chance to get out.”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I believe that is true,” agreed Spotted
+Deer.</p>
+
+<p>They found the Mohawks still jubilant over their
+victory. The lads realized, therefore, that it
+would be foolish to show themselves too prominently
+at that time. Many of the younger warriors
+seemed carried away by the glory of their
+first triumph, and the Delawares knew that they
+would be only too willing to find an excuse for
+attacking them. For some time the lads had been
+quite free from annoyance, and they had no desire
+to lose the privileges which their long stay in
+the Mohawk camp had brought them.</p>
+
+<p>“Those young men are very fierce,” said Running
+Fox. “We must be very cautious. I believe
+the best thing to do is to keep away from them.”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I am watching them,” replied Spotted
+Deer. “We will take some meat, and go back to
+the lodge.”</p>
+
+<p>The Delawares made their way toward the old
+woman who had brought their food. She was stirring
+something in a large clay urn which she had
+propped up among the embers of the cooking fire.
+When the lads reached her they stopped and
+waited expectantly. For some time the old
+woman took no notice of them. Then the warrior
+who had unbound them shouted some commands,
+and the woman immediately seized a forked
+stick and drew a piece of deer meat from the urn.
+She gave it to the Delawares, and motioned them
+away. Having learned the folly of opposing those
+irritable old scolds, the lads determined to move
+off at once.</p>
+
+<p>At that moment, however, some of the young
+Mohawks spied them, and ran forward shaking
+their weapons, and yelling fiercely. The Delawares
+immediately stopped and stood at bay. The
+Mohawks rushed up to them, and tore the meat
+from the grasp of Spotted Deer. They threw it
+upon the ground, and kicked it about in the dirt.
+Then one who appeared to be the leader picked it
+up, and offered it to Spotted Deer. Before Running
+Fox could warn him, Spotted Deer seized the
+meat and hurled it into the face of the young Mohawk.</p>
+
+<p>The next instant the enraged Mohawk and Spotted
+Deer were glaring furiously into each other’s
+eyes. The Mohawk was only a lad, but he looked
+considerably older and stronger than the Delaware.
+However, Spotted Deer showed no fear of
+him. For a moment it looked as if the friends of
+the Mohawk were about to take the matter out of
+his hands by annihilating both of the Delawares.
+The one who had been insulted, however, warned
+them against interfering. It was plain that he
+intended to avenge the affront without assistance.
+His friends held back, therefore, watching Running
+Fox. The latter realized that Spotted Deer
+must settle the matter alone, but he determined
+to rush into the fight at the first hint of the Mohawks
+reinforcing their tribesman.</p>
+
+<p>Word of the impending battle had already been
+shouted through the camp, and the Mohawks were
+running toward the spot from all parts of the
+village. They formed a square about Spotted
+Deer and his adversary, but showed no inclination
+to interfere with either of them. Running Fox
+stood several bow-lengths from his friend, staring
+defiantly at the young Mohawks.</p>
+
+<p>For some moments the young warriors continued
+to glare at each other. Each appeared to be trying
+to frighten the other, but neither seemed much
+alarmed. Then, as his people urged him on, the
+Mohawk crouched and began to circle about Spotted
+Deer, with his war-club in his hand. The Delaware
+straightened and opened his palms, as he
+smiled scornfully at his foe. For a moment the
+Mohawk hesitated. Then he accepted the challenge,
+and threw down his weapon. A murmur
+of approval ran through the Mohawks. Running
+Fox felt greatly relieved.</p>
+
+<p>The Mohawk continued to circle cautiously
+about Spotted Deer, looking for an opening. The
+Delaware, however, was equally alert, and kept
+turning slowly with his eyes fixed on those of his
+foe. Several times the Mohawk crouched and pretended
+he was about to spring in, but each time he
+found Spotted Deer ready for him. Then for
+many moments they circled, and dodged, and tried
+for an advantage, while the Mohawks shouted encouragement
+to their young tribesman, and Running
+Fox prayed silently to Getanittowit for the
+success of Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>Then the Mohawk thought he saw a chance, and
+sprang forward with the agility and strength of
+a young panther. However, Spotted Deer had anticipated
+the attack, and jumped back in time to
+escape being caught. He wheeled about, and
+sought to catch his foe, but the Mohawk had already
+recovered himself and resumed his position
+of defense. Both lads had given a wonderful exhibition
+of quickness, and the Mohawks yelled
+their delight. They began to realize that the
+Delaware was no mean adversary for his older and
+larger opponent, and the prospect of a desperate
+encounter filled them with enthusiasm.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime Running Fox had remained an
+impassive spectator. He never for an instant appeared
+to lose control of himself. To all appearances
+he was absolutely confident about the outcome
+of the battle. However, had the Mohawks
+been able to read his thoughts they would have
+learned the true state of his feelings. He knew
+that the impulsive act of Spotted Deer had placed
+them in a desperate situation, and he foresaw serious
+consequences. If the young Mohawk should
+win the encounter, Running Fox realized that they
+would be made to suffer all sorts of indignities from
+the younger members of the tribe. On the other
+hand, if Spotted Deer should vanquish his rival
+it was equally certain that the Mohawks would
+find some way of avenging the defeat. Running
+Fox waited, therefore, prepared to act when the
+emergency presented itself.</p>
+
+<p>Spotted Deer was quick to realize that the advantage
+rested with his adversary, and he made
+no attempt to force the fighting. He had been
+thoroughly trained in the art of wrestling, and he
+determined to remain on the defensive until he had
+provoked the young Mohawk into exposing himself.
+The latter, however, appeared to have been
+equally well schooled in that particular style of
+combat, and he, too, seemed intent upon waiting
+for an advantage that would give him an easy
+victory. For a long time he tried to trick the
+Delaware by jumping forward as though he were
+about to grapple with him. It appeared to be a
+favorite ruse, and he seemed considerably surprised
+when Spotted Deer refused to be deceived. Then
+the latter began to laugh at him. It was a daring
+bit of effrontery which instantly roused the anger
+of the Mohawk and his tribesmen. The result
+was exactly what Spotted Deer wished it to be,
+for the infuriated young Mohawk immediately lost
+control of himself. Throwing aside his caution,
+he rushed recklessly upon his foe.</p>
+
+<p>The Mohawk sprang toward Spotted Deer in an
+effort to seize him by the throat. Spotted Deer
+dodged and tripped him. Then as the Mohawk
+stumbled forward the Delaware sprang upon him,
+and bore him to the ground. The next moment
+Spotted Deer found himself upon his back with his
+foe striving to throttle him. Aware that he was
+battling for his life, the Delaware fought with
+the fury of a wildcat. After a few moments of
+desperate fighting he managed to wriggle free,
+and rise to his knees. Then the Mohawk again
+forced him to the ground. This time, however,
+Spotted Deer found an opening, and locked an
+arm about the neck of his foe. With his free
+hand he began to beat the Mohawk fiercely in the
+eyes. It was the only style of fighting he knew,
+and his foe was using similar tactics against him.
+In this primitive mode of fighting there was no
+thought of fair-play. The same code of honor prevailed
+among all the tribes, namely to disable or
+kill an adversary in the quickest possible manner,
+and to accept punishment and death without flinching.
+Both young warriors had been trained in
+that rigorous code, and both were making every
+effort to live up to its principles.</p>
+
+<p>It soon became apparent that unless the Mohawk
+speedily broke from the grip of his foe he
+was doomed. Spotted Deer had forced his head
+down close to the ground, and was punishing him
+without mercy. The Mohawk was fighting furiously
+to free himself, but Spotted Deer held on
+with grim determination. It was a desperate battle
+in which fists, feet and teeth all played a part.</p>
+
+<p>The Mohawks were wild with excitement. They
+saw their young tribesman in grave danger of defeat,
+and the thought drove them into a frenzy.
+They began dancing madly about the fighters, yelling
+encouragement to the Mohawk, and threatening
+his foe. Running Fox watched them with
+great anxiety. He feared that the emergency he
+had dreaded was at hand.</p>
+
+<p>Spotted Deer was slowly choking the Mohawk
+into a condition of utter helplessness. He had
+him entirely at his mercy, and it was plain that
+he had no idea of sparing him. It was also plain
+that the Mohawks were about ready to rush to the
+assistance of their tribesman. At that moment,
+however, the battle was unexpectedly ended by the
+father of the lad who had befriended the Delawares.
+Rushing up to the fighters the medicine-man
+seized Spotted Deer and pulled him to his
+feet. For a moment the furious young Delaware
+seemed about to attack the man who had snatched
+away his victory. However, a warning glance
+from Running Fox told him his peril, and he submitted
+to the interference. Then the friends of
+the defeated young warrior rushed toward the
+Delawares to avenge their tribesman. They were
+met by the Mohawk medicine-man who dispersed
+them, and escorted the Delawares to their lodge.</p>
+
+<p>“Hi, that was a great fight,” laughed Spotted
+Deer, when they were safely in the lodge.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, you were brave enough but you have done
+a bad thing,” said Running Fox. “Now there is
+no chance for us. Listen, the Mohawks are yelling
+out there in front of the lodge. Pretty soon
+we will be taken out there and killed.”</p>
+
+<p>They heard a great commotion before the lodge,
+and they had little doubt that the friends of the
+vanquished Mohawk were demanding their lives.
+They knew better than to show themselves. In a
+few moments the friendly young Mohawk came
+to them.</p>
+
+<p>“My friends, do you hear that noise?” he asked.
+“Well, do you know what it means? The young
+men are very mad. They want to kill you. Do
+not be afraid. My father and Standing Wolf are
+talking to them. Pretty soon they will send them
+away. You were very brave. Some of my people
+feel good toward you. But I warn you that you
+must not do any more fighting. If you do you
+will surely be killed.”</p>
+
+<p>“You have come to us like a good friend,” replied
+Running Fox. “We will keep thinking
+about your words.”</p>
+
+<p>The noise ceased soon after the young Mohawk
+left them, and the Delawares believed that the disturbers
+had finally dispersed. It was some time,
+however, before they thought it wise to show themselves
+in the doorway of their lodge. Then they
+saw that the village had apparently become quiet.</p>
+
+<p>Several days later a large company of warriors
+suddenly left the camp, and the Delawares were
+glad to see that most of the young men who had
+annoyed them were members of the party. They
+wondered if it were a war-party. It seemed unlikely,
+for the warriors had left the camp without
+ceremony, and the people showed little interest
+in their departure.</p>
+
+<p>“I believe they are either hunters or scouts,”
+said Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“There are too many for scouts,” Running Fox
+told him. “We must try to find out about it I
+believe it is a good thing for us. Now the people
+who troubled us have gone away. There are
+not many warriors about. It will be a good time
+to try to do something.”</p>
+
+<p>When the young Mohawk came to see them they
+tried to learn the purpose and destination of the
+warriors who had left the camp. Their efforts
+were in vain, however, for the Mohawk professed
+to know nothing about it. When they continued
+to question him he grew angry, and left the lodge.</p>
+
+<p>“Now we have done another foolish thing,” said
+Running Fox. “We have made that young man
+mad. Perhaps he might have helped us. Now he
+may turn against us.”</p>
+
+<p>“No, I do not believe that,” Spotted Deer assured
+him. “He is our friend. He will not do
+anything to harm us.”</p>
+
+<p>“Spotted Deer, we must do something before
+those young men come back,” declared Running
+Fox. “There are three things to be done. First
+we must find a way to get out of this camp. Then
+we must find something to fight with. Then we
+must get that mysterious medicine-bundle.”</p>
+
+<p>“Those are hard things to do,” said Spotted
+Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, we must do them,” replied Running
+Fox. “When it gets dark, and the Mohawks go
+to the lodges, I am going to creep around the village
+and see if there is any way to get out.”</p>
+
+<p>“Running Fox, if you do that you will surely
+be killed,” warned Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“No, I will not get caught,” Running Fox assured
+him.</p>
+
+<p>Late that night Running Fox left the lodge, and
+stole quietly through the camp until he reached
+the stockade. It was the first time he had dared
+to approach it, and as he crept cautiously along
+in its shadow his heart beat fast with excitement.
+He knew that if he were discovered it would mean
+death not only for himself, but for Spotted Deer
+as well. The thought made him careful. Stealthily,
+a stride at a time, he moved toward the entrance
+of the camp. When he finally came near
+it, he stopped to listen. All seemed safe, however,
+and he went on. In a few moments he
+reached the great barricade of logs that closed the
+stockade. He spent some time trying to move
+them, but without result. It was apparent that it
+would require the united efforts of a number of
+strong men to open the way into the village. Realizing
+the folly of wasting his strength, Running
+Fox turned his attention to the upper part of the
+stockade. He found that by climbing on top of
+the logs that formed the barricade he was more
+than half-way to the top of the stockade. The discovery
+filled him with delight. He believed that
+by placing Spotted Deer on the barricade and
+standing upon his shoulders he might be able to
+spring up and grasp the top of the stockade. Then
+he knew it would be possible to draw himself to
+the top. Once there he felt quite sure that he
+could reach down, and find a way to rescue Spotted
+Deer.</p>
+
+<p>When Running Fox returned to the lodge he
+found that Spotted Deer had disappeared. The
+discovery filled him with alarm. He wondered
+what it meant. All sorts of startling possibilities
+flashed into his mind. However, while he was trying
+to puzzle it out Spotted Deer appeared.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, what have you done?” Running Fox inquired,
+sharply.</p>
+
+<p>“I have brought some things to fight with,”
+said Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>He had scouted about the camp, and found two
+bows, a war-club and a case of arrows. Running
+Fox listened to the story of his exploit in amazement.
+Spotted Deer said that he had entered two
+lodges, and moved cautiously among the sleepers
+until he found what he wanted. Once he had
+been compelled to lie in the shadows while a warrior
+passed within bow-length of him.</p>
+
+<p>“You have been very brave,” said Running
+Fox. “But perhaps the Mohawks will miss these
+things. Then it may make trouble for us.”</p>
+
+<p>“I do not believe anything will come of it,”
+laughed Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, we must hide them with great care,”
+said Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>“No, we must not hide them, we must use them,”
+Spotted Deer declared, excitedly. “Running Fox,
+I have found the mysterious medicine-bundle!”</p>
+
+<p>The announcement so astounded Running Fox
+that it was some moments before he was able to
+speak. The thing seemed impossible. He feared
+to believe it.</p>
+
+<p>“Spotted Deer, your words have set me shaking
+like an old man,” he stammered, “I know that
+you have told me what is true, and still I am afraid
+to believe it.”</p>
+
+<p>“What I tell you is true,” Spotted Deer assured
+him. “The mysterious medicine-bundle is
+hanging in the sacred medicine-lodge.”</p>
+
+<p>“How did you know about it?” inquired Running
+Fox.</p>
+
+<p>“I did not know about it,” acknowledged Spotted
+Deer. “When you went out to look for a
+way to get out of the camp, I said, ‘Now I must do
+something.’ Then I thought about the mysterious
+medicine-bundle. I wanted to find it. I believed
+it must be in the sacred lodge. I told you about
+that. Well, I found the lodge, but I was afraid
+to go in. Yes, I was afraid of the Bad Spirits
+that help the Mohawks. Well, I was ashamed
+about that. I went in. I moved around. I saw
+the mysterious medicine-bundle hanging on three
+sticks. Then I heard a noise. Something squeaked
+like Achpoques, the wood-mouse. I believe it was
+a Bad Spirit. Well, I was afraid to touch that
+mysterious medicine-bundle, because nothing wonderful
+has ever happened to me. You have seen
+the Medicine People. Nothing can harm you.
+Now you must go to the sacred lodge, and carry
+out the mysterious Medicine Thing that gives
+Standing Wolf his power over our people. It will
+soon be light. You must not wait.”</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox hurriedly told his plan for escaping
+from the village. He told Spotted Deer to
+wait for him near the entrance into the camp. Then
+he hastened away to secure the sacred medicine-trophy.
+As Spotted Deer had said, the night was
+three-quarters gone, and Running Fox knew that
+there was not a moment to spare. Still he realized
+that it might be fatal to his chances to postpone
+the attempt until the following day. He
+knew, too, that the company of warriors might return
+at any moment, and he believed that the wisest
+course would be to take advantage of the opportunity
+which had presented itself.</p>
+
+<p>As Running Fox saw the outlines of the sacred
+lodge looming up before him, he stopped and raised
+his face toward the heavens. He prayed fervently
+to Getanittowit to help him in the great thing he
+was about to attempt. Then he spent some time
+listening. The camp was still, and he advanced
+toward the lodge. He had almost reached it when
+he was stopped by a noise behind him. Some one
+was approaching. His heart jumped wildly at
+the thought. Still he determined to stand his
+ground. Having got that near to the prize, he
+had no idea of surrendering without a struggle.
+Spotted Deer had given him one of the bows and
+a handful of arrows, and he prepared to surprise
+and attack whoever was stealing upon him under
+cover of the night.</p>
+
+<p>The moments passed and no one appeared. Running
+Fox grew impatient. He looked anxiously
+toward the east and thought he detected the first
+faint trace of dawn. Each instant he delayed
+strengthened the chance of failure. The thought
+made him reckless. He turned to enter the lodge.
+At that moment he heard a low threatening growl
+close beside him. Then the truth instantly flashed
+through his mind. One of the dogs had got his
+scent. He had been long enough in the camp to
+win the confidence of the surly wolf-like creatures
+that abounded there, and once the dog recognized
+him he had little fear that it would raise an alarm.
+Still he determined to take no chances. As it
+came close to him, growling and sniffing, he drove
+an arrow through its heart. It fell without a
+sound. The next moment Running Fox entered
+the sacred lodge.</p>
+
+<p>Once inside, the lad hesitated, for his heart suddenly
+became filled with superstitious fear. He
+had heard many stories about the fierce Medicine-Spirits
+whom his people blamed for the remarkable
+success of Standing Wolf and his warriors,
+and he had little doubt that something terrible
+was about to happen to him. Then he suddenly
+recalled the words of Spotted Deer, ”You have
+seen the mysterious Medicine People. Nothing
+can harm you.“ The assurance gave him confidence.
+He believed that to hesitate longer would
+show lack of faith in Getanittowit, in old Sky
+Dog and in the powerful Medicine Beings that had
+appeared in his dream.</p>
+
+<p>Moving carefully toward the rear of the lodge,
+Running Fox located the tripod of poles which
+held the mysterious medicine-bundle. For a
+moment the Delaware feared to touch it, lest he should
+be instantly destroyed by some strange Medicine
+Being. However, the thought of helping his people
+made him bold, and he reached out and removed
+the bundle from the poles. Then for some
+moments he worked feverishly at the fastenings.
+When the bundle lay open before him his eager
+eyes quickly discovered the sacred white pelt of
+Gokhos, the Medicine-Owl. As he finally held it
+in his hands, the superstitious lad believed that
+he had suddenly received the power of the famous
+Mohawk war-chief. Hastily retying the medicine-bundle,
+he hung it in its accustomed place,
+and hurried from the lodge.</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox was running toward the stockade
+when he suddenly encountered some one walking
+through the camp. They were face to face before
+either of them realized it, and there was little
+chance of avoiding recognition. Running Fox
+tried to withdraw into the night, but the Mohawk
+jumped forward and peered intently into his face.
+He identified him at once. Running Fox tried to
+use his bow, but the Mohawk was too close. He
+seized the Delaware, and shouted to rouse the
+camp. He was a large, powerful man, but Running
+Fox was too quick for him. He jabbed an
+arrow directly into his face, and as the Mohawk
+shrank back the lad wrenched himself free and
+darted toward his goal.</p>
+
+<p>“Jump up there!” shouted Running Fox, when
+he reached Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>They climbed nimbly to the top of the log barricade
+that closed the entrance to the village, and
+then Running Fox clambered upon the shoulders
+of Spotted Deer. The camp was in a wild turmoil,
+and they knew it was only a question of moments
+before the Mohawks would be upon them.
+Running Fox found that he was almost a bow-length
+from the top of the stockade. The distance
+was greater than he had expected to find it, and
+for a moment he lost hope. Then, as he realized
+what it would mean to fail, he sprang frantically
+upward. His fingers closed about the tops of the
+logs, and he struggled furiously to hold fast. For
+a moment or so it seemed as if he must slip back.
+Then he found a toe-hold against one of the logs,
+and improved his grip on the top of the stockade.
+The next moment he had drawn himself to the
+top.</p>
+
+<p>“The Mohawks are here, jump down and save
+yourself,” cried Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox took no heed of the warning. Instead
+he lay across the top of the stockade, and
+reached down to rescue Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Jump up, I will help you!” he shouted.</p>
+
+<p>A moment later they had clasped hands, and
+Spotted Deer was struggling desperately to reach
+the top of the stockade. Arrows were already
+whizzing past them, but as yet the darkness had
+saved them from harm. Once Spotted Deer had
+gained the top of the stockade in safety, they
+turned about and dropped to the ground on the
+outside of the camp. They heard the Mohawks
+struggling frantically with the logs that closed
+the doorway.</p>
+
+<p>“Come, we must ran fast!” cried Running Fox,
+as he dashed for the woods.</p>
+
+<p>“I will follow you,” replied Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>Then they heard a wild babel of sounds behind
+them, and they knew that the Mohawks were rushing
+from the camp. Above the tumult sounded
+the fierce cry of Nianque, the lynx, the danger signal
+of the Mohawks. It seemed to come from the
+top of the stockade, and the Delawares believed
+that the Mohawks were sending a warning to the
+warriors who had left the camp earlier in the day.</p>
+
+<h1 id='t7085'>CHAPTER XVII—PURSUED BY THE ENEMY</h1>
+
+<p>The Delawares bounded through the woods
+like frightened deer, for they knew that the
+Mohawks were close at their heels. Then
+they heard something that filled them with dread.
+The dogs were baying fiercely on their trail.</p>
+
+<p>“Listen, the Mohawks have sent their dogs after
+us,” Running Fox cried, savagely. “They will
+follow us like wolves. It will be hard to get
+away.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, if they come up with us, we will stop and
+kill them,” said Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“We have few arrows,” Running Fox warned
+him.</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps we will not need them,” replied Spotted
+Deer. “These dogs have seen us there in that
+camp many days. Perhaps when they find out
+who we are they will not trouble us.”</p>
+
+<p>“That may be true,” Running Fox agreed,
+hopefully.</p>
+
+<p>They noted that the savage baying had already
+grown weaker in volume, and they believed that
+most of the dogs had abandoned the chase, and
+were barking from the edge of the camp. There
+were some, however, that seemed intent upon overtaking
+the fugitives. In fact it was only a few
+moments before the lads heard them bounding
+through the undergrowth a short distance behind
+them. Realizing that flight would only invite an
+attack, the lads instantly stopped and waited for
+the dogs to come up with them.</p>
+
+<p>“Here they are—watch sharp!” cried Running
+Fox.</p>
+
+<p>The next moment four great wolf-like creatures
+overtook them. As the lads faced them and ordered
+them off the curs seemed to recognize them.
+They circled cautiously about them, sniffing and
+bristling, but showed no disposition to attack.
+There was one, however, that suddenly grew threatening
+as the Delawares attempted to resume their
+flight. It snarled viciously, and rushed toward
+Spotted Deer. He waited until it came within
+arm’s reach, and cracked its skull with the Mohawk
+war-club.</p>
+
+<p>“Now we will get away,” he laughed, as the
+other dogs drew their tails between their legs and
+scurried toward the village.</p>
+
+<p>Without the help of the dogs the Mohawks soon
+blundered from the trail, and it was not long before
+the lads heard them signaling on all sides of
+them. What disturbed them was the fact that
+some of the Mohawks seemed to be ahead of them.
+They could scarcely believe that their foes had
+actually passed them, and they wondered if it
+might not be some of the warriors who had left
+the camp early in the day.</p>
+
+<p>“The Mohawks have surrounded us,” Spotted
+Deer said, uneasily.</p>
+
+<p>“No, I am not afraid about that,” replied Running
+Fox. “They have lost the trail, and they
+are scattering to find it. If we watch sharp we
+will get by them.”</p>
+
+<p>When it grew light the lads began to look for
+certain landmarks which they had fixed in their
+memory. They planned to skirt the edge of the
+lake where they had blundered into the Shawnees,
+and then make directly toward the river. As the
+day progressed and they continued to avoid their
+foes they began to feel more confident. Running
+Fox had little doubt that the skin of the great
+white Medicine Owl was beginning to exert its
+power.</p>
+
+<p>“When the Mohawks find out that we have taken
+away the skin of Gokhos I believe they will be
+afraid to follow us,” said Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“No, I feel different about it,” replied Running
+Fox. “When Standing Wolf finds out what
+we have done I believe he will bring a great war-party
+to fight us. Yes, I believe he is already on
+our trail. We must travel fast to warn our people.”</p>
+
+<p>The sun was disappearing behind the western
+hills when the Delawares finally reached the northern
+end of the lake. They had traveled at top
+speed ever since their escape from the camp, and
+they were tired and hungry. Nevertheless they
+feared to stop. They had little doubt that at least
+some of the Mohawks were close behind them, and
+they knew it might be fatal to sacrifice even part
+of their lead.</p>
+
+<p>“We must keep going,” Running Fox said,
+grimly. “If the Mohawks do not come up with us
+pretty soon I believe they will begin to hold back.”</p>
+
+<p>They continued along the shore of the lake, and
+had gone about half of its length before night
+finally overtook them. Then a big red moon rose,
+and flooded the forest with its light. It blazed a
+broad silver trail across the water, and as they
+watched it they suddenly saw the black phantom-like
+forms of three canoes sweep swiftly across
+the path of light. They were within bow-shot of
+the shore, and were apparently making for the
+end of the lake.</p>
+
+<p>“The Mohawks have fooled us,” said Running
+Fox. “Now they will get to the river ahead of us.
+Perhaps they will wait at the end of this water.
+We must keep a sharp watch.”</p>
+
+<p>He had barely finished speaking when a loon
+called a short distance farther down the lake. The
+Delawares felt certain that it was a signal from
+the canoemen. In a few moments they were sure
+of it when they heard a fox yapping on the opposite
+shore. Then close behind them sounded the
+call of Gokhos, the owl.</p>
+
+<p>“The Mohawks are all around us,” whispered
+Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>They believed that there was a shorter trail between
+the Mohawk camp and the head of the lake,
+which accounted for the Mohawks overtaking
+them. It was evident that they hoped to intercept
+them before they reached the river. Spotted Deer
+proposed that when they reached the end of the
+lake they should make a long detour toward the
+east, and gradually circle back to the river. Running
+Fox promptly decided against it.</p>
+
+<p>“No, that would take a long time,” he said.
+“We have done what we set out to do. Now we
+must take the shortest trail to our people. I believe
+we will find danger any way we go. The
+best way is to go ahead until we strike the river.”</p>
+
+<p>“We will do as you say,” agreed Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>Then for three long days they skulked through
+the forest endeavoring to reach the headwaters of
+the river. Twice they were turned back, and compelled
+to make long, wearying detours. When
+they finally reached their goal near the end of the
+fourth day, they were almost on the point of collapse.
+However, the sight of the river gave them
+new strength, for it seemed like a friendly trail to
+their own village.</p>
+
+<p>“Now we will soon be with our people,” laughed
+Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“We will find much danger before we reach
+them,” Running Fox warned him.</p>
+
+<p>The Delawares had little doubt that the Mohawks
+had canoes concealed somewhere near the
+headwaters of the river, but they believed they
+had already been put to use by their owners.
+Therefore, the lads determined to take no chances
+trying to find them. Their one thought was to
+reach their people in time to warn them against
+the great war-party that they felt sure would follow
+them to the Delaware camp.</p>
+
+<p>Late the second day they suddenly came in sight
+of a single canoe directly ahead of them. It contained
+three Mohawk warriors, and was close to
+the shore along which the Delawares were traveling.
+The paddlers appeared tired, and the lads
+felt certain that they had paddled desperately
+down the river in a last effort to overtake them
+before they reached the Delaware hunting grounds.</p>
+
+<p>“Look, those warriors are coming to the shore,”
+whispered Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>Shortly afterward the Mohawks brought the
+canoe to land, and two of the paddlers stepped
+out. The third, however, remained in the canoe,
+and paddled across to the opposite shore. Then,
+he, too, landed, and drew the canoe into the bushes.
+Then all three Mohawks disappeared into the
+woods.</p>
+
+<p>“Those warriors have come a long ways ahead
+of the war-party to look for us,” whispered Running
+Fox. “If they do not find us they will wait
+until their people come.”</p>
+
+<p>The lads were fearful of colliding with the canoemen
+who had disembarked on their side of the
+river, and they determined to hide themselves until
+darkness made it safe to advance. While they
+were waiting, Spotted Deer suddenly formed a
+daring plan for outwitting their foes.</p>
+
+<p>“When it gets dark I am going to swim across
+the water, and get that canoe,” he told Running
+Fox.</p>
+
+<p>The latter shook his head. It was some moments
+before he replied.</p>
+
+<p>“No, you must not do that,” said Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I am going to do it,” declared Spotted
+Deer. “You are the leader, but you must stay
+here until I see what happens to me. Yon have
+done a great thing. You will bring great power
+to our people. It would be foolish for you to get
+killed. If I get that canoe I will come back and
+get you before it gets light. If I do not come
+back by that time you will know that I have been
+killed. Then you must do the best you can to
+reach our people. Now I am not going to talk
+any more about it.</p>
+
+<p>“Spotted Deer, you are very brave,” said Running
+Fox. “If you get that canoe it will be a
+good thing for us. Yes, then we can get away
+from the Mohawks, and go to our people very fast.
+But you must not let anything happen to you.
+Perhaps the Mohawks have set a trap. Perhaps
+the warrior who dragged the canoe into the bushes
+is watching. You must be very careful.”</p>
+
+<p>“I will watch sharp,” Spotted Deer assured
+him.</p>
+
+<p>Spotted Deer did not wait long after darkness
+fell. He believed that his chances for success
+would be better if he made his attempt during the
+early part of the night. He felt quite sure that at
+that time the Mohawks would still be intent upon
+watching, but he feared that if he waited until
+later they might become discouraged and decide to
+abandon their vigil. Running Fox held the same
+opinion.</p>
+
+<p>“Now I am going,” Spotted Deer whispered,
+when he was ready. “It may take me a long time,
+but you must creep down close to the water and
+keep listening. If I get the canoe I will come
+back near this spot. When I get near the land I
+will slap the water like Amoch, the beaver. When
+you hear that you must throw a little stone into
+the water. It will make a splash like Maschilamek,
+the trout, and the Mohawks will think nothing
+of it. But I will know what it means. Now
+I am going.”</p>
+
+<p>“Go. I will watch for you,” said Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>A moment later Spotted Deer disappeared into
+the dark as silently as a shadow. He turned directly
+toward the river, and when he came in sight
+of the water he stopped to listen. Clouds filled
+the sky, and the night was black and still. Spotted
+Deer raised his face toward the heavens, and
+asked Getanittowit to aid him in his task. Then
+he advanced to the edge of the water. For a
+moment or so he stood there looking and listening.
+Then he waded carefully from the shore.</p>
+
+<p>The river was narrow and still at that spot, and
+Spotted Deer crossed it without difficulty. As he
+approached the shore he ceased swimming, and
+turned upon his back. He floated a long time, listening
+for a warning of danger. Then as he heard
+nothing to arouse his suspicions he swam to the
+shore.</p>
+
+<p>It took only a few moments to wade from the
+water, and cross the narrow beach between the
+river and the stand of willows in which the Mohawk
+had concealed the canoe. Spotted Deer entered
+the cover with great caution, for he feared
+an ambush. His fears proved groundless, however,
+and he reached the canoe in safety. Then
+he hesitated. The most perilous part of his task
+was still before him, and he was somewhat in doubt
+as to just how to proceed. He doubted his ability
+to carry the canoe to the water, and still he
+realized that if he attempted to drag it through
+the dense tangle of bushes he might make sufficient
+noise to warn the Mohawk. Still there seemed to
+be only those two alternatives, and he knew that
+every moment he delayed he increased his peril.
+He lifted the how of the canoe to the level of his
+knees, and saw at once that it would be almost impossible
+to get it to his shoulders. The question
+was decided, therefore he would be compelled to
+drag it.</p>
+
+<p>Holding his bow and arrows in one hand, Spotted
+Deer started to draw the canoe from the willows.
+It was not an easy task, and the young
+Delaware trembled at the noise he made. Each
+moment he expected to find the Mohawk at his
+throat. Once out of the willows, however, he made
+better progress. He had almost reached the water
+when he heard a twig snap at the edge of the
+woods. Believing that he had been discovered,
+he threw off his caution, and dragged the canoe
+toward the water with no attempt to conceal the
+noise. As he launched it and clambered in over
+the side, he heard the Mohawk running toward
+the river. Several strong paddle strokes carried
+him from the shore, and then the night hid him
+from his foe.</p>
+
+<p>As Spotted Deer paddled frantically toward the
+opposite shore of the river, he heard the Mohawk
+yelling furiously to warn his friends. The anxious
+lad realized that once they reached the river
+it might be impossible to rescue Running Fox.
+The thought drove him to still greater exertions.
+As yet the two scouts had failed to answer the
+frantic appeals of their tribesman. Then, when
+Spotted Deer was two-thirds of the way across,
+he heard them signaling with the notes of the owl.
+Still they seemed to be some distance back from
+the water, and he had hopes of picking up Running
+Fox before they could reach the river.</p>
+
+<p>Once within bow-shot of the shore, Spotted Deer
+ceased paddling and struck the water a resounding
+whack with the blade of his paddle. Then he
+listened anxiously for the splash of a stone. Several
+moments passed, and the silence remained unbroken.
+Spotted Deer again struck the water with
+his paddle. Still there was no answer. Spotted
+Deer suddenly grew weak with fear. He believed
+that something had happened to Running Fox.
+The possibility staggered him. He was unable to
+rally his wits. Then he heard the Mohawk on
+the opposite side of the river imitating the scream
+of Nianque, the lynx. A moment afterward the
+signal was answered from the edge of the woods,
+a bow-shot farther down the river. The next instant
+a stone struck the water within a bow-length
+of the canoe.</p>
+
+<p>Wild with joy, Spotted Deer paddled furiously
+toward the shore. Running Fox waded out to
+meet him. As he stepped into the canoe, an arrow
+sang harmlessly past them. The next moment
+they heard the Mohawks rushing into the water
+below them.</p>
+
+<p>“Paddle hard!” cried Running Fox. “They
+will swim out and try to catch us.”</p>
+
+<p>“We will get by them,” declared Spotted Deer.
+“Keep watching ahead.”</p>
+
+<p>He turned the canoe toward the opposite side
+of the river, and put all his strength into his paddle
+strokes. Then, when he was half-way across,
+he turned down the river. They had gone several
+arrow-flights when Running Fox called a
+warning. A moment later they flashed past one
+of the Mohawks, who was floundering desperately
+within three bow-lengths of them.</p>
+
+<p>“Now we are safe,” said Spotted Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I believe we have got away,” replied
+Running Fox. “You have done a great thing.”</p>
+
+<p>Spotted Deer asked Running Fox why he had
+been so slow in replying to his signal. Running
+Fox said that at the time he heard it one of the
+Mohawks was somewhere within a few bow-lengths
+of him, and he had feared to make the slightest
+move. He had been compelled to wait, therefore,
+until the Mohawk moved away.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, we have fooled them,” declared Spotted
+Deer.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, that is true,” replied Running Fox. “But
+I believe they will bring a great war-party to fight
+us.”</p>
+
+<h1 id='t7488'>CHAPTER XVIII—THE IROQUOIS BLUNDER INTO A TRAP</h1>
+
+<p>Two days later the lads reached the Delaware
+village. Their sudden appearance
+caused a great commotion. “Running Fox
+has come! Running Fox has come!” cried the
+Delawares. The news brought a great crowd to
+the edge of the water. The enthusiasm was intense.
+Many of the younger warriors waded out,
+and dragged the canoe to the shore. Then Running
+Fox held up the sacred medicine-trophy, and
+the people went into ecstasies of joy. “See, Running
+Fox has brought the scalp of Gokhos, the
+mysterious white Medicine Owl,” they cried, excitedly.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the exhausted young warriors stepped
+from the canoe they were surrounded by a great
+throng of friends who instantly began to ply them
+with questions. Running Fox left Spotted Deer
+to struggle with them, while he hurried away to
+find his father.</p>
+
+<p>Black Panther showed little surprise as his son
+entered the lodge, and offered him the famous
+trophy for which he had risked his life. However,
+the lad’s mother flung herself upon him, and
+wept for joy. When he had tenderly freed himself
+from her arms, Running Fox turned toward
+the stern Delaware war-chief. The latter showed
+his pride and his joy in his eyes, and the young
+warrior was satisfied.</p>
+
+<p>“My son, you have come back,” said Black
+Panther. “It is good. I see that you have
+brought the scalp of Gokhos, the Medicine Owl.
+Where did you find it!”</p>
+
+<p>“I found it in the sacred Medicine Bundle,
+which hangs in the Medicine Lodge of our enemies,
+the Mohawks. I believe it is the thing that
+gave Standing Wolf his power over us. Yes, I
+saw him talking to the Medicine Spirits with this
+thing in his hands.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, my son, you have done a great thing,”
+declared Black Panther, striving hard to conceal
+his emotion. “You are only a boy, but you have
+done more than the bravest warrior. But you
+must not think about that. No, you must find out
+how to get those mysterious powers, so that you
+can help your people, and become a great chief.
+Take this thing to Sky Dog, and ask him what
+to do.”</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I will go, but first I must warn you that
+a great war-party of Mohawks are coming to fight
+us,” said Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>“How do you know that?” Black Panther
+asked, sharply.</p>
+
+<p>“The scouts followed us a long ways down the
+river, and the Mohawks are very mad. I believe
+Standing Wolf will bring a great war-party here
+to try to get back this mysterious Medicine Thing.”</p>
+
+<p>The warning seemed to make a strong impression
+upon Black Panther. He immediately summoned
+a picked company of scouts, and sent them
+away to watch for the Mohawks. Then he called
+a council of the principal war-leaders to form plans
+for defending the village. It was evident that the
+possibility of Standing Wolf leading his great
+war-party against the camp filled even Black
+Panther with considerable uneasiness.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime Running Fox had hastened to
+the lodge of old Sky Dog. As usual the aged
+medicine-man showed little interest as the visitor
+entered the lodge. A moment afterward, however,
+when he learned who it was he began to grow excited.</p>
+
+<p>“Hi, I see that you have lived to come back,”
+he said. “That is because I helped you. I have
+done some wonderful things, but this is the greatest.
+Well, tell me what has happened to you.”</p>
+
+<p>When Running Fox showed him the medicine-trophy,
+and related his experiences since he left
+the camp, Sky Dog looked at him in astonishment.
+It was apparent that he found difficulty in believing
+the story. He gazed searchingly into the eyes
+of the lad, and examined the medicine-trophy many
+times before he committed himself. Then he
+seemed satisfied that the exploit was genuine.</p>
+
+<p>“My son, I have listened to your words,” he
+said, soberly. “At first I did not believe them.
+But now I know that you have told the truth.
+Yes, I see that you have done the greatest thing
+I ever knew about, But you must not feel too
+big about it. You must prepare yourself to become
+a great leader. Take this sacred Medicine
+Thing, and keep it about you whenever you are
+about to do anything big. It will give you great
+power. But you must not give it to any one else.
+If you do that, something bad will surely happen
+to you. Now I will tell you something. Standing
+Wolf and his people will come here to get
+that great Medicine Thing. Yes, they will come
+here before two suns pass. There will be a great
+battle. Many people will be killed. Perhaps the
+Medicine Thing will help you. Perhaps it will
+still help Standing Wolf. If it helps him, then
+you must get rid of it. Sometimes these things
+turn out that way. There is only one way to find
+out about it. You must carry it into the thick of
+the fight. If it gives you power you will do great
+things. If it turns against you, you will surely
+be killed. Now you must go and rest. I have
+spoken.”</p>
+
+<p>“Sky Dog, I will do as you tell me,” replied
+Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>Several days passed and still there was no word
+of the Mohawks. The Delawares began to hope
+that they had been needlessly alarmed. Some of
+them even began to doubt that the skin of the
+white Medicine Owl had really come from the
+Mohawk medicine-bundle. However, they were careful
+to keep their suspicions from reaching the
+ears of Running Fox or his father. Others declared
+that Standing Wolf was afraid to fight
+without the protection of his medicine charm.
+Still Black Panther and his war-leaders continued
+to make preparations for the battle. They knew
+Standing Wolf too well to deceive themselves by
+believing that he would surrender his most valued
+possession without making a desperate attempt to
+regain it from his foes. The delay only strengthened
+their fears, for they believed he had sent
+runners to induce some of the neighboring tribes
+of Iroquois to join in the attack on the Delaware
+camp.</p>
+
+<p>Then the suspense was suddenly ended by the
+return of one of the scouts. He said that a great
+company of Iroquois were coming down the river
+in canoes, and the Delaware scouts had little doubt
+that many more were traveling through the forest
+on foot. He declared that the Delawares would
+be greatly outnumbered, as it appeared that the
+Mohawks had been strongly reinforced by some
+of their neighbors from farther to the westward.</p>
+
+<p>The Delawares became greatly disturbed at the
+news. They had fought more than one losing
+fight with the fierce Mohawk chief and his savage
+warriors, and they fully realized the nature of the
+task that confronted them. Besides, the village
+sheltered many women and children, and the warriors
+dreaded to think what might happen if the
+Mohawks forced their way into the camp. They
+knew from experience that once roused, the Mohawks
+would kill every man, woman and child
+that fell into their hands. For a time, therefore,
+the Delawares thought of abandoning the camp
+and fleeing southward to the village of their tribesmen,
+the Minsi, another tribe of the Lenape nation
+who lived a full day’s journey farther down
+the river. However, when Black Panther heard of
+their fears he immediately called them to assemble
+in council.</p>
+
+<p>“Men of the Lenape nation, what has happened
+to your hearts?” demanded the Delaware war-chief.
+“Have the Delawares turned into rabbits?
+Do you tremble when you hear the name of Standing
+Wolf? Come, you must answer me.”</p>
+
+<p>The stern rebuke was received in silence. More
+than one stalwart warrior lowered his eyes in
+shame as Black Panther challenged him. Then as
+no one spoke, the chief continued.</p>
+
+<p>“You have heard that the Mohawks are coming
+to fight us. Well, what will you do about it? Do
+you feel like running away? I do not believe it.
+You say that Standing Wolf has mysterious power
+over us. Well, I will tell you that he has lost it.
+Running Fox has taken it away from him. The
+great Mohawk war-chief is like a bear without
+claws. He can do no harm. Running Fox will
+carry the mysterious Medicine Thing into the fight.
+If you follow him he will lead you to victory. It
+is true that we have never beaten Standing Wolf,
+but this time it will be different. Yes, Sky Dog
+will tell you that. Come, I will tell you what to
+do. First we will send scouts down the river to
+ask our brothers, the Minsi, to come and help us.
+Then we will send the women and children down
+the river in canoes. A warrior will sit in each
+canoe. Whoever is afraid of Standing Wolf must
+leave his weapons, and go with the women and
+children. The rest of us will stay here, and meet
+the boastful Mohawks. Now, my brother, let me
+see who is afraid to stay.”</p>
+
+<p>Not even the youngest boy responded. The
+Delawares answered the challenge with a great
+shout of defiance that seemed to shake the hills.
+Then they began to sing their war-songs, and parade
+about the camp. In a few moments they
+called for Running Fox to address them.</p>
+
+<p>“My brothers, I am a young man, and I have
+not much to say,” Running Fox told them, modestly.
+“I have brought you the thing which gave
+Standing Wolf his mysterious power over us.
+Now I am going to carry it into the thick of the
+fight. I believe we will win a great victory. Now
+we must get ready to fight.”</p>
+
+<p>Then old Sky Dog rose and delivered a fiery
+harangue that instantly roused the fighting mood
+of the warriors. He told them that Running Fox
+had done the most wonderful thing in the history
+of the tribe. He declared that the possession of
+the Mohawk medicine-trophy not only insured
+them against defeat, but made victory certain.
+Then he called upon them to go forth, and fight as
+they had never fought before.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime Spotted Deer and a young warrior
+named Little Snake had already departed
+down the river to summon aid of the Minsi. The
+canoes had been launched, and the women and
+children were getting into them. Now that the
+Delawares had become eager to fight, it was difficult
+to get warriors to accompany them. However,
+Black Panther selected the escort, and chose
+the young untried warriors and a few of the older
+men who had been disabled in previous fights.</p>
+
+<p>The refugees had barely left the village when
+scouts brought word that the Mohawks had disembarked
+about a half day’s journey from the
+camp. The scouts said that it was evident they
+intended to advance through the woods on the
+north side of the camp.</p>
+
+<p>“The river was covered with canoes,” declared
+an excited Delaware scout.</p>
+
+<p>Black Panther immediately called for a company
+of volunteers to go out and lie in wait for the
+Mohawks. Most of the warriors responded, and
+he chose a third of his entire force. Then he appointed
+Running Fox the leader. It was an unusual
+honor for a lad of his years, but he had
+proved his ability, and the Delawares were ready
+to follow him. They had little doubt that the Mohawk
+medicine-trophy would bring him the same
+powers which they believed it had bestowed upon
+Standing Wolf, and they expected to see him accomplish
+equally wonderful feats.</p>
+
+<p>“My son, I have made you the leader of this
+war-party,” said Black Panther, as the lad came
+to him for final instructions. “You are very
+young, and you have not been in many fights.
+You must listen to what I am about to say. There
+are some great war-leaders in your party. There
+is Broken Hand, and Two Elks, and Painted Dog.
+All those men are great leaders. You must ask
+them to help you. But I have made you the
+leader. You must know what to do. Now I will
+tell you. The Mohawks have left the canoes.
+They will probably come down along this side of
+the river. You must send good scouts ahead of
+you to find which way the Mohawks are coming.
+It will be necessary to send some scouts across the
+river, for the Mohawks may come down that side.
+Well, when you have found out which way the
+Mohawks are coming you must put your warriors
+in their way. You must hold them back until I
+get a chance to prepare the camp. You must find
+a good place to hide in. Do not show yourselves
+until the Mohawks are right between you. Then
+you must rush in and fool them. You must try
+to kill as many as you can, and drive back the
+others. That may hold them off until we can get
+ready to fight. However, if they are too strong
+for you, you must fight your way back to the village.
+I have finished.”</p>
+
+<p>“My father, I will do as you have told me,” replied
+Running Fox. “I will talk with Broken
+Hand, and Two Elks and Painted Dog. We will
+try to make a good fight.”</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox and his companions left the village
+in silence, for Black Panther had cautioned
+the Delawares against making a demonstration.
+The sun was low in the west, and the valiant company
+of fighters hurried through the woods in the
+hope of finding the Mohawks before it grew dark.
+Several of the scouts who had already located the
+enemy were sent on ahead, and three other scouts
+were sent across the river in a canoe to watch
+along the opposite shore.</p>
+
+<p>By the time darkness finally closed down the
+Delawares had traveled a considerable distance
+along the river. Then they stopped, and waited
+to hear from the scouts. It was not long before
+one of them brought word that the main Mohawk
+war-party was close at hand. He said that they
+were following the Delaware hunting trail, and
+had sent a number of scouts ahead of them. The
+Delawares lost little time in concealing themselves
+along the sides of a narrow ravine. Then they
+waited anxiously for the Mohawks to blunder into
+the ambush.</p>
+
+<p>A short time afterward the Mohawk scouts entered
+the ravine. The Delawares allowed them to
+pass through in safety. However, when the war-party
+attempted to follow, the Delawares rose
+from concealment and attacked them with great
+fury. The Mohawks were completely surprised,
+and for a time they were thrown into great confusion.
+The Delawares had little trouble in driving
+them from the ravine, and elated at their success
+they attempted to turn the surprise into a
+rout. It was only a few moments, however, before
+they discovered that they had made a serious
+blunder. What they had mistaken for the war-party
+was only an advance guard following the
+scouts. When the main war-party rushed up a
+few moments later, the Delawares found themselves
+outnumbered by four to one. Still Running
+Fox had no idea of retreating. He had been sent
+to delay the Mohawks as long as possible, and he
+determined to make them fight every stride of the
+way to the Delaware camp. Calling upon his war-leaders
+to follow him, the young warrior fought
+with a reckless fury that amazed his foes. Stimulated
+by his example, the Delawares not only held
+their ground, but actually forced the Mohawks to
+give way. The advantage was only temporary,
+however, for the Mohawks soon rallied, and attacked
+so fiercely that the Delawares in turn were
+compelled to yield. They retreated slowly, however,
+fighting so stubbornly that the Mohawks began
+to grow cautious.</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox had many narrow escapes, for he
+threw himself into the thickest of the fighting.
+Twice he was compelled to fight desperate hand
+to hand encounters with his foes, and each time
+he came off victorious. At another time he was
+attacked by three Mohawks at once, but he succeeded
+in dodging behind a tree and killed two of
+his assailants, and wounded the third. The Delawares
+began to believe that the sacred white Medicine
+Owl had made him invincible. Running
+Fox himself believed it, and the thought gave him
+confidence.</p>
+
+<p>The Delawares held back the Mohawks until daylight,
+and then the latter suddenly retired. Running
+Fox knew better than to attempt to follow
+them. He feared that the withdrawal was part
+of some clever stratagem, and he immediately
+called a council of his war-leaders.</p>
+
+<p>“I believe the Mohawks will wait until it gets
+dark again, and then they will try to circle around
+us,” said Broken Hand. “I believe the best thing
+we can do is to go back to the village. We have
+held back the Mohawks until our women and children
+are safe. We can do no good by staying here
+and throwing away our lives. I believe we can
+make a better showing with our people at the village.”</p>
+
+<p>“I feel strange about this thing,” declared Two
+Elks. “You have done some wonderful things,
+but if you stay here I believe you will be killed.
+I cannot help telling you this, because that is how
+I feel about it.”</p>
+
+<p>“I feel like Broken Hand,” said Painted Dog.
+“I have not seen Standing Wolf in this fight. I
+believe he is somewhere about with another big
+war-party. I saw many Oneidas in this war-party.
+Yes, I believe I killed an Onondaga. Those people
+may be coming to help the Mohawks. Running
+Fox, you are a good leader. You have done some
+wonderful things. But there are only a few of
+us. Some of our friends have already been killed.
+The Mohawks are too strong for us. If we stay
+here they will come back and destroy us. I believe
+we must try to get away.”</p>
+
+<p>“Well, my brothers, I have listened to your
+words, and I see that you all feel the same way
+about it. I would like to stay and fight some
+more, but I believe it would be foolish. We have
+done what we came here to do. We have held
+back the Mohawks so that our people can get ready
+to fight It is enough. Come, we will go.”</p>
+
+<h1 id='t7902'>CHAPTER XIX—THE ATTACK ON THE DELAWARE CAMP</h1>
+
+<p>When Running Fox and his companions
+returned to the camp they found everything
+in readiness for an attack. As
+there was no stockade about the village, the Delawares
+had hastily thrown up a number of barricades
+made of logs and stones. Inside of the
+camp were several large brush-piles to be lighted
+if the Mohawks attempted to enter the camp under
+cover of the darkness. Water had been
+brought from the river, and two boys had been
+selected to climb to the roof of each lodge as soon
+as the fighting began to watch for fire-arrows.</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox went to Black Panther and gave
+him a full account of the fight with the Mohawks.
+The Delaware chief seemed much pleased, and
+said that if the Mohawks had not been intercepted
+and held up they would have reached the village
+before he had a chance to prepare for defense.</p>
+
+<p>“My son, you have done a good thing,” he told
+Running Fox.</p>
+
+<p>Soon afterward the scouts who had been sent
+across the river came into the camp, and said that
+they had seen nothing of their foes.</p>
+
+<p>“That is good,” declared Black Panther. “Now
+we know that the Mohawks are all together.”</p>
+
+<p>The Delawares had little fear that the Mohawks
+would begin their attack before dark, still they
+determined to be ready for any emergency.
+Therefore, as the sun sank slowly toward the hilltops
+they gathered in the center of the camp to
+receive their final instructions from the war-chief.</p>
+
+<p>“My brothers, I have little to tell you,” said
+Black Panther. “You know what has happened.
+Now the Mohawks have come to fight us. Running
+Fox has broken the power of their great chief,
+Standing Wolf. I believe we will be able to overcome
+him. We must all be brave. We must keep
+our enemies outside of the camp. Pretty soon our
+brothers, the Minsi, will come to help us. No matter
+what happens we must keep fighting until they
+get here. Do not let anything make you afraid.
+If we win this great battle, the Mohawks will never
+trouble us again. I have finished.”</p>
+
+<p>When Black Panther finished speaking the Delawares
+stationed themselves along the edge of the
+camp to watch for their foes. The night was well
+advanced, however, before they heard anything to
+rouse their suspicions. Then they heard the Mohawks
+signaling on two sides of the camp. It was
+evident, therefore, that there were either two distinct
+war-parties, or else the Mohawks had separated
+to attack the village on two sides.</p>
+
+<p>The Delawares waited calmly at their posts,
+each man grimly determined to avenge the long
+list of tribesmen who had died at the hands of
+those fierce and implacable foes. The signals soon
+ceased, and then for a long time all was still. The
+Delawares waited in trying suspense. A little
+group of warriors huddled behind each barricade,
+and between them, at the edge of the camp, were
+others to close the gaps. Black Panther and the
+war-leaders moved back and forth between them.</p>
+
+<p>The stillness was suddenly broken by a piercing
+yell, and a moment later it was answered by another
+on the other side of the camp. Then the
+Mohawks began their attack. They rushed toward
+the village shouting fiercely, but the Delawares
+faced them without a tremor. They waited until
+their foes were within a few bow-lengths of them,
+and then they rose and met them with such a
+deadly volley of arrows that the astounded Mohawks
+recoiled in confusion.</p>
+
+<p>Then the Delaware war-cry rang triumphantly
+through the night, and the Mohawks rallied at the
+sound. Roused to a fury by the stubborn resistance
+of their foes, they fought with a reckless daring
+that carried them to the very edge of the
+camp. There they met the Delawares in a fierce
+hand to hand encounter. Although they had a
+tremendous advantage in numbers the Mohawks
+found themselves outfought at every point of contact
+with their courageous foes. Strive as they
+might, they were unable to gain a foothold in the
+camp. They heard the familiar voice of Standing
+Wolf urging them to victory, but it had suddenly
+lost its power. The Mohawks began to
+realize that the fight was going against them.
+Aware that they were wasting themselves in vain,
+they suddenly became demoralized, and retreated
+in wild disorder.</p>
+
+<p>The Delawares were frantic with delight. They
+had beaten back the boastful Mohawks for the first
+time since Standing Wolf had begun to make war
+upon them. Still they dared not become too hopeful,
+for they feared that their success might prove
+to be only temporary. They had little doubt that
+the Mohawks would speedily renew the attack, and
+they knew that next time the fortunes of war might
+again turn in their favor. However, their temporary
+victory gave them confidence, and they determined
+to fight even harder when the Mohawks
+resumed the battle. They believed that the sacred
+medicine-trophy had already made them invincible.</p>
+
+<p>“My brothers, we have beaten off the boastful
+Mohawks, but we are not through,” cried Black
+Panther. “Do not feel too sure. They will come
+again. Next time they will fight harder. They
+are much stronger than we are. Yes, I believe
+there are three Mohawks for every Delaware. But
+I saw some Oneidas and Onondagas. It is a great
+war-party. We must fight very hard to keep alive
+until help comes. Now we must watch.”</p>
+
+<p>Darkness had given way to the soft gray light
+of dawn when the Mohawks made their second attempt
+to enter the village. This time they attacked
+the camp on three sides, and the fighting
+was even fiercer than in the first encounter. They
+were led by Standing Wolf and some of the most
+noted Iroquois war-chiefs, and for an instant the
+Delawares lost confidence. The Mohawks were
+quick to see their advantage, and they fought recklessly
+to make the most of it. Rushing to the barricades
+they struggled desperately with the gallant
+men who defended them. In one or two places
+they overwhelmed them by force of numbers, and
+succeeded in breaking through the line.</p>
+
+<p>“Come, my brothers, we must fight harder!”
+shouted Black Panther, as he ran boldly along the
+edge of the camp. “Standing Wolf has lost his
+power. Running Fox has found it. Come, drive
+these boastful enemies from the camp!”</p>
+
+<p>Then Running Fox threw himself into the thick
+of the fight. Gathering a little company of followers,
+he led them against the Mohawks who had
+reached the edge of the camp. Waving the sacred
+medicine-trophy, and calling upon his companions
+to follow him, he attacked his foes with such ferocity
+that they fell back astounded. Before they
+could recover from their surprise, the Delawares
+rallied, and drove them beyond the barricades.</p>
+
+<p>Then a warning came from the other side of the
+camp. Again Running Fox led a gallant company
+to meet the invaders. This time, however, their
+task was more difficult, and for a time the Delawares
+were unable to dislodge their foes. Then
+in a thrilling hand to hand encounter Running Fox
+killed the warrior who led the attack, and the Mohawks
+suddenly lost their courage, and fell back.</p>
+
+<p>Word of his prowess was instantly spread among
+the Delawares, and they were finally convinced
+that the mysterious Mohawk medicine-trophy was
+responsible for his remarkable success. The
+thought strengthened their confidence, and filled
+them with such dogged determination that the
+Mohawks were again compelled to fall back before
+their stubborn resistance.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, my brothers, you have made a great
+fight,” Black Panther cried, enthusiastically.
+“The Mohawks have found out that we are men.
+They tried to get into the camp, but we were too
+strong for them. Running Fox has done some
+great things. It must be that the mysterious Medicine
+Thing is helping him. But we are not
+through with this fight. I believe it will last a
+long time. Well, we will not give in. No, we will
+keep fighting no matter how long it takes. See,
+the Mohawks have disappeared into the woods. The
+full light has come. It is good. I do not believe
+the Mohawks will begin to fight again until it
+gets dark. Perhaps they have gone away. Well,
+we will not let them fool us. We will keep watching.”</p>
+
+<p>The Delawares saw nothing further of their foes
+until near the end of the day, and then they again
+heard them signaling on both sides of the camp.
+It was evident that they were preparing to renew
+the attack. The Delawares knew what to expect.
+Still there was not one among them who showed
+the least trace of anxiety. They waited calmly,
+determined to fight if need be until the last of them
+was killed.</p>
+
+<p>The attack was renewed at sunset, and the
+Delawares were astounded to find that on this occasion
+their foes were Oneidas and Onondagas.
+They knew at once that the wily Mohawk war-chief
+had been holding these hardy fighters in reserve,
+and had called upon them to relieve his own warriors
+when the latter showed signs of weakening
+before the deadly resistance of the Delawares.</p>
+
+<p>“Hi, my brothers, the Mohawks have sent others
+to do what they cannot do themselves!” cried
+Black Panther. “Come, we will show these people
+how to fight!”</p>
+
+<p>Although the unexpected appearance of the new
+fighting force filled them with dismay, the Delawares
+fought as stubbornly as ever. The odds
+were all against them, however, and they realized
+that only the timely arrival of their tribesmen, the
+Minsi, could save them from disaster.</p>
+
+<h1 id='t8125'>CHAPTER XX—VICTORY</h1>
+
+<p>Fighting continued at intervals throughout
+the night, and daylight found the exhausted
+Delawares still keeping weary
+vigil at the edge of the camp. They had lost almost
+half of their number, and they were discouraged
+and hopeless. They watched the dawn of the
+new day with gloomy forebodings, for they feared
+to imagine what might happen before it ended.
+The Iroquois showed no intention of abandoning
+the fight, and the Delawares knew that unless their
+tribesmen arrived to help them it would be only
+a short time before they were finally overcome.
+They felt sure that the three war-parties would
+unite for the final attack, and they knew that there
+was little chance of holding them off. Each grim
+Delaware warrior felt defeat and death hovering
+over him.</p>
+
+<p>“My brothers, a new day has come,” said Black
+Panther. “Before it ends I believe our brothers,
+the Minsi, will come to help us. Pretty soon we
+will hear them shouting the war-cry. Then the
+Iroquois will run like rabbits. We must keep our
+hearts brave. We have killed many of our enemies.
+They tried to get into our lodges, but we
+beat them back. Now they are hiding out there
+in the woods. Yes, they are afraid to face us
+in the light. Come, we will let them hear our war-cry.”</p>
+
+<p>Roused by the words of their chief, the Delawares
+rallied from their gloom and sent their war-cry
+ringing through the forest. The Iroquois immediately
+answered the challenge, and the Delawares
+shook their heads soberly. However, as the
+time passed, and the Iroquois made no further attempts
+against the village, the Delawares began
+to take heart. They believed that their foes were
+waiting to make one supreme effort under cover
+of the night, and they hoped that the Minsi war-party
+would arrive in the meantime.</p>
+
+<p>Then as the long day finally passed and their
+tribesmen failed to appear the Delawares again
+lost heart. The approach of night filled them with
+dread. They feared that long before daylight they
+would be overcome by the superior numbers of
+their foes. The possibility staggered them. They
+suddenly realized what it meant. They would be
+wiped out, destroyed from the land, and their
+women and children would be homeless. The
+thought filled them with new determination. They
+pledged themselves to fight even harder than they
+had fought before.</p>
+
+<p>As the ominous black shadows finally settled
+over the camp, the Delawares nerved themselves
+for their task. They knew that the attack would
+come suddenly, at any moment, and the thought
+kept them in trying suspense. Then as the night
+dragged on and nothing happened, they began to
+grow suspicious. They wondered if the Iroquois
+were stealing silently upon them under cover of
+the darkness. They strained their ears to catch
+a warning. All was still. The Delawares were
+bewildered. The uncanny silence strained their
+nerves. Each moment they expected to hear the
+terrifying Iroquois war-cry, and see their foes
+within arm’s reach of them. Then some one
+shouted a warning from the end of the camp. The
+suspense was ended. The fight had begun. The
+Delawares felt relieved.</p>
+
+<p>“Light the fires! Light the fires!” cried the
+warriors near the point of attack.</p>
+
+<p>“No, no, not yet!” shouted Black Panther.</p>
+
+<p>Then a streak of fire flashed through the night,
+and fell into the village. It was a fire-arrow. The
+boys were ordered to the tops of the lodges. A
+moment afterward the great Iroquois war-party
+rushed upon the camp. They had approached
+close up to the barricades before the Delawares
+discovered them. Then at the proper signal they
+rose, and grappled with them. The Delawares
+fought desperately, but they were hopelessly outnumbered,
+and it seemed to be only a matter of
+moments before the Iroquois would force their way
+into the camp.</p>
+
+<p>“Light the fires! Light the fires!” screamed the
+Delawares.</p>
+
+<p>This time Black Panther realized the necessity
+for it. Then as the flames roared through the piles
+of dry brush, and flooded the village with light, he
+saw the Iroquois at the edge of the camp. They
+were fighting recklessly to gain a foothold in the
+village, but the Delawares were attacking them
+like a swarm of angry bees. Onondagas, Oneidas
+and Mohawks had combined, and Standing Wolf
+himself was leading them. For a time the Delawares
+held them off, but the odds against them
+were too great, and the Iroquois eventually fought
+their way into the camp.</p>
+
+<p>For an instant the Delawares faltered. Then
+they rallied about their gallant war-chief and
+fought with the fury of despair. They had gathered
+in force at one end of the camp, and the Iroquois
+were unable to dislodge them. The Delawares
+knew that if they were scattered and driven
+from the village they would be surrounded and
+annihilated. Therefore, they determined to stand
+together until the end.</p>
+
+<p>Running Fox was in a frenzy of despair. He
+realized that he alone was to blame for the plight
+of his tribesmen, and the thought drove him to
+distraction. It seemed as if his perilous journey
+to the Mohawk camp had been in vain. The mysterious
+Medicine Creatures had apparently deceived
+him. The sacred medicine-trophy for
+which he had risked his life seemed powerless
+against the famous Mohawk war-chief. Getanittowit
+appeared to have turned against him. Instead
+of aiding his people, the distracted lad believed
+that he had brought about their destruction. He
+had fought with a recklessness that had astounded
+both his tribesmen and their foes, and still it
+seemed to have been in vain. Running Fox was
+beside himself with grief. In the midst of the
+desperate encounter be raised his arms toward the
+sky and called upon Getanittowit to help him.
+“O Getanittowit, see what has happened to me.
+O Getanittowit, give me power to help my people.
+O Getanittowit, send the powerful Medicine
+Creatures to aid me,” he shouted excitedly.</p>
+
+<p>Then a loud mocking laugh rose above the sounds
+of battle. Running Fox did not need to look. He
+knew instinctively that it came from Standing
+Wolf. A moment afterward he saw him fighting
+recklessly at the head of his warriors. As usual
+be seemed to bear a charmed life. His tribesmen
+were dropping on both sides of him, but as
+yet he was unharmed.</p>
+
+<p>“See, we cannot harm that man!” the
+Delawares told one another in superstitious awe. “It
+is useless to fight him. He will kill us all!”</p>
+
+<p>“No! No! He cannot harm you, for I am going
+to kill him!” Running Fox cried, hysterically.
+“See, I have the skin of Gokhos, the great white
+Medicine Owl. My brothers, I have taken away
+the power from Standing Wolf. I have just found
+out about it. Now you will see something. I am
+going to kill that man. I am going to bring our
+brothers, the Minsi. Pretty soon you will hear
+them. Now you must watch me.”</p>
+
+<p>The next moment he bounded past his astonished
+tribesmen, and advanced fearlessly upon the
+Mohawk chief. The latter shot an arrow at him,
+but it flew harmlessly past his head. Then, as
+Running Fox laughed and pointed to the medicine-trophy
+which hung upon his breast, Standing
+Wolf uttered a yell of rage and rushed forward,
+war-club in hand. Before he had taken two
+strides Running Fox drove an arrow through his
+heart.</p>
+
+<p>“See, my brothers, see what I have done!”
+screamed Running Fox, as he drove back several
+Mohawks who had rushed upon him to avenge the
+death of their chief.</p>
+
+<p>“It is the Medicine Spirits!” cried the Delawares,
+as they ran to his support.</p>
+
+<p>“Yes, I have the power!” shouted Running Fox.
+“Come, you must follow me!”</p>
+
+<p>He led the Delawares in a furious attack that
+utterly routed the faltering Mohawks. The death
+of their famous chief had demoralized them, and
+as they saw their comrades falling before the
+deadly arrows of the wild-eyed young Delaware
+and his followers they suddenly became panic-stricken
+and fled from the camp.</p>
+
+<p>At that very instant the Delaware war-cry rang
+through the night and a moment afterward a great
+company of Minsi fighting men poured into the
+village. They threw themselves upon the bewildered
+Oneidas and Onondagas and completely
+overwhelmed them. The Minsi gained a quick and
+easy victory, for the superstitious Iroquois believed
+that some powerful Medicine Spirit had suddenly
+come to the aid of their foes, and they made little
+attempt to resist them. Finding themselves in
+danger of being speedily annihilated by the fierce
+fighters who had suddenly appeared before them,
+they, too, retreated from the camp in wild disorder,
+and sought safety in flight. However, the
+Delawares were determined to make the most of
+their victory, and they followed their fleeing foes
+far into the wilderness, exacting a terrible vengeance
+for the many wrongs which they had suffered
+at the hands of Standing Wolf and his followers.</p>
+
+<p>Late the following day when the last of the Delaware
+fighting men had returned to the camp,
+Black Panther called upon all to assemble
+and give thanks for the victory. It was a notable
+gathering, and the stern Delaware war-chief
+looked upon his warriors with great pride.
+Then his eyes sought out Running Fox, and for
+a moment he was almost overcome by his
+emotion.</p>
+
+<p>“My people, we have won a great victory,” said
+Black Panther. “Standing Wolf, the great Mohawk
+war-chief, is dead. Many of his people have
+followed him. The warriors who escaped are running
+toward their villages. It will be a long time
+before they come here again. Do you know how
+all this came about? Well, I will tell you. It is
+because Running Fox went into the Mohawk camp,
+and brought away the skin of the mysterious white
+Medicine Owl. Spotted Deer went with him.
+Those young warriors have done the greatest thing
+that has ever been done by a Delaware. But Running
+Fox has done something bigger than that.
+He has killed the great chief Standing Wolf. That
+fierce warrior killed many of our people. Yes, he
+killed many of our women and children. He destroyed
+our crops, and burned our lodges. We
+wished to live in peace, but he would not let us.
+He brought great trouble upon us. Now he will
+never trouble us again. Running Fox has brought
+it to pass. He is very young, but he has become a
+great warrior. Yes, he must have a place in the
+council-circle. I have finished.”</p>
+
+<p>The Delawares greeted the announcement with
+shouts of approval. They called Running Fox and
+Spotted Deer to stand in the center of the camp,
+while the great war-party paraded around them,
+singing the songs of victory. Then they suddenly
+stopped, and raised their voices in the great tribute
+which was only given to the famous war-chiefs
+of the nation. It was a high honor, and the happy
+lads strove hard to conceal their pride as they
+looked joyfully into each other’s eyes.</p>
+
+<p class='line' style='text-align:center;margin-top:1.5em;'>THE END</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Running Fox, by Elmer Russell Gregor
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+</pre>
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Running Fox, by Elmer Russell Gregor
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Running Fox
+
+Author: Elmer Russell Gregor
+
+Illustrator: D. C. Hutchison
+
+Release Date: October 2, 2013 [EBook #43864]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RUNNING FOX ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Roger Frank
+
+
+
+
+                              RUNNING FOX
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: The next instant his own arrow dropped his enemy to the
+ground.]
+
+
+
+
+                              RUNNING FOX
+
+                                   BY
+
+                          ELMER RUSSELL GREGOR
+
+                   AUTHOR OF "WHITE OTTER," ETC. ETC.
+
+
+                             [Illustration]
+
+
+                            FRONTISPIECE BY
+                            D. C. HUTCHISON
+
+                        D. APPLETON AND COMPANY
+                            NEW YORK--LONDON
+                                  1918
+
+
+
+
+                          Copyright, 1918, by
+                        D. APPLETON AND COMPANY
+
+                Printed in the United States of America
+
+
+
+
+                             ACKNOWLEDGMENT
+
+  I beg to gratefully acknowledge my indebtedness to Schoolcraft's
+  works on the Eastern Indians, and to Morgan's "League of the
+  Iroquois" for much valuable information about the old-time Lenape
+  and Iroquois Indians, and to the Lenape-English Dictionary edited by
+  Daniel G. Brinton, and published by The Historical Society of
+  Pennsylvania, for many ancient Lenape words.
+
+                                                 Elmer Russell Gregor.
+
+
+
+
+                           Table of Contents
+
+                 I--A LONELY VIGIL
+                 II--INTO THE PERILOUS NORTH
+                 III--A THRILLING ADVENTURE
+                 IV--IN THE GRIP OF THE RAPIDS
+                 V--WOLVES
+                 VI--A PROWLER IN THE DARK
+                 VII--THE MYSTERIOUS CANOE
+                 VIII--A NARROW ESCAPE
+                 IX--FORCED INTO HIDING
+                 X--SPOTTED DEER DISAPPEARS
+                 XI--A SKIRMISH WITH THE SHAWNEES
+                 XII--SMOKE
+                 XIII--SURPRISED
+                 XIV--ANXIOUS DAYS
+                 XV--A BATTLE WITH THE CHIPPEWAS
+                 XVI--THE ESCAPE
+                 XVII--PURSUED BY THE ENEMY
+                 XVIII--THE IROQUOIS BLUNDER INTO A TRAP
+                 XIX--THE ATTACK ON THE DELAWARE CAMP
+                 XX--VICTORY
+
+
+
+
+                              RUNNING FOX
+
+
+
+
+                        CHAPTER I--A LONELY VIGIL
+
+
+Having reached the age of sixteen winters, Running Fox, the son of Black
+Panther, a famous Delaware war-chief, determined to establish his
+reputation as a warrior. He knew, however, that before he could gain
+admission into the gallant company of fighting men he would have to
+prove his courage and ability in some daring exploit. Running Fox
+believed that the Delawares would expect some extraordinary achievement
+from the son of their most noted chief, and he resolved to surpass the
+most noteworthy deeds of his tribesmen. He spent many days trying to
+think of something sufficiently heroic to gain him the fame he desired.
+As he could come to no decision, he finally went to his father, and
+asked him to name the greatest possible achievement for a Delaware.
+
+The eyes of the stern Delaware war-chief lighted with pride as he heard
+the bold request of his son. He spent some moments silently studying the
+face of the eager lad before him. Then, convinced that Running Fox was
+in earnest, he answered him.
+
+"My son, you have asked me to tell you the greatest thing a Delaware can
+do. I will tell you. Far away toward Lowaneu,
+The-Place-Where-The-Cold-Comes-From, in the Mohawk camp, lives a great
+war-leader named Standing Wolf. You have heard our warriors talk about
+him at the council-fires. He has killed many of our people. We have
+fought many battles with him, but we cannot kill him. It must be that he
+bears a charmed life. We believe that he has some mysterious power. Many
+times our young men have surrounded him, but when they rushed in to
+destroy him he always killed most of them and escaped. He has done some
+wonderful things. It must be that he possesses some mysterious medicine
+charm. If you can go to the Mohawk camp and find out how Standing Wolf
+gets his power it will be the greatest thing you can do."
+
+"I will go," Running Fox cried, impulsively.
+
+"My son, you are brave enough, but you speak fast like a child," replied
+Black Panther. "You must think about this thing. Then you will begin to
+see how hard it is. Many brave warriors have tried to do it. Not one
+found out about it. Most of them lost their lives. The Mohawks are as
+keen as wolves. When you enter their country, you will be in constant
+danger of losing your life. If they find your trail it will be hard to
+escape. But if you feel brave enough to try to do this great thing, then
+you must go and talk with Sky Dog. He is a great medicine-person,
+perhaps he will be able to help you. Now I have told you what to do."
+
+"My father, I will do as you have told me," agreed Running Fox.
+
+He went at once to find old Sky Dog, the venerable Delaware
+medicine-man. When Running Fox arrived at the medicine-lodge and drew
+aside the huge bear robe that hung before the entrance, he saw the aged
+medicine-man sitting upon the ground before a small fire. He was tossing
+small handfuls of dried sweet-grass upon the embers, and droning some
+sort of medicine-song. He took no notice of the lad standing uneasily in
+the doorway, and Running Fox began to wonder whether he had better
+withdraw. While he hesitated, however, Sky Dog raised his head and
+looked to see who his visitor might be.
+
+"Hi, I see some one standing in the doorway of my lodge," he said,
+peevishly. "The light is bad, and my eyes are old, so that I cannot tell
+who you are. Come in here, and let me look at you."
+
+Running Fox entered, and stood before the medicine-man. Sky Dog nodded
+understandingly.
+
+"Now I see who you are," he said, "You are the son of a great chief.
+Well, what do you want?" he demanded, sharply.
+
+Running Fox suddenly felt bewildered in the presence of this great
+medicine-person. For some moments, therefore, he maintained an awkward
+silence.
+
+"Well, have you no ears?" Sky Dog cried, impatiently. "I have asked you
+something. Has your tongue left your mouth? Come, I am not here to be
+stared at."
+
+The sharp reproach instantly aroused Running Fox from his reverie. He
+saw that his stupid silence had angered Sky Dog, and he hastened to
+explain the reason for his visit.
+
+Sky Dog seemed astounded at his boldness. He shook his head, and stared
+thoughtfully at the fire. It was a long time before he replied.
+
+"You have spoken big words," he said, finally. "You are only a boy, and
+yet you have asked me to help you do something which our bravest
+warriors have been unable to do. Do you think that I will listen to such
+foolish prattle? No. You must show me that you are in earnest. Does your
+father know about this thing!"
+
+"Yes, my father sent me here," replied Running Fox.
+
+"Well, then I may do something about it," said Sky Dog. "But there are
+many things to be done before you can start on such a journey."
+
+"I am listening," declared Running Fox.
+
+"That is right. Well, first you must go to the sweat-lodge, and purify
+yourself so that you can pray to Getanittowit, the Great One. Then you
+must go away from the village for three days. You must go to a high
+mountain, and ask Getanittowit, the Great One, to help you. You must
+sing medicine-songs. You must not eat anything but a handful of parched
+corn once each day. Perhaps if you do these things Getanittowit will
+take pity on you, and send you a vision. If that comes to pass you must
+come to me, and I will tell you the meaning of it. If you do not receive
+a vision it will be useless to set out upon the undertaking, for you
+will surely be killed. I have told you what to do. Go."
+
+Running Fox left the lodge in high spirits. He had little doubt that if
+he faithfully carried out the commands of Sky Dog he would receive aid
+and power that would enable him to achieve his ambition. He went to his
+father and told him what Sky Dog had said. Then he hurried to the
+sweat-lodge.
+
+The Pimoakan, or sweat-lodge, was a low, dome-shaped structure made of
+willow boughs, and covered with several layers of animal robes. It was
+located close beside the river. As Running Fox approached it he saw Sky
+Dog and an aged assistant heating stones at a fire near the entrance to
+the lodge.
+
+When the hot stones had been rolled into the lodge Sky Dog ordered
+Running Fox to remove his clothing and crawl into the Pimoakan. Then the
+medicine-man and his companion filled raw-hide buckets with river water,
+and dashed it over the hot stones. When the lodge was filled with steam
+they hung a number of heavy bear robes over the entrance, and left the
+lad to his fate.
+
+For some moments Running Fox believed that he would smother in the
+stifling clouds of steam. Gasping and choking, he was on the point of
+crying out to be released when he suddenly realized what it would mean.
+He told himself that such an act would not only disgust Sky Dog, but
+that it might even arouse the anger of Getanittowit, the Great One. The
+possibility frightened him. He endured the ordeal with the uncomplaining
+fortitude of a hardened warrior. The hot, steam-laden atmosphere induced
+profuse perspiration, and water streamed from every pore in his body.
+Running Fox grew weak and dizzy. He fought to overcome his weakness,
+however, for he realized that it was only by thus cleansing himself that
+he might become fit to hold communion with Getanittowit, the Great One.
+
+While Running Fox was confined in the lodge, Sky Dog sat just outside
+the entrance, chanting medicine-songs. He ordered Running Fox to repeat
+them until he could sing them through without a mistake. Then Sky Dog
+drew aside the bear robes, and commanded Running Fox to come out. The
+lad staggered out, pale and faint. He presented a pitiful appearance.
+Sky Dog pointed toward the river, and Running Fox stumbled down the bank
+and threw himself into the icy water. The shock quickly revived him, and
+in a few moments he clambered out quite recovered from his experience.
+
+"Now you can go away and rest," said Sky Dog. "But you must keep
+thinking about the thing you wish to do. Then, when you feel strong, you
+must take your robe and a little parched corn, and go away. You must do
+that before two suns have passed. Go to some high place and stay there
+three days. During that time you must continue to ask Getanittowit to
+take pity upon you, and send you a vision. You must also keep singing
+the medicine-songs. You must not take any weapons with you for that
+would make Getanittowit very angry. At the end of three days come back
+and tell me what you have seen. Now I cannot tell you anything more.
+Go."
+
+Late the following day Running Fox took his deer-skin robe, and a small
+bag containing parched corn, and left the village. He made his way
+toward a high pine-clad mountain directly behind the great Delaware
+camp. There were few who saw him go away, for Running Fox had carefully
+guarded his plans. Two, however, his father and old Sky Dog, stood
+together at the edge of the village and watched him disappear into the
+shadows of the forest. Then they turned silently away, and walked
+thoughtfully to their lodges.
+
+When Running Fox finally reached the summit of the mountain the sun had
+disappeared, and the purple evening shadows were settling in the
+valleys. Seating himself upon the trunk of a fallen pine the young
+Delaware looked wonderingly upon the glorious panorama that lay before
+him. Far below was the Delaware village beside a splendid river which,
+like a great serpent, glided down from the north between parallel ridges
+of low wooded hills. Behind those ridges were others, rising one behind
+the other, like great billows, until they eventually ended in a long,
+irregular line of ghostly gray peaks far away against the brilliant
+sunset sky. The entire country was covered with a vast primeval forest
+which continued in all directions as far as the eye could see. At
+various intervals isolated woodland lakes flashed from its Bomber green
+background and rushing mountain cataracts blazed narrow white trails
+down the hillsides. It was an unspoiled picture of natural grandeur, a
+land blessed by the bounteous generosity of Getanittowit, who had filled
+it with blessings for his children. The waters teemed with fish, the
+forests swarmed with game, and the air was perfumed with the fragrance
+of the pines. Running Fox looked upon it with pride and affection, for
+it was the home of the great Lenape nation, his people, the Delawares.
+
+Then the lad turned his eyes toward the north, and his face grew stern
+and threatening. He realized that he was looking upon the hunting
+grounds of his enemies, the fierce and warlike Mohawks. Somewhere in the
+great silent wilderness that stretched for unknown leagues beyond the
+headwaters of the river was the Mohawk village in which lived the famous
+war-chief, Standing Wolf. Running Fox knew that to learn the secret
+which would enable his people to triumph over their enemies he must find
+and enter the hostile camp. For the first time he began to understand
+the difficulty and peril of his task. It seemed like a foolhardy
+undertaking for an untried lad of sixteen winters. Running Fox thought
+of the experienced warriors who had sacrificed their lives in the
+attempt. For a moment or so it weakened his confidence. He even wondered
+whether he might not have chosen a feat beyond his ability. The idea
+angered him. He told himself that no task was too great for the son of
+Black Panther.
+
+Running Fox continued his reveries until darkness closed about the
+mountain-top. Then, as the fires began to twinkle down in the Delaware
+camp, he rose and turned his face toward the sky. He stood some moments
+gazing at the starry heavens. Then he suddenly began his appeal to
+Getanittowit, the Great One.
+
+Late in the night Running Fox was interrupted by the sound of something
+moving stealthily through the forest. He was instantly alert, for he
+recalled that more than one daring Iroquois scout had been detected
+spying upon the Delaware camp from the summit of that very mountain. For
+a moment Running Fox longed for his weapons. The next instant he
+banished the thought for fear of angering Getanittowit. He believed that
+as long as he sang the sacred medicine-songs, and repeated the words
+which old Sky Dog had taught him, he would be safe from all danger. Thus
+assured, he listened without fear to the mysterious sounds in the
+darkness. At last a startled snort told him that it was only Achtu, the
+deer. A few moments later he heard it dashing away through the woods.
+
+Dawn found the devout lad, heavy-eyed and weary, still gazing into the
+sky and calling upon Getanittowit to help him. "O Getanittowit, take
+pity on me and help me to do what I have set out to do. O Getanittowit,
+send me a vision. O Getanittowit, I have sung the sacred medicine-songs
+many times to make you glad. O Getanittowit, take pity on me and help
+me." Running Fox continued to repeat the earnest appeal and sing the
+sacred songs throughout the day. With the falling of darkness, however,
+the exhausted lad ceased his exertions, and soon afterward fell into a
+heavy slumber.
+
+The following day Running Fox hovered on the verge of collapse. The
+scant daily ration of parched corn was insufficient to maintain his
+strength, and the long, trying ordeal began to sap his vitality. He had
+stationed himself on a bare granite ledge which formed the very peak of
+the mountain. There, in the full glare of the scorching summer sun, he
+stood and offered his prayers to Getanittowit. At times his head reeled
+and his legs trembled beneath him, but when that happened he staggered
+to the shade of the forest, and refreshed himself at an icy spring which
+bubbled forth between the roots of a massive hemlock. Then he toiled
+painfully up to the ledge, and continued the sacred ceremony which he
+felt confident would eventually win him the favor of Getanittowit.
+
+More than half of the day had passed when Running Fox discovered
+something which filled him with dismay. Far away toward the west
+threatening black clouds were piling up above the hill-tops. The young
+Delaware watched them with great anxiety. He knew that the Delawares
+considered it a very bad omen to be overtaken by a thunder storm while
+conducting one of their sacred ceremonies. It was considered especially
+significant if one were praying to Getanittowit, the Great One. Under
+those circumstances a thunderstorm was accepted as a sign of
+Getanittowit's displeasure. The thought filled Running Fox with panic.
+Keeping anxious watch of the darkening western sky, the superstitious
+young Delaware continued to chant the sacred medicine-songs to avert the
+ill fortune that threatened him.
+
+It was not long, however, before Running Fox realized that the storm was
+actually approaching. The ominous black clouds had formed into a great
+mass that was sweeping rapidly toward the sun, and the low, threatening
+rumble of distant thunder echoed among the hills. The air grew hot and
+stifling. A quick, darting line of fire cut the western sky. Running Fox
+turned his eyes appealingly toward the sun, as he sang the
+medicine-songs in a high, hysterical tone. Each moment he saw the storm
+gaining greater force. The sky grew blacker, the thunder sounded louder,
+and the lightning flashes became more frequent. Then the sun disappeared
+behind the edge of the storm-clouds, and a peculiar yellow light flooded
+the valleys. An uncanny hush had fallen upon the wilderness. Running Fox
+was awed by the sound of his own voice. It sounded harsh and unnatural
+for he was almost screaming the sacred songs in his eagerness to make
+them effective. Then another sound reached his ears. The wind was
+roaring over the ridge to the westward. A few moments later it swept
+over the mountain-top. A hawk sailed across the sky on the crest of the
+gale. Running Fox ceased singing to watch it. He wished that he, too,
+might flee as easily. Before the bird had disappeared, the storm was
+upon him. It began with a startling crash of thunder, and a crackling
+flash of light.
+
+Believing that his long ordeal had been in vain, and that he had in some
+way offended Getanittowit, the Great One, Running Fox wished to die. He
+knew that if he returned to his people with the disfavor of Getanittowit
+upon him he would be shunned as one in league with Medsit, the Evil One.
+He might even be driven from the camp. His heart failed him as he
+thought of the disgrace which he had brought upon his father. Then, as
+the first great drops of rain began to fall, he turned his eyes toward
+the village. A number of people were standing at the edge of the camp,
+gazing at the mountain-top. Somewhat apart from the others stood a
+solitary figure, whom the disconsolate lad thought he recognized as his
+father. The possibility roused him. He believed that Black Panther was
+there to give him courage and to urge him to continue his petition. The
+thought filled him with hope. Running Fox told himself that perhaps
+Getanittowit was only testing his faith and courage. Encouraged by the
+idea, he determined to show himself worthy. A few moments later,
+therefore, when the Delaware camp was swept from his sight by a terrific
+deluge of rain, Running Fox turned his face fearlessly toward the sky,
+and again sang the medicine-songs. He was a heroic figure as he stood
+alone on the mountain-top in the fury of the storm, calling upon the
+great being whom his people believed ruled over all their destinies.
+Most of the time his voice was lost in the crashing of thunder and the
+roaring of the wind, but in every lull it rose strong and confident with
+the new hope that had entered his heart.
+
+"O Getanittowit, I am still here singing the sacred medicine-songs," he
+cried. "O Getanittowit, take pity on me. O Getanittowit, do not send me
+back to my people without something good to tell them. O Getanittowit,
+when I first heard the dreadful Thunder Beings I was afraid. Now my
+heart is strong again. O Getanittowit, take pity on me."
+
+A terrifying crash of thunder was followed by a blinding flash of
+lightning that shattered a huge dead pine and filled the air with giant
+splinters. Running Fox was less than three bow-lengths from the tree.
+When it was struck he staggered backward with his hands before his face,
+and fell to the ground.
+
+When Running Fox finally regained consciousness, he found himself
+staring into darkness. For some moments he blinked his eyes to make sure
+that they were open. When he had convinced himself, a great fear entered
+his heart. He told himself that Getanittowit had destroyed his sight.
+Raising his eyes toward the heavens in mute appeal he was astonished to
+see the stars. He scarcely dared hope that they were real. He turned his
+head and looked about him. He saw the dim, shadowy outlines of rocks,
+and the shattered trunk of the giant pine. Then the truth suddenly
+flashed upon him. It was night. Getanittowit had taken pity upon him,
+and brought him back to life. Running Fox attempted to rise and give
+thanks, but he was too weak. Besides, he was wet and cold. He longed for
+his fire-sticks. Then, as he began to tremble, he suddenly remembered
+his robe. He crawled about until he found it. It was quite dry on the
+under side, and he wrapped it closely about him. Then exhaustion
+overcame him, and he fell back unconscious.
+
+Running Fox had barely closed his eyes when he heard some one calling
+his name. Then he saw Machque, the bear. For a moment Running Fox felt
+uneasy without his weapons, for the bear was a huge creature and looked
+very fierce. However, as he had heard it call his name he knew that it
+must be a medicine-creature, and he believed that it had come to help
+him. While he was looking at the bear, he heard some one behind, him
+calling his name. He looked and saw Achtu, the deer. It showed no fear
+of the bear, and walked up and stood beside it. Then Running Fox knew
+that they must be medicine-creatures. As he was thinking what to say to
+them, he again heard his name, and this time it was Woakus, the fox. It,
+too, went and stood beside the others. Then came Quenischquney, the
+panther, and Wisawanik, the squirrel, and Gokhos, the owl, and the
+terrible Wischalowe, the rattlesnake, whom the Delawares called "The
+Frightener." When they all were assembled, the bear was made the leader.
+
+"Running Fox, we have come here to help you," said this strange
+medicine-creature. "You have stood the test, and now we are going to
+help you. You are setting out to do a hard thing. If you do exactly as
+we tell you, you will go through with it. What I have to say is short.
+You know that my people are brave and powerful. You must fight and kill
+one of my people. Then you must eat his heart, and wear his claws about
+your neck. This will make you as strong and as brave as we are. I have
+finished."
+
+"Running Fox, you have heard some one who is stronger and braver than I
+am," declared Achtu, the deer. "But you must remember that strength and
+courage will not always save you. When you cannot fight you must run. My
+people are the fastest people who live in the woods. You are going out
+to do a great thing. I will tell you that you must kill one of my
+people, and eat his heart. Then you will be able to run faster than your
+enemies."
+
+"Running Fox, you have heard Machque, who is strong and brave, and
+Achtu, who is very swift, but you must also be very cautious. You are
+going upon a dangerous journey. If you are not careful you will surely
+be killed. My people are very hard to catch. If you can kill one of our
+old men, and cut off his ears, you will be as sharp as we are," said
+Woakus, the fox.
+
+"Running Fox, you have heard some great people," growled Quenischquney,
+the panther. "Well, now I am going to help you. It is a good thing to be
+strong, and brave, and swift, and cautious, but you must also be able to
+steal up and surprise your enemies. No one can do that better than my
+people. But I must warn you that our young men are very fierce, and you
+will have a hard fight if you try to kill one of them. However, I will
+give you power to do it. Then you must take the longest claw from each
+foot, and keep them about you."
+
+"Running Fox, I am smaller and weaker than all these great people who
+have talked to you," barked Wisawanik, the squirrel. "However, I am also
+more nimble, and better at hiding. If you wish to travel safely to the
+village where Standing Wolf lives, you must be nimble and good at
+hiding. If you will kill one of our chiefs who wear the black robes, and
+carry his scalp with you, you will be able to hide so well that your
+enemies will not be able to find you."
+
+"Running Fox, you have been promised some good things, but I am going to
+offer you the best of all," boasted Gokhos, the owl. "If you have all
+the powers that these good friends are going to give you, it will all be
+useless without my gift When darkness falls then it will be safer to
+travel through the forest. But to do that you must have eyes that can
+look through the night. My people have this gift. If you can kill one of
+our great white leaders, who live far away in the country of the
+Mohawks, you will not only be able to see as well at night as by day,
+but you will also have magic power to overcome whoever may try to harm
+you."
+
+"Running Fox, you know me; I am called 'The Frightener'," said
+Wischalowe, the rattlesnake. "Whoever hears my warning trembles with
+fear. If you will kill one of our old men, and tie his war-drum to your
+belt so that it makes a noise when you walk you will frighten away all
+who seek to harm you."
+
+When Wischalowe finished speaking they all remained silent, waiting for
+some talk from Running Fox. For some moments he was at a loss as to just
+how to address these strange medicine-creatures. While he was thinking
+just how to thank them they suddenly disappeared. At that moment Running
+Fox regained consciousness. Day had dawned, and the sun was well above
+the eastern ridges. For a moment or so the bewildered lad looked
+anxiously about him, expecting to see the strange creatures that had
+appeared in his delirium. When he failed to find them his heart gave a
+great hound of joy, for he believed that they had been
+medicine-creatures sent by Getanittowit to help him. The idea gave him
+strength, and he struggled to his feet and offered thanks to
+Getanittowit. Then he toiled painfully down the mountainside. It took
+him most of the day to reach the valley. When he finally staggered into
+the camp he went directly to old Sky Dog, and collapsed as he reached
+the door of his lodge.
+
+
+
+
+                   CHAPTER II--INTO THE PERILOUS NORTH
+
+
+That night Running Fox sufficiently recovered his strength to tell his
+dream to Sky Dog, the medicine-man. The latter listened with much
+interest as the excited lad described his conference with the strange
+medicine-creatures. When he had finished his story, Sky Dog assured him
+that the dream was a good omen. He declared that if Running Fox would do
+as the medicine-creatures had advised he would pass safely through all
+perils, and live to accomplish his purpose.
+
+Running Fox hurried to his father's lodge with a joyful heart. Having
+been taught to believe all the simple superstitions of his people, he
+had implicit faith in the assurances of the medicine-man. Still he
+realized that his task was a difficult one. He knew that if the Mohawks
+discovered his trail they would hunt him down as relentlessly as a pack
+of wolves, and he felt sure that if he fell into their hands death at
+the torture stake would be his only alternative. The thought sobered
+him. However, it soon fled from his mind, for he believed that the
+mysterious powers which he had received from the medicine-creatures, and
+his own courage and resourcefulness, would enable him to outwit his
+foes.
+
+Black Panther was much impressed by the story of the dream. He, too,
+declared that it was a good omen. He immediately sent criers through the
+village inviting the people to a feast to celebrate his son's departure
+upon the war-trail.
+
+When his plans became known Running Fox was besieged by a host of
+youthful volunteers who begged to accompany him. He refused them,
+however, as he was unwilling to assume the responsibility of a
+war-leader before he had tested his own courage and ability. Still there
+was one whom he found it difficult to deny. It was his friend, Spotted
+Deer, a lad of his own age, and his constant companion through all the
+happy years of boyhood. They had invariably shared every adventure, and
+the thought of being barred from the first real war-journey drove
+Spotted Deer into a frenzy of despair. He argued, he coaxed, he
+reproached, but Running Fox refused to yield.
+
+"No, my brother, I will not listen to your words," declared Running Fox.
+"A warrior must know how to fight before he leads his friends into
+danger. I have never faced an enemy. I do not know what will happen to
+me. Perhaps I shall do something foolish, and be killed. Spotted Deer, I
+must go alone. No, I will not change it in my heart."
+
+"Running Fox, now I know that you will do this thing without me,"
+replied Spotted Deer. "Well, I will not say anything more against it. I
+feel like a very old man."
+
+The night before Running Fox planned to set out upon his journey his
+friends came to his father's lodge to talk with him. The last to leave
+was Spotted Deer. The two friends sat together a long time. Running Fox
+attempted to be light-hearted and gay, but Spotted Deer was moody and
+depressed. However, when Running Fox brought forth the new war-equipment
+which he had received from his father, Spotted Deer's eyes lighted with
+enthusiasm, and he became lively and interested. Then, having inspected
+the various articles, he immediately relapsed into gloomy silence.
+
+"My brother, when the next sun comes you are going away," Spotted Deer
+said, solemnly, as he finally rose to leave. "Perhaps I shall never see
+you again. It is bad. I will not talk about it."
+
+They clasped hands, and looked earnestly into each other's eyes. Then
+Spotted Deer hurried away. When he had gone Running Fox seated himself
+at the back of the lodge, and sat a long time staring moodily into the
+darkness.
+
+That night Running Fox found it impossible to sleep. His mind was
+tortured by the thought of parting from his friend. Spotted Deer's words
+kept ringing in his ears: "Perhaps I shall never see you again." As the
+night dragged slowly along Running Fox was tempted to steal away while
+the inmates slept, to tell Spotted Deer that he might accompany him. He
+was dissuaded, however, by the fear of causing his friend's death. Thus
+the miserable lad fought his battle until the first gray light of dawn
+stole into the lodge, and then he finally determined to venture into the
+treacherous northern wilderness alone.
+
+When Running Fox appeared in the village equipped for the war-trail, he
+received a stirring ovation from his tribesmen. As he left his father's
+lodge he was immediately surrounded by a company of enthusiastic
+friends, who paraded him about the camp to the accompaniment of shouts
+and war-songs. Spotted Deer, however, took no part in the celebration.
+Running Fox was greatly disturbed at his absence. When he finally asked
+about him he learned that an old woman had seen Spotted Deer hurrying
+away with his robe and weapons at dawn. She said that he had gone toward
+the south. The news filled Running Fox with gloom. He feared that grief
+might have driven Spotted Deer to some foolhardy resolve. However,
+Running Fox had little chance to think of him at the moment, for he soon
+found himself the center of a great throng of people who had gathered to
+do him honor.
+
+The lad appeared to splendid advantage as he stood beside his father in
+the center of the camp. He was tall and graceful, with a fearless face
+and flashing black eyes. Unlike his father and the warriors, who wore
+their hair cropped close to the scalp, Running Fox had hair that reached
+to his shoulders. His dress was like that of the older men. He was naked
+above the waist, and wore a short buckskin skirt or tunic which extended
+to his knees. Fringed buckskin leggings covered his limbs. His moccasins
+were of elk-hide gayly decorated with dyed sweet grass. His equipment
+included an elk-skin robe, a hickory bow, a buckskin case filled with
+arrows, a flint knife, a stone war-club, a set of fire drills and a
+small bag filled with parched corn.
+
+"My friends, here stands a young man dressed for the war-trail," Black
+Panther told the Delawares. "Look closely at him for you may never see
+him again. He is going upon a dangerous journey, Yes, he is going into
+the country of our enemies, the boastful Mohawks, to find out how
+Standing Wolf gets his power. It is a great thing to do. If he lives
+through it I will give away many good presents. I have finished."
+
+The Delawares greeted the announcement with words of approval. Several
+prominent warriors made speeches praising the lad for his courage, and
+urging him to kill many Mohawks. Then old Sky Dog sang a number of
+sacred medicine-songs, and fastened a small buckskin bag containing
+sacred herbs about the neck of Running Fox to protect him from harm.
+
+At the conclusion of the ceremony Running Fox set out upon his journey.
+He followed a well-worn Delaware hunting trail that led northward along
+the river. It was Kitschinipen, the summer planting season, and a great
+primeval wilderness was at its best. The day was glorious. The sky was
+cloudless, the air was soft and balmy and the earth was flooded with
+sunshine. Wild flowers dotted the trail, and birds sang from the trees
+and thickets. Running Fox found much to interest him. He stopped to
+watch Tiskemanis, the noisy blue fisher bird, plunge into the water
+after his prey. He called cheerily to Mehokuiman, the red bird. He
+frightened ugly Gundaschees, the water-snake, from his sunny log at the
+edge of the river. Then he heard the stealthy approach of Achtu, the
+deer. As he had been advised to kill one of the old bucks by the
+medicine-deer, Running Fox hastily prepared his arrow and concealed
+himself behind a tree. In a few moments the deer approached the river to
+drink. It was a doe, however, and the young Delaware withheld his arrow.
+He knew that she had a fawn concealed in some nearby thicket, and he had
+been taught to spare the mother and young of all creatures that there
+might always be plenty of game for the hunters. He waited until the doe
+had finished drinking, and then he showed himself. For a moment the
+surprised creature stared at him with big frightened eyes, and then
+hounded gracefully into the woods.
+
+"Go in peace, my sister, I will not harm you," cried Running Fox.
+
+Soon afterward Running Fox had an experience that filled him with gloomy
+forebodings. He was seated upon a boulder at the edge of the water when
+he heard the harsh cries of Woapalanne, the great white-headed
+war-eagle. Looking into the sky he discovered the bird soaring in great
+circles directly above him. He feared that it was a bad omen, for old
+Sky Dog had told him that the sudden appearance of Woapalanne invariably
+meant war. Running Fox wondered if he was about to meet his enemies.
+Until that moment the possibility had never entered his mind, as he had
+considered himself quite safe as long as he remained within the Delaware
+boundaries. Now, as the war-eagle continued to hover over him, he became
+suspicious.
+
+"Hi, Woapalanne, I see you flying around up there," he cried, as he
+shook his bow at the eagle. "I hear you making a great noise up there.
+Sky Dog says it is a sign of war. Well, Woapalanne, you do not frighten
+me. I will not turn around. I have set out to do something, and I am
+going ahead with it. Woapalanne, Sky Dog says that you are a good
+friend. That is why I have told you what I am going to do. But you must
+not tell the Mohawks about me. That would be bad. Come, if you are a
+good friend you must help me. Now I am going up on top of that high
+mountain to look around."
+
+However, as Running Fox turned to enter the forest the eagle suddenly
+changed its tactics, and flew away toward the south. This unexpected
+maneuver greatly upset the young Delaware. His thoughts instantly turned
+to his friend, Spotted Deer. Having learned that the latter had departed
+upon some mysterious mission to the southward, Running Fox read a
+warning in the final action of the war-eagle. He believed that Spotted
+Deer was in peril. The thought refused to leave his mind.
+
+When Running Fox reached the top of the ridge from which he planned to
+reconnoiter the surrounding country, his sharp eyes quickly discovered
+something which instantly aroused his interest, A thin wavering column
+of smoke was rising against the sky some distance to the southward. The
+sight of it filled him with emotion, for he knew that it came from the
+Delaware camp. The day was almost ended, and in the distant smoke cloud
+Running Fox saw a vision of the peaceful evening scene in the Delaware
+village. In fancy he saw the happy groups about the fires, and heard the
+songs and laughter. He wondered if he had been missed from the merry
+little company before his father's lodge. Twilight was gathering, and
+the smoke column was slowly fading into the shadows. Running Fox looked
+upon it with longing eyes, for he knew that it would soon be gone. The
+thought saddened him. That frail spiral of smoke seemed like the last
+tie that bound him to his people, and he dreaded to see it broken. When
+it finally faded out in the dusk Running Fox felt a great loneliness
+surge into his heart.
+
+After he had carefully examined the country through which he intended to
+pass on the following day, the young Delaware began to look for a safe
+place in which to spend the night. He believed that it might be
+dangerous to remain near the river, as he knew that hostile scouts often
+followed the waterways under cover of darkness. Besides, he was still
+upset by the actions of the war-eagle, and he determined to take every
+precaution. He finally decided to camp beside a little spring, high up
+on the mountainside.
+
+Having killed a grouse earlier in the day, Running Fox broiled it over
+the embers of a tiny fire, which he was careful to conceal between two
+large rocks. Then, after he had eaten, he drew his robe about him, and
+sat with his back against a pine, listening to the night sounds of the
+wilderness. He heard Quekolis, the whippoorwill, raising his doleful
+lament down near the river. Running Fox had heard the old men tell weird
+tales about that mournful bird, and as he listened to its monotonous
+serenade he wondered if it really did possess all the mysterious powers
+with which the superstitions story tellers credited it. Then he heard
+shrill piping sounds from the grass, and he knew that the Zelozelous,
+the little black cricket people, were singing their medicine-songs. Some
+time later Running Fox was startled by a piercing scream that sounded
+from a distant ridge. He listened anxiously until it was repeated, and
+then he recognized it as the hunting cry of soft-footed Nianque, the
+lynx. Then the brooding, mysterious night-hush fell upon the forest.
+
+Running Fox rose and raised his hands toward the heavens. After a few
+moments of reverent silence he began to pray to Getanittowit. He asked
+for courage and strength to perform his task. Then, after he had sung
+one of the sacred medicine-songs to drive away any evil spirits that
+might have discovered his fire, he prepared a couch of sweet-fern and
+lay down to sleep.
+
+Two-thirds of the night had passed when Running Fox suddenly found
+himself sitting up, with his bow in his hands, staring anxiously into
+the dark. He did not know what had awakened him, and for a long time he
+neither heard or saw anything to give him a clue. He began to fear that
+he had been dreaming. Then a twig snapped, and he became suspicious. He
+knew that Mohawk scouts often ventured far into the Delaware hunting
+grounds, and he feared that one of those sharp-eyed foes had discovered
+his fire. The thought alarmed him. The possibility of an unseen enemy
+stealing upon him under cover of the night set his heart throbbing
+wildly. Still he had no idea of running away. Lying close to the ground,
+he fitted an arrow to his bow, and strained his eyes in an effort to
+find the mysterious prowler. For some time the silence was unbroken, and
+he began to think that he had been needlessly alarmed by some passing
+beast of the wilderness. Then he heard sounds which led him to believe
+that some one was cautiously approaching his hiding place. Convinced
+that he was about to experience his first encounter with an enemy,
+Running Fox waited with the calm reliance of a veteran. The noise had
+suddenly ceased, however, and the young Delaware believed that his foe
+had stopped to listen. A few moments later the soft querulous call of
+Gokhotit, the little red owl, sounded through the night. It seemed
+barely a bow-shot away, and Running Fox redoubled his vigilance. When he
+heard it again he became greatly excited. Then it was repeated a third
+time, and Running Fox breathed easier, for he recognized it as a signal
+from his friend, Spotted Deer.
+
+Running Fox was undecided as to just what to do. His first impulse was
+to reply to the familiar signal, but he overcame it and remained silent.
+As he saw no reason to alter the decision he had made in the Delaware
+camp, he planned to steal away and elude his friend under the protection
+of the darkness. However, it soon became evident that sharp-witted
+Spotted Deer had guessed his intention.
+
+"Hi, my brother, have you closed your ears to the greeting of a friend?"
+Spotted Deer inquired reproachfully. "I know that you are somewhere
+close by. Yes, I believe you are hiding away in the night. I have
+followed you here, and I will not turn back. No. If I do not find you,
+then as soon as it grows light I will follow your trail. Running Fox, I
+am going into the country of the boastful Mohawks with you. It is
+useless for you to say anything more against it. I have set out to do
+this thing, and now I am going through with it. Come, my brother, let us
+meet, and talk together. Now I am going to listen for something."
+
+Running Fox still remained silent. However, the loyalty and devotion of
+his friend had greatly affected him, and his heart was filled with
+conflicting emotions. He found it harder than ever to ignore the
+stirring appeal, and yet it seemed foolish to renew the discussion with
+Spotted Deer. At last, however, his great love for his friend forced him
+to answer.
+
+"My brother, I have listened to your words. You have done a foolish
+thing to come here. I was going to run away, but now I am going to stay
+here and talk with you. I believe it is the best thing to do."
+
+A few moments afterward they clasped hands, while their eyes flashed the
+welcome that neither could utter. Although he was still determined to
+continue the journey alone, nevertheless Running Fox was delighted to
+see his friend. He knew now that his fears concerning him had come to
+nought, and it filled him with joy. It was evident that Spotted Deer had
+turned toward the south to fool the Delawares, and then had circled
+around to intercept his friend. Running Fox admired his stratagem.
+
+"Running Fox, I believe your heart is bad toward me," declared Spotted
+Deer. "You say that I have done a foolish thing. Perhaps it is true, but
+I will not turn back. If you do not listen to my words, then I will go
+away and let the Mohawks kill me. Now you know what I am thinking about.
+Yes, I am going through with it no matter how it comes out. I have
+finished."
+
+"Spotted Deer, you are a good friend," Running Fox replied, warmly. "My
+heart is not bad toward you, but I must tell you that you have done a
+foolish thing. You must turn back. I am going ahead alone. I have told
+you about it many times. Now I must go through with it."
+
+They argued the question throughout the night. Then, as dawn crept
+slowly out of the east, Running Fox finally yielded to the persuasion of
+Spotted Deer.
+
+"Spotted Deer, I see that you intend to do as you say," declared Running
+Fox. "You say that if you do not go with me you will let the Mohawks
+kill you. That is very bad. Well, that makes me feel different about it.
+You are my friend, and I will not let you throw away your life. If you
+feel like going with me I cannot say anything more against it. Perhaps
+you will be killed, but I cannot help it. You have asked me to do
+something, and now I have done it."
+
+"Running Fox, you have done a good thing," Spotted Deer cried, joyfully.
+"Now I will sing again. I am going with you to find out about the great
+chief Standing Wolf. Perhaps we will have many fights with the Mohawks.
+You say that we may be killed. Well, my brother, we will die together.
+It is enough."
+
+
+
+
+                   CHAPTER III--A THRILLING ADVENTURE
+
+
+The sun was well above the mountains before the young Delawares
+descended to the river, and resumed the perilous journey into the north.
+Running Fox told Spotted Deer about the strange medicine-creatures that
+had appeared in his dream, and Spotted Deer became quite excited.
+
+"That was a wonderful thing to happen to a person," he declared,
+impressively. "You must do whatever those mysterious animals told you to
+do. I cannot help you. You must do those things alone. I have heard my
+father say that."
+
+"It is true," agreed Running Fox. "If you try to help me it might do
+great harm."
+
+As the lads were still well within the northern boundary of the vast
+Delaware hunting grounds, they had little fear of an immediate encounter
+with their foes-Still they were cautious, for they knew that such an
+experience was not impossible, as both Shawnees and Iroquois frequently
+invaded that territory to hunt and fish. The Shawnees were a powerful
+nation living farther to the westward, with whom the Delawares had
+fought many desperate battles.
+
+The day was about half spent when Running Fox suddenly dropped to his
+knees, and called excitedly to Spotted Deer. The fresh trail of a bear
+crossed a narrow strip of gravelly beach and disappeared into the woods.
+The tracks were huge, and it was evident that the animal had only
+recently crossed the river.
+
+"See, here is the track of Machque," said Running Fox, as he measured
+the footprints with his hands. "He must be very big, and very fierce. He
+cannot be far off. I will follow his trail, and try to kill him. Spotted
+Deer, you must wait until I come back. Perhaps it will take a long time
+to do this thing, but you must wait. It is the only thing to do."
+
+"I would like to go with you, but I believe it would be bad," declared
+Spotted Deer. "You must do as it appeared in your dream. I will wait."
+
+A moment afterward Running Fox followed the tracks into the forest. The
+lad had been well trained in the art of hunting by his father, and his
+sharp eyes had little difficulty in keeping the trail. It led him along
+the side of a rocky hillside, and then down into the bushy tangle of a
+dark spruce swamp. The footprints looked very fresh, and Running Fox
+moved forward as noiselessly as a lynx. He stopped after every few
+strides to look, and listen and sniff. He had never killed a bear but he
+had heard the hunters tell many stories about that crafty beast, and he
+knew that it was only by using the utmost caution that he could hope to
+get within bow-shot. He crossed the swamp without coming in sight of his
+quarry, and followed the tracks over the top of another rocky hill. As
+he was climbing carefully toward the summit he came upon an ant-hill
+that had been dug open by the bear. The demoralized ants were still
+rushing frantically over the wreck of their lodge. On the other side of
+the hill Running Fox lost the trail on a steep ledge of smooth gray
+rock. Circling carefully around the ledge he finally picked up the
+tracks leading down into a narrow ravine that penetrated far back into
+the hills. As the sides of the gully were covered with blueberry bushes,
+the young Delaware understood why the bear had chosen that route. He saw
+many crushed and uprooted plants which told him that the hear was
+feeding upon the berries. Running Fox hurried along the ravine in the
+hope of overtaking the bear at its feast, but although the trail seemed
+continually to grow fresher the eager young hunter was unable to get
+within sight of his quarry.
+
+The ravine at last led up to a wide grassy plateau closed in on three
+sides by low hardwood ridges. It looked like an ideal feeding ground for
+elk and deer, and Running Fox saw several well-trod trails leading
+through it. Then he saw something more interesting. Far over in the
+opposite corner of the plateau he discovered some animal lying down. It
+was beyond bow-shot, and Running Fox began to study how he might
+approach without being seen. When he had watched some moments he decided
+that the distant object was either an elk or a deer. As it failed to
+move he concluded that it was asleep. Then he suddenly thought of the
+bear tracks. They led directly out into the open plateau, and toward the
+mysterious object in the farther corner. Running Fox was perplexed. He
+knew that what he saw was not the bear. Still he realized that whatever
+it was it had come there after the bear had passed. The idea did not
+satisfy him, however, for he told himself that unless the bear had gone
+by a long time before, the keen nose of an elk or a deer would instantly
+have found the dreaded scent. In that event neither of those wary
+creatures would be likely to sleep on the fresh trail of their enemy.
+Running Fox felt positive that the bear had but recently crossed the
+plateau, for the grass which had been trodden down was still springing
+upright. Then the solution flashed into his mind--the animal he saw was
+dead.
+
+Having come to that decision Running Fox began to look for the bear. He
+felt quite sure that it was somewhere near the carcass, unless it had
+discovered him and rushed away. Still he rather doubted that, for the
+wind was in his favor, and besides he believed that a bear as large as
+the one he had followed would be in no great hurry to run off. He had
+often heard his father tell how a bear would loiter in the vicinity of
+such a bait for several days, feeding when hunger prompted and sleeping
+in some nearby thicket between meals. Running Fox also realized that the
+bear might have been feeding as he approached, and upon catching sight
+or scent of him had retreated into the woods to watch. In any event he
+told himself that the first thing to do was to go and examine the bait.
+
+Running Fox made his way cautiously along the edge of the plateau,
+taking advantage of whatever cover offered itself, and advancing against
+the wind. When he finally came within bow-shot of the bait he saw that
+it was an elk. Then he sat down to watch and listen. After he had waited
+a long time without seeing or hearing anything of the bear, he went
+forward to examine the elk. It was an old bull that apparently had died
+from old age. Running Fox was surprised to find that almost one whole
+side of the animal had already been eaten. He also saw that something
+had been tearing at the carcass but a short time previously. The grass
+was well trampled all about the bait, and Running Fox identified the
+tracks of many different animals. The freshest tracks, however, were the
+huge footprints of the bear which he had followed from the river.
+Running Fox believed that the bear was feeding upon the carcass when it
+suddenly became aware of his approach, and retreated into the woods. He
+felt quite certain that it would return, and he determined to conceal
+himself and watch.
+
+The Delaware found much to interest him as he sat quietly in his hiding
+place and waited for the bear to return. A flock of crows were the first
+to appear. They made a great racket as they circled about the elk, and
+the eyes of the young hunter flashed with anger. He knew from experience
+that those noisy birds gave warning to all the wild things of the woods,
+and he feared that their senseless commotion might arouse the suspicions
+of the bear. They soon flew away, however, and Running Fox felt much
+relieved. A short time afterward he saw something moving along the edge
+of the timber at the other end of the plateau. In a few moments he
+identified it as a deer. He took its appearance for proof that the bear
+was not at the moment anywhere near. Then, as he watched the wary
+creature browsing in the shadow of the woods, he heard soft, stealthy
+footfalls directly behind him. Fitting an arrow to his how, Running Fox
+turned in time to find himself facing a large red fox. Before the
+surprised creature could bound to safety the expert young Delaware sent
+his arrow through its heart.
+
+Recalling the advice of the medicine-fox which had appeared in his
+dream, Running Fox crawled noiselessly through the brush, and cut the
+ears from his victim. He saw that the fox was very old, as its teeth
+were worn almost to the gums. The discovery filled him with joy, for he
+felt sure that by carrying the ears of that wise old chief he would
+become as sharp and crafty himself.
+
+Then for a long time nothing more appeared, and Running Fox began to
+grow restless. The day was almost at an end, and he feared that Spotted
+Deer would become impatient. Still he had no thought of leaving the
+plateau, and was determined to spend the night there if the bear failed
+to appear before dark. At sunset, however, he heard some large animal
+moving through the woods. It sounded too heavy for a deer, and too noisy
+for an elk, so that Running Fox believed it must be the bear. His heart
+bounded at the thought. He had heard many stories about thrilling
+battles with those great beasts of the wilderness, and he hoped that he,
+too, might experience such an adventure. Then, as the sounds drew
+nearer, all else was forgotten as the eager lad hurriedly fitted an
+arrow to his bow, and fixed his eyes on the edge of the woods.
+
+Running Fox was not kept long in suspense. In a few moments he saw the
+bushes swaying, and the next instant a bear walked into the open. It was
+not the huge creature which Running Fox had pictured in his mind, but
+his disappointment soon gave way to surprise as two half-grown cubs
+immediately followed their mother from the woods. All three animals soon
+walked within range, but the bewildered young hunter withheld his arrow.
+He feared to kill the mother bear and her young lest he should offend
+the great medicine-bear which had appeared in his dream. Besides, he
+told himself that a warrior could scarcely boast of such a feat. He
+watched, therefore, while the old bear led her cubs to the carcass of
+the elk, and began to feed.
+
+Some time later when the mother bear raised her head and sniffed the
+air, Running Fox instantly became alert. As the old bear continued to
+watch the woods, the lad began to hope that the animal he had followed
+might be returning. However, the bear soon resumed feeding, and Running
+Fox believed that he was again doomed to disappointment. At that very
+moment, however, a stick cracked over in the spot toward which the
+mother bear had been looking. She again raised her head and sniffed.
+Then she began to growl. Running Fox watched anxiously. For some moments
+all was still, but the bear continued to growl, and sniff suspiciously.
+Then a great black object appeared at the edge of the woods. Running Fox
+knew at once that it was the bear he had trailed from the river. As it
+walked slowly into the open and he saw how big it was he could scarcely
+believe his eyes. It seemed to be very fierce, for it approached the
+bait growling and snapping its jaws. As it drew near Running Fox saw a
+round white spot, half as large as his hand, directly behind its
+shoulder. It immediately fired the imagination of the superstitious
+young Delaware. He believed that Getanittowit had placed that mark upon
+the bear to guide the Delaware arrow.
+
+Running Fox had been so absorbed in watching the approach of the giant
+that for the moment he had forgotten all about the mother bear and her
+cubs. Now he heard her growling and gnashing her teeth. He had expected
+to see her dash away at the first sight of the intruder, but she showed
+no such intention. Instead she gave every evidence of disputing the
+right of ownership which the big bear apparently intended to assert.
+Running Fox looked upon her with admiration as she stood there snapping
+her jaws, and growling defiance at the huge brute that threatened her.
+For a few moments the big bear stood watching her in surprise. He seemed
+puzzled by her unexpected show of resistance. Then it roused his
+fighting spirit, and he rushed forward roaring furiously.
+
+As the cubs dashed for the timber, squealing with terror, the mother
+bear prepared to meet the attack. She appeared scarcely more than half
+the size of the monster that had attacked her, and yet she seemed quite
+as fierce and eager to fight as he. When the big bear came within range
+she rushed at him, and he reared and attempted to fall upon her. She was
+too quick, however, and as he crashed down she rushed in and closed her
+jaws upon a hind leg. Wheeling with the agility of a panther, he snapped
+viciously at her neck, but she released her hold and jumped tuck in time
+to save herself. Then he rushed at her in blind fury, and knocked her
+off her feet. Turning upon her back, she clawed him like a wildcat.
+Snarling, biting and tearing, the maddened beasts fought with a fury
+that meant destruction to the vanquished. It soon became evident that
+the mother bear was doomed to defeat. The tremendous bulk and strength
+of her antagonist made him invincible. He was inflicting terrible
+punishment upon his courageous foe, and it seemed only a matter of
+moments before he would have her completely at his mercy.
+
+However, it was at that stage of the encounter that Running Fox joined
+in the fray. Completely carried away by the fierceness of the fight, the
+lad jumped to his feet and shot his arrow at the big bear. In his
+excitement, however, he missed his aim, and the arrow struck about a
+hand-width above the white patch behind the shoulder. The bear twisted
+about and snapped off the shaft close to its body. Then both bears
+caught sight of him, and immediately ceased fighting. For a moment, as
+they stood glaring at him and snarling, it looked as if they intended to
+unite in attacking their common enemy. Then, as Running Fox drove a
+second arrow into the body of the giant, the latter rushed forward
+alone. At that instant the cubs began whimpering at the edge of the
+forest, and the mother bear, weak and suffering from a score of ugly
+wounds, ambled painfully off to join them. As the great bear came
+roaring down upon him the young Delaware realized that he was fighting
+for his life, and the thought steadied him. Twice more he sent his
+arrows tearing into the great muscular body, but they seemed to have
+little effect. The infuriated bear stopped just long enough to snap at
+the feathered shafts, and then it made a final rush at its foe. However,
+during that momentary delay Running Fox had fitted another arrow to his
+bow. He held it until the bear was only a few paces away, and then, as
+it rose unsteadily upon its hind legs, he uttered the shrill Delaware
+war-cry and drove the arrow deep between its fore legs. The giant
+crashed to the ground, and the excited lad immediately rushed forward to
+strike it with his war-club. At that moment, however, the bear suddenly
+recovered and struggled to its feet. The surprised young hunter almost
+collided with it. It struck savagely at him, but he jumped aside, and
+shot an arrow into the fatal mark behind the shoulder. It finished the
+fight. The bear sank slowly to the ground, and lay still. This time,
+however, Running Fox was more cautious, and he remained at a safe
+distance until the last signs of life had vanished. Then he ran eagerly
+forward and began to cut off the great curved claws.
+
+By the time Running Fox had finished his task darkness had already
+fallen, and as he was a considerable distance from the river he
+determined to remain where he was until daylight. Then he suddenly
+thought of the wounded mother bear. He feared that she was too badly
+hurt to travel far away, and he had already seen enough of her temper to
+make him cautious about risking an encounter in the dark. He left the
+plateau, therefore, and spent the night farther down the ravine.
+
+
+
+
+                  CHAPTER IV--IN THE GRIP OF THE RAPIDS
+
+
+The sun was already above the tree-tops when Running Fox finally
+rejoined Spotted Deer at the river. They seated themselves on a fallen
+tree, and Running Fox showed his trophies and described his encounter
+with the bear. When Spotted Deer heard about the peculiar white patch on
+the bear's shoulder he suggested that it might have been caused by a
+former arrow wound. Running Fox scoffed at the idea, however, and
+insisted that the mark had been placed there by Getanittowit.
+
+"Yes, I believe that must be the way of it," Spotted Deer agreed,
+finally.
+
+Running Fox said that they must eat the heart of the bear to comply with
+the instructions which he had received in his dream. They kindled a tiny
+fire, and broiled the meat on a willow branch. Then, after Running Fox
+had sung several medicine-songs to pacify the spirit of the bear, the
+superstitious young warriors divided the precious trophy and ate it with
+solemn ceremony.
+
+"Now I will tell you something," said Spotted Deer. "After you went away
+I began to look around. I walked along beside the water. Pretty soon I
+heard a loud noise. Then I came to a place where the water goes very
+fast. It makes a great noise and jumps up and down. Yes, it looks very
+mad. I do not like that place. I believe the Bad Water Spirits live
+there. I have heard my father tell about them. He says that they are
+very fierce, and are always fighting down there under the water. Yes,
+that is what makes the commotion. My father has told me that when any
+one falls into such a place he is broken against the rocks, and eaten by
+those Bad Water Spirits."
+
+"Yes, that is so, I have heard about it," declared Running Fox.
+
+"Well, I stood there a long time watching that place," continued Spotted
+Deer. "Then I went ahead. Pretty soon I saw a long strip of woods out
+there in the middle of the water. I heard many birds singing in the
+trees, and I stopped to listen. Then I saw some big rocks sticking out
+of the water. As I was looking at them I saw a very big fish jumping
+along between the rocks and the woods. Pretty soon I saw another. My
+eyes told me that it was Schawanammek, the great sturgeon. Well, I kept
+watching and I saw many of those big fish passing along. Then I saw how
+they came to be in that place. The water was very swift all around that
+strip of land, but between the rocks and the woods it was not so bad.
+Well, when I saw those big fish I wanted to spear some of them with my
+arrows. I said, 'Hi, I will swim out to that place and kill some of
+those fish.' Then I saw how swift the water was, and I heard the noise
+of that bad place below. Well, I began to think about it. I said, 'I
+will wait until Running Fox comes back, and then we will talk about it.'
+Now we will go and see it."
+
+"Yes, let us go," proposed Running Fox, as his eyes lighted with
+enthusiasm.
+
+As the lads hurried along the river they soon heard the sullen roar of
+the rapids, and their hearts bounded at the sound. Then they came upon
+the long stretch of tossing white-caps, and they stopped and looked with
+superstitious awe upon the wild tumult of the waters. It was a
+terrifying spectacle. As Spotted Deer had said, the river appeared to
+have been roused into a fury. It raged past in great surging waves that
+crashed against the rocks and sent drenching showers of spray high into
+the air. In the calmer reaches the water whirled down into seething
+black pools which sucked down into their dismal depths whatever the
+torrent tossed into them. The Delawares shuddered as they looked upon
+them, for they seemed like doors to that weird underwater world where
+the Bad Water Spirits were supposed to dwell.
+
+"That is a bad place," Banning Fox said, solemnly.
+
+"Come, let us hurry away," proposed Spotted Deer.
+
+A short distance beyond the head of the rapids they came opposite the
+wooded island which Spotted Deer had described. They had not watched it
+many moments before they saw a great fish jump from the water between
+the rocks and the shore.
+
+"See, there is Schawanammek!" Spotted Deer cried, excitedly.
+
+"Yes, I saw him," replied Running Fox. "Look, there goes another."
+
+They watched several large sturgeon fight their way through the narrow
+channel that separated the rocks from the island.
+
+"Well, now you see how it is," said Spotted Deer. "Do you feel strong
+enough to swim out there and kill some of those fish?"
+
+For some moments Running Fox continued to study the water in silence.
+The river was smooth but swift at that spot, and the head of the rapids
+was dangerously near. Their angry roar sounded an ominous warning, and
+Running Fox hesitated. He realized that the adventure was filled with
+peril, and wondered whether he ought to risk himself for the mere sport
+of killing Schawanammek. It seemed foolhardy for one bound upon an
+important mission to take unnecessary chances. However, as the great
+fish continued to show themselves Running Fox began to waver. Then he
+suddenly realized that Spotted Deer was awaiting his decision, and the
+latter's proposal instantly seemed like a challenge. Running Fox
+believed that Spotted Deer might be testing his courage. The possibility
+made him reckless. Under those circumstances he would have tried to
+reach the island even though he knew that the attempt was certain to
+cost him his life.
+
+"Spotted Deer, I am going to swim out to that place, and kill some of
+those fish," declared Running Fox. "Will you go with me?"
+
+"Yes, I will go," Spotted Deer replied, quietly.
+
+"It will be a hard thing to do," Running Fox warned him. "That water is
+very strong. It will carry us along very fast. We must go farther ahead,
+before we start to swim. If we get to that place perhaps we cannot get
+away again. I do not know how it will be. Well, I am going to do this
+thing no matter how it comes out."
+
+They walked along the shore until they were several bow-shots above the
+island. Then, after they had concealed their robes and moccasins in the
+bushes, they tied their bows and arrow-cases on their backs and waded
+into the water. As it reached their knees they began to feel its
+strength, Each stride forward made it more difficult to remain upon
+their feet. When they had waded in waist-deep they threw themselves
+forward and began to swim.
+
+Once started, the lads swam boldly toward the middle of the river. Each
+stroke took them into swifter water, and they soon realized the
+seriousness of their adventure. Still they had no thought of turning
+back. The river swept them along at startling speed, and they swam
+desperately to get in line with the island. As they neared it they were
+dismayed to see great boulders directly ahead of them. They knew that
+unless they could get beyond them they would be swept against them and
+destroyed.
+
+"Come, we must swim harder," cried Running Fox.
+
+They redoubled their efforts. Every moment was precious. Running Fox was
+the stronger swimmer, and he began to fear for Spotted Deer who was
+several bow-lengths behind him. However, Spotted Deer saw his peril, and
+was struggling desperately to place himself beyond the path of the
+boulders. At last his efforts were successful, and he followed Running
+Fox to the head of the island. They found a shallow place where they
+managed to get upon their feet and scramble safely to the shore.
+
+"Hi, that was a hard fight," panted Spotted Deer, as they sat down to
+recover from their exertions.
+
+"Spotted Deer, I see that we have done a foolish thing," Running Fox
+said, soberly.
+
+"Are you thinking about those Bad Water Spirits?" inquired Spotted Deer,
+as he looked toward the rapids.
+
+"No, I am not thinking about those mysterious people, but I believe we
+have got ourselves into a trap," declared Running Fox. "It was a hard
+fight to get to this place, but it will be harder to get away."
+
+The idea sobered them. For the moment they forgot all about
+Schawanammek, the great sturgeon. As they watched the river sweeping
+past them, and heard the angry challenge of the rapids, they suddenly
+realized that they had placed themselves in a serious predicament.
+
+"Well, we have come here to kill some of those big fish," said Running
+Fox, attempting to make light of the adventure.
+
+"Yes, let us go and find them," proposed Spotted Deer.
+
+They moved carefully along the wooded shore of the island until they
+reached the narrow channel between the island and the boulders. The
+water was comparatively quiet at that place, and they were able to wade
+out to a large flat-topped rock upon which they seated themselves to
+watch for sturgeon. As they waited for the first big fish to appear they
+cast many uneasy glances toward the rapids. They appeared uncomfortably
+near the lower end of the island. The noise seemed much louder. The lads
+wondered whether they had underestimated the distance between the island
+and that long stretch of white-crested waves. Then a sturgeon entered
+the narrow channel, and all else was forgotten.
+
+"Hi, here comes Sehawanammek!" cried Spotted Deer, as he hastily
+prepared his bow.
+
+As the great fish swam past the rock Spotted Deer drove his arrow into
+it. It floundered helplessly for a moment or so, and Running Fox also
+sent an arrow into its body. Then, to the surprise of the excited young
+Delawares, the sturgeon turned and flashed down the channel with the
+current. A few moments afterward they saw it drifting helplessly into
+the rapids.
+
+"That is bad," said Spotted Deer. "We have lost two good arrows, and
+Schawanammek has fooled us."
+
+"Well, we have sent some good food to Gunammachk, the otter," laughed
+Running Fox.
+
+It was some time before another sturgeon appeared, and that, too, would
+have been swept away by the river if Running Fox had not jumped
+recklessly into the water and seized it. Aided by Spotted Deer he
+dragged it to the island, and pulled it into the bushes.
+
+"Well, we have killed Schawanammek," said Spotted Deer. "Now we must eat
+some of his flesh. Then we will be able to swim through the bad places
+like he does."
+
+"Yes, I believe it will be a good thing to do," agreed Running Fox.
+
+Having left their fire-sticks with their robes, the lads were compelled
+to eat the fish raw. Then they began to think about leaving the island.
+They had no desire to waste more arrows on such easy game.
+
+"Now we must get away from here," said Running Fox.
+
+"I see that it will be a hard thing to do," declared Spotted Deer. "I
+believe I was very foolish to talk about coming here. Now I have got you
+into a bad place. I do not like that."
+
+"Spotted Deer, I came here because I wanted to show you that I was not
+afraid. It was a foolish thing to do. Perhaps those Bad Water Spirits
+will kill us. Then our people will say, 'Running Fox was not sharp
+enough to escape from the Mohawks.' I am sorry I came here."
+
+They walked to the head of the island, and looked longingly toward the
+forest on the river bank. It seemed a long ways off, and the water
+looked very swift. Their task was to reach the shore before the current
+carried them into the rapids. They knew that to do that they would have
+to swim even harder and faster than they swam to reach the island.
+Running Fox believed that he might be equal to the task, but he had
+grave misgivings about Spotted Deer. The latter, however, felt quite as
+confident as Running Fox. Before they entered the water Running Fox sang
+several of the medicine-songs which old Sky Dog had taught him for just
+such emergencies. Then, having asked Getanittowit to help them, the lads
+began their perilous battle with the river.
+
+It was impossible to make any headway directly against the current, and
+the lads swam at a sharp angle but with their faces turned up the river.
+They had not gone far, however, before they saw that they were
+exhausting themselves without gaining enough to make the effort worth
+while. Then Running Fox turned and swam directly across the current. He
+found himself sweeping rapidly down the river, and he had grave doubts
+of reaching the shore before he drifted into the rapids. Each moment he
+heard their angry roar growing louder in his ears, and it nerved him to
+greater efforts. Calling upon Spotted Deer to increase his exertions
+Running Fox began a furious fight against the current. Strive as he
+might, however, he was unable to stay his mad flight down the river. The
+rapids were now only half as far away as they were when he started, and
+Running Fox began to lose heart. He had gone only a third of the
+distance between the shore and the island and each bow-length he drifted
+found him in rougher water. It suddenly dawned on him that it would be
+impossible to escape the rapids. For a moment the thought overwhelmed
+him, and he was on the point of surrendering. Then he heard a wild
+despairing cry behind him. Looking over his shoulder, he saw Spotted
+Deer turning back toward the island. Running Fox knew at once that the
+exhausted lad would never reach his goal. Twisting about he swam with
+the current to intercept Spotted Deer in his wild plunge down the river.
+
+"Come, Spotted Deer, show your courage!" cried Running Fox.
+
+The challenge roused Spotted Deer to heroic efforts. He fought just long
+enough to enable Running Fox to get in line with him, and then he ceased
+struggling.
+
+"Come, follow me!" shouted Running Fox. "Do not waste yourself. Let the
+water carry you. Watch out for the bad places."
+
+A moment later they were sweeping toward the rapids. Running Fox picked
+the route, and Spotted Deer tried to follow him. There was little chance
+to swim. All they could do was to keep themselves afloat, and try to
+dodge the rocks and whirlpools. It was a desperate chance, and the odds
+were all against them. However, it was the only chance for life and
+Running Fox had decided to take it. When they reached the head of the
+rapids they shot forward into a stifling smother of white-caps. Then
+they swirled down through the raging inferno of water at terrific speed.
+Monster waves surged over them, huge boulders flashed by within
+bow-length. Running Fox found it impossible to pick a route, and,
+terrified and bewildered, he confined his efforts to keeping his head
+above the surface and left the rest to chance. As for Spotted Deer, he
+lost sight of his companion as soon as they entered the rapids, and he,
+too, thought only of keeping from going down into the clutches of the
+Bad Water Spirits. Gasping, choking and struggling, the unfortunate lads
+were carried down the river. Once Running Fox crashed into a boulder,
+but fortunately it was a glancing blow and he escaped with nothing more
+serious than bruises. Spotted Deer drifted into one of the sucking black
+pools, and in some miraculous manner was whirled around the edge and
+thrown back into the current. There seemed no hope that either of the
+swimmers would escape with his life.
+
+Running Fox, however, finally reached the end of the rapids alive. When
+he found himself afloat in calm water he could scarcely believe his good
+fortune. His first thought was for Spotted Deer. He was nowhere in
+sight. What had become of him? There seemed but one answer. He had been
+pulled down by the Bad Water Spirits. Running Fox looked toward the
+rapids, and his eyes glowed savagely. Then he saw something bobbing down
+through the waves, and a great hope entered his heart.
+
+"Fight, Spotted Deer! Fight! I am here to help you!" screamed Running
+Fox, as he saw the form of his friend sweeping toward the end of the
+rapids.
+
+His words were useless, however, for Spotted Deer could not hear them.
+As his limp body finally shot into the still water and sank from sight,
+Running Fox dove after it and brought him to the surface. Then he swam
+painfully to the shore with him, and placed him tenderly on the beach.
+There was an ugly wound over his eye, and his limbs were bruised and
+swollen. Running Fox himself was bloody and bruised, but he gave no
+thought to his wounds. Bending frantically over his friend he worked
+feverishly to expel the water from his lungs. He had seen his people
+restore more than one unfortunate swimmer, and he had hopes of bringing
+Spotted Deer back to life. However, his efforts seemed in vain and he
+called hysterically upon Getanittowit for aid.
+
+"O Getanittowit, see what the Bad Water Spirits have done," he cried. "O
+Getanittowit, take pity on me, and give me back my brother, Spotted
+Deer. See, Getanittowit, he is sleeping. O Getanittowit, take pity on
+him and wake him up."
+
+Then he worked with renewed energy. Still Spotted Deer showed no signs
+of life. Running Fox was on the verge of collapse. He realized that he
+would soon be unable to continue his efforts. The thought roused him.
+Then, when he had given up hope, Spotted Deer sighed and opened his
+eyes. He stared stupidly at Running Fox, and again lapsed into
+unconsciousness. Still he was alive, and that was sufficient for Running
+Fox. His strength returned, and he continued his exertions until Spotted
+Deer regained consciousness. Then, as the latter smiled and whispered
+his name, Running Fox fell exhausted beside him.
+
+
+
+
+                            CHAPTER V--WOLVES
+
+
+The following day found the Delawares too stiff and sore from their
+battle with the rapids to proceed with their journey. They limped as far
+as the spot where they had hidden their robes, and made no attempt to go
+farther. Besides, they had lost a number of their arrows in the river,
+and they spent the day making others to replace them. Toward evening as
+Running Fox was stalking several grouse that had alighted in a tree, he
+suddenly came upon a number of tracks that immediately claimed his
+attention. Dropping to his knees he examined them with great care. Then
+he rose and hastened to tell Spotted Deer, whom he had left resting upon
+a couch of hemlock boughs.
+
+"Spotted Deer, if you feel strong enough you must rise and follow me,"
+said Running Fox. "I have found something to show you."
+
+"I will go," declared Spotted Deer, rising stiffly to his feet.
+
+They soon reached the spot where Running Fox had discovered the tracks,
+and Spotted Deer examined them with much interest.
+
+"This is strange," he said after a few moments. "These tracks look like
+the tracks of big dogs. How did they get here? Are we near a camp?"
+
+"No, Spotted Deer, these are not dog tracks," said Running Fox. "That is
+what I took them for when I first saw them. Then I knew different. These
+are the tracks of Timmeu, the wolf."
+
+"It is true," replied Spotted Deer.
+
+They noted that the tracks were several days old, and that the trail
+turned toward the north. It was also apparent that there had been a
+goodly number of wolves, for the lads saw tracks of various sizes. That
+night as they sat beside a small fire broiling the grouse which Running
+Fox had killed their thoughts turned to the wolf pack.
+
+"I have heard the hunters tell about those wolves," said Running Fox.
+"They are very large and very fierce. They have fought with many of our
+people. My father killed some of them when he was hunting along the
+river."
+
+"Why are they down in this country?" inquired Spotted Deer. "This is not
+the time for them to come down here. I have heard the hunters say that
+in the time of growing things they travel far beyond the country of the
+Mohawks."
+
+"What you say is so," replied Running Fox. "When it is cold our people
+have found them down near our village. I do not know how they come to be
+here now."
+
+"Perhaps we shall see them," Spotted Deer suggested, hopefully.
+
+"No, I do not believe it," said Running Fox.
+
+The next day they resumed their journey at daylight. They had quite
+recovered from their trip through the rapids, and excepting a few minor
+cuts and bruises showed little evidence of the rough treatment which
+they had received from the river. They felt that they had escaped with a
+very light penalty for their foolishness, and they were very grateful to
+Getanittowit. However, they agreed that they would be more careful in
+the future.
+
+"Pretty soon we will come to dangerous country," said Spotted Deer, as
+they continued up the river.
+
+"Yes, we must keep a sharp watch for our enemies," replied Running Fox.
+
+They traveled through a splendid forest of massive oaks and chestnuts,
+and they saw many signs of game. At one place they again saw wolf
+tracks, but they were many days old and the lads gave them little
+thought. Then they came upon a well-worn trail leading away from the
+river, and as it showed fresh deer tracks they determined to follow it.
+It soon led them to a shallow pool in the center of an open marshy
+swale. From the numberless footprints, and the manner in which the
+ground had been pawed, they knew at once that the place was a natural
+salt-lick. They also knew that animals of all sorts frequented such
+places, and as the day was less than half spent they determined to spend
+some time watching for game.
+
+"Perhaps we shall see some of the creatures that appeared in my dream,"
+said Running Fox.
+
+The wish was soon gratified, for they had barely concealed themselves at
+the edge of the woods when they heard something approaching. They
+watched closely, and in a few moments a splendid buck appeared on the
+border of the marsh.
+
+"Achtu," whispered Spotted Deer.
+
+"Sh," cautioned Running Fox, as he prepared an arrow.
+
+The wind was in their favor, and they had little fear of being
+discovered. The deer made a splendid picture as it stood silhouetted
+against the vivid green background of the forest. It was a big, graceful
+creature, with horns still sheathed in the soft moss-like covering which
+protects them until they complete their growth in the autumn. The buck
+spent some moments listening, and sniffing for signs of danger. Then,
+satisfied that all was well, he started toward the pool. At that moment,
+however, the wind veered and brought him the danger scent. For one
+fleeting instant he halted with his head raised in alarm. Then, having
+located the danger, he wheeled and sprang toward shelter. Two arrows
+sped after him. One flew high and stuck in a sapling, but the other
+buried itself in his side. Then with a great bound he disappeared into
+the woods. The lads heard him crashing away in mad flight, and they
+looked at each other with disgust.
+
+"That was bad work," said Running Fox. "I was not ready. The wind fooled
+us."
+
+"My arrow is sticking in that tree," laughed Spotted Deer.
+
+"Well, we must follow him," declared Running Fox. "My arrow struck too
+far back, but perhaps it will make him lie down."
+
+They hastened to the spot where the buck had disappeared, and found a
+number of large red splashes upon the leaves. It was evident that the
+deer had been hard hit, and they started hopefully on the trail. The
+buck was traveling in great bounds, and bleeding freely. It was not
+long, however, before they noticed that he was slackening his speed.
+
+"We will soon come up with him," said Running Fox.
+
+Both lads were well experienced in the art of deer hunting, and they
+instantly recognized the unmistakable signs that promised an early
+collapse. They hurried along the trail, therefore, with high hopes of
+overtaking their quarry before the end of the day. The tracks led them
+into a vast hemlock swamp, and they advanced with great caution, for it
+looked like an ideal hiding place for the wounded buck. They soon saw
+that the deer had begun to walk, and at one place they saw that it had
+stopped as if preparing to lie down. It had gone on, however, and the
+lads hurried after it, keeping a sharp watch on all sides lest it should
+suddenly spring from cover and escape. As they penetrated into the
+gloomy depths of the swamp they saw many fresh tracks of lynx, and foxes
+and rabbits, but they paid little attention to them for they knew from
+experience that it was only by constant vigilance that they could hope
+to overtake and surprise the animal they sought.
+
+"See, he is growing weak," said Running Fox, as he pointed to a place in
+the trail which indicated that the buck had stumbled awkwardly over a
+log that lay in his path.
+
+Then they saw him lying under a spruce a short distance ahead of them.
+The buck saw them at the same instant, and struggled to his feet.
+Running Fox shot his arrow and scored another hit, but as Spotted Deer
+released his bow-string the buck dashed between the trees and vanished
+from sight.
+
+"He will not run so far this time," prophesied Running Fox.
+
+The trail turned off at a sharp angle, and soon brought them to the edge
+of the swamp. They followed it through the woods to a pretty woodland
+stream, and there they found the buck lying dead beside the water.
+
+"Well, I have done what the great medicine deer told me to do," said
+Running Fox.
+
+"It is good," replied Spotted Deer.
+
+When they finished skinning and quartering the deer the twilight shadows
+were falling upon the forest, and they decided to spend the night beside
+the stream. As they were some distance from the river, they believed it
+might be safe to make a tiny fire and dry some of the meat to take with
+them. They worked at the task until long after darkness had fallen.
+Then, as they wrapped themselves in their robes, and were preparing to
+sleep, Spotted Deer suddenly sat up and listened anxiously.
+
+"What is that?" he asked Running Fox.
+
+For a moment or so they heard only the gentle murmuring of the breeze
+through the tree-tops. Then, far away in the night, they heard a sound
+that thrilled them. It was the hunting cry of the wolf-pack. They had
+heard it more than once in the winter near the Delaware village, and
+they recognized it immediately.
+
+"Timmeu has found the blood trail," said Running Fox.
+
+The sounds came from somewhere beyond the swamp, and the lads had little
+doubt that the wolves were following the trail of the wounded buck. The
+thought stirred them, for they believed that they were about to have an
+encounter with the savage brutes about which they had heard so many
+wonderful tales. The sounds soon united in a wild babel that grew louder
+and more distinct each moment.
+
+"They are coming fast," said Spotted Deer.
+
+"Well, we will wait for them," declared Running Fox. "Come, we will
+bring in some brush for the fire, so that we can see them."
+
+They hurried to gather several armfuls of dry wood. Then they raked
+together the embers of their fire, and fanned them into a flame. By that
+time it was evident that the wolves were almost through the swamp. They
+were making a great din, and it seemed as if there were many animals in
+the pack. The eyes of the Delawares flashed as the wild baying drew
+nearer.
+
+"Now they are getting close," cried Spotted Deer.
+
+"Yes, they have come out of the swamp," replied Running Fox.
+
+The lads had heard enough about that famous pack to feel sure that they
+would be attacked. Still the possibility failed to alarm them. They felt
+confident that they would be able to defend themselves, and they were
+eager for the fight. Then, as they waited anxiously for the wolves to
+appear, the commotion suddenly ceased.
+
+"Perhaps the fire has frightened them away," Spotted Deer said,
+regretfully.
+
+"No, I do not believe it," replied Running Fox. "Timmeu is very
+cautious. Perhaps they saw our fire. Perhaps they found the man scent.
+They are sneaking up to have a look at us. I have heard my father tell
+how they do that. We must keep a sharp watch."
+
+They listened anxiously, and peered eagerly into the darkness in the
+hope of locating the wolves. They felt quite certain that the wily
+brutes were close at hand endeavoring to learn the strength of their
+enemies before exposing themselves. For a long time, however, the alert
+young hunters could find no evidence of them. Then they heard a snarl
+almost in front of them. A moment afterward a pair of shining green eyes
+flashed in the darkness. The next instant they were gone.
+
+"Come, we must put some brush on the fire," said Running Fox.
+
+As the flames flared up and threw a circle of yellow light some distance
+into the woods, the lads fitted arrows to their bows and watched for a
+chance at the wolves. However, it appeared that those crafty beasts were
+wise enough to keep beyond the glow. The Delawares heard them trotting
+about through the undergrowth, but they were unable to see them. The
+caution displayed by the wolves seemed like cowardice to the eager lads
+who waited impatiently for them to attack, and they began to doubt some
+of the stories they had heard concerning their ferocity.
+
+"These animals are not brave," sneered Spotted Deer. "Come, let us run
+out and chase them away."
+
+"That would be a foolish thing to do," cautioned Running Fox. "We must
+not take any chances. I believe what we have heard is true. Perhaps they
+are getting ready to make a big fight. Listen. Do you hear that? It is
+their war-cry. Now we must be ready."
+
+A long, quavering howl sounded through the night. It was the rallying
+cry, and it was immediately answered by a wild din from the pack. It was
+evident that the wolves were growing bolder. They trotted about at the
+edge of the firelight, and the lads caught fleeting glimpses of dim,
+shadowy forms slinking through the shadows.
+
+"Perhaps they will get brave enough to fight," laughed Spotted Deer.
+
+"They will fight," Running Fox assured him.
+
+The carcass of the deer was between the lads and the wolves, and it
+appeared that the latter were preparing to fight for possession of it.
+Still, it was some time before they grew hold enough to expose
+themselves in the firelight. At last, however, one great wolf more
+reckless than its companions rushed toward the prize. As it came into
+the glow Spotted Deer shot his arrow, and the wolf rolled into the
+hushes, howling dismally. Elated at his success, Spotted Deer raised his
+voice in the Delaware war-cry.
+
+"That was a bad thing to do," said Running Fox. "Perhaps that will reach
+the ears of an enemy."
+
+"It is true, Running Fox, I was very foolish," Spotted Deer
+acknowledged, guiltily.
+
+At that instant the wolves charged in a body, and the lads saw that they
+would have all the fighting they desired. They killed several of the
+leaders, and for a moment the others hesitated. Then they divided and
+formed a circle, and the Delawares realized that they had been
+surrounded. Once roused to the attack, the wolves showed little fear,
+and the lads soon found themselves engaged in a desperate encounter.
+Standing back to back to prevent being attacked from the rear, they
+fought furiously to keep the ferocious animals from reaching them. More
+than one wolf was stopped in mid-air as it leaped forward to drag them
+to the ground. Once Running Fox was compelled to use his war-club to
+crush the skull of a wolf that had eluded his arrow. A moment later he
+heard a warning cry from Spotted Deer, and wheeling about he saw the
+latter borne to earth by a huge wolf that had two arrows sticking in its
+side. Running Fox drove a third arrow into the fatal spot behind the
+shoulder, and Spotted Deer leaped to his feet unharmed. Then the wolves
+suddenly became demoralized, and retreated into the shadows. Spotted
+Deer was eager to follow them, but Running Fox cautioned against it.
+
+"We have had a hard fight, but we have come out of it," said Running
+Fox. "If we follow the wolves into the darkness we may be torn to
+pieces."
+
+"Perhaps that is so," agreed Spotted Deer.
+
+They piled more brush on the fire, and kept a sharp watch for another
+attack. However, as the time passed and the wolves failed to appear, the
+lads believed that they had skulked off. Still it was a long time before
+they dared to leave the fire to recover their arrows from the bodies of
+the wolves they had killed. While they were engaged in the task they
+heard savage snarls coming from the darkness, and saw the flash of angry
+eyes. They realized, therefore, that they were in constant danger of
+attack by the wounded wolves that had been unable to retreat with the
+pack.
+
+"This is dangerous work," said Running Fox. "I believe the best thing to
+do would be to wait until the light comes."
+
+He had barely uttered the warning, however, when a great black form
+rushed from behind a rock and attacked him. It snapped savagely at his
+legs, but he jumped aside in time to avoid the cruel white fangs. Then
+he wheeled at bay. He saw the hateful green eyes glaring at him through
+the night, and he aimed his arrow a short distance below them. As he
+released the bow-string the wolf attempted to spring at him, but the
+arrow plunged deep into its chest and ended its life. After that narrow
+escape the lads decided to withdraw to the fire. They gathered enough
+wood to last them through the night, and planned to take turns watching
+until daylight.
+
+
+
+
+                    CHAPTER VI--A PROWLER IN THE DARK
+
+
+The night passed without further attack, and at dawn the lads scouted
+carefully about the scene of the battle and found the bodies of twelve
+large timber wolves. They found another wounded wolf hiding under the
+top of a fallen tree, and they rushed upon it and killed it with their
+war-clubs. Well pleased with their victory, the young Delawares spent
+some time chanting war-songs and dancing about the bodies of their
+victims. Then they broke off the tusks of the largest wolves as trophies
+to be proudly exhibited when they finally returned to the Delaware
+village.
+
+On the way back to the river Running Fox saw a small dark animal
+bounding along ahead of him. He immediately ran in pursuit of it, and as
+it flashed up the trunk of a tree he saw that it was, as he had guessed,
+a black squirrel. The squirrel hid on one side of the tree, and as
+Running Fox moved cautiously about the tree-trunk the crafty little
+creature moved with him, so that he was unable to surprise it. At last,
+however, Running Fox took his bow and stirred the leaves on the opposite
+side of the tree. It was an old hunting trick which he had learned from
+his father, and it proved entirely successful. Thinking that its pursuer
+was coming around on that side the bewildered squirrel edged around in
+full view of Running Fox. A moment afterward it fell at his feet with an
+arrow through its body.
+
+"Well, Wisawanik knows how to hide, but I fooled him," laughed Running
+Fox, as he held up the prize. "See, Spotted Deer, I have killed a chief
+who wears the black robe. Yes, I have done what the medicine creatures
+told me to do."
+
+Running Fox removed the black pelt with great care, and fastened it to
+his belt. Then they continued toward the river. As they neared the water
+they climbed to the top of a hardwood ridge to reconnoiter. They knew
+that they were almost at the end of the Delaware hunting grounds, and
+the thought made them cautious.
+
+"Pretty soon we will enter the country of our enemies," said Running
+Fox. "Many of our people have been killed in that country. We must be
+very watchful."
+
+"We will be as sharp as Woakus, the fox," replied Spotted Deer.
+
+They were able to see a long way up and down the river from the top of
+the ridge, and they studied the water with great care. However, as they
+failed to discover anything to arouse their suspicions, they soon
+resumed their way into the north. The day was more than half gone when
+Running Fox suddenly stopped, and pointed to a high rocky cliff on the
+opposite side of the river, and then to a massive dead pine directly
+ahead of them.
+
+"Do you see that high rocky place over there?" he inquired, turning to
+Spotted Deer.
+
+"Yes, I see it," replied Spotted Deer.
+
+"Do you see that big tree ahead of us?"
+
+"Yes, I see it."
+
+"Well, we have reached the beginning of the great Iroquois hunting
+grounds," declared Running Fox. "It begins over there on that side where
+you see those rocks, and it begins on this side where you see that big
+tree ahead of us. Do you know anything about those rocks?"
+
+"No, I do not know about them," replied Spotted Deer.
+
+"Well, I will tell you about something that happened there," said
+Running Fox. "I will tell it just as my father told it to me. Our people
+call that place Laktschellan, which means the-jumping-over-place. Now I
+will tell you how it got that name. A long time ago a Delaware hunter
+was chased up on those rocks by some Mohawks. Well, when they saw him up
+there they began to laugh because they thought he could not get away.
+Pretty soon they heard him calling down to them. He told them that he
+was going to jump down into the water. Well, when they heard that they
+began to laugh some more, because they thought he would surely be
+killed. Then some of the Mohawks began to climb up the rocks. When the
+Delaware saw them coming he gave a loud shout and jumped away from the
+rocks. He made a great noise when he fell into the water, and a white
+cloud flew high up into the air. Well, the Mohawks began to watch the
+water. They watched a long time, but he never appeared. Then they
+thought he was dead. Some of them began to jump into the water to find
+his body. Well, while they were doing that the Delaware was hiding in
+the bushes a little way off. He was laughing about how he had fooled the
+Mohawks. He waited there until the Mohawks got tired and went away. Then
+he ran to the Delaware camp, and told what he had done. The name of that
+brave man was Striking Hawk, and he lived a very long time ago."
+
+"That is a good thing to know about," declared Spotted Deer. "Whenever I
+pass that place I will always think about that brave hunter."
+
+A few moments afterwards the lads entered the hunting grounds of their
+foes. The real war-journey had actually begun. The thought thrilled
+them. Still they were serious and thoughtful. They knew that many foes
+lurked in the vast wilderness which they were about to explore, and they
+realized the difficulty of avoiding them. Besides the Mohawks there were
+several other tribes of the great Iroquois nation who wandered into that
+country to hunt and fish with their tribesmen. These visitors were
+mostly Oneidas and Onondagas, whose villages were comparatively near the
+Mohawks, but the fierce Cayugas and the still fiercer Senecas
+occasionally came from the lakes and mountains far away toward the
+setting sun. Then there were also the Shawnees, who frequently ventured
+into the Iroquois country in large numbers. Such an array of enemies
+might have made the most courageous warrior hesitate about entering that
+perilous region, and the young Delawares knew that they must keep
+constantly alert to their danger if they hoped to escape.
+
+The lads continued along the river until near the end of the day, and
+then they turned deeper into the forest to find a safe hiding place in
+which to spend the night. They were making their way carefully over a
+rocky piece of ground covered with blueberry bushes, when they heard a
+loud buzzing sound close beside them.
+
+"Hi, that is Wischalowe, the Frightener," cried Running Fox.
+
+They recognized the sound as the angry buzzing of a rattlesnake. It
+seemed to be in a dense thicket of blueberry bushes, The lads realized
+that they must approach it with caution, for they knew that its bite was
+very deadly. Running Fox picked up several stones, and advanced
+carefully into the thicket. When he came near the sound he stopped and
+looked for the snake. At last he saw it several bow-lengths ahead of
+him. It was coiled to strike.
+
+"Hi, Wischalowe, I have found you," cried Running Fox. "You look very
+ugly. Yes, you are called 'The Frightener.' Well, I am not afraid of
+you. Your war-cry does not frighten me. I have killed some of your
+people. Now I am going to kill you. But I am going to give you a chance
+to fight. Come, let me see how brave you are."
+
+Running Fox advanced directly toward the angry snake. He parted the
+bushes carefully with his bow, and walked almost within bow-length. Then
+he stopped, and continued to taunt Wischalowe. However, the rattlesnake
+made no attempt to strike, and Running Fox tossed one of the stones
+within a hand-breadth of it. The snake instantly lowered its head and
+flattened its body against the ground--it was evidently about to strike.
+Running Fox advanced a step nearer, and the snake uncoiled two-thirds of
+its body and struck at him. He saw the ugly open mouth and the deadly
+fangs as he sprang aside.
+
+"Well, Wischalowe, you are very slow, like an old man," laughed Running
+Fox. "Yes, I see that you are very mad about it. You are making a great
+noise. Perhaps it would frighten the women and children. Is that how you
+got your name? Well, Wischalowe, this will be your last song. Now I am
+going to kill you."
+
+However, as Running Fox threw the rock the snake struck, and he missed
+it. Then to his surprise the snake partially coiled and struck again. It
+was an unexpected maneuver, and the reckless young Delaware barely
+escaped. He struck savagely with his bow, and hit the reptile a stunning
+blow behind the head. Before it recovered he stooped and crushed it with
+his war-club. Then he cut the string of bony scales, or rattles, from,
+the end of its tail.
+
+"Well, that was an easy fight," laughed Running Fox, as he rejoined
+Spotted Deer. "Wischalowe tried to frighten us, and now I have killed
+him."
+
+"Wisehalowe was foolish," replied Spotted Deer.
+
+At the end of the day they stopped for the night beside a splendid
+little woodland spring, in the midst of a wonderful forest of towering
+hemlocks. The trees were so large and stood so close together that
+perpetual twilight reigned beneath them. Night came swiftly after sunset
+in that dense stand of timber, and the lads missed the cheery glow of
+the little camp-fire, for they believed that it would be foolhardy to
+run the risk of lighting it. They sat close together in the darkness,
+therefore, conversing in low, guarded tones and listening anxiously at
+the slightest sound. However, the great wilderness was unusually still,
+and they heard only the night wind whispering softly in the tree-tops.
+
+"Schawanachen, the warm wind, is singing the sleep song," said Running
+Fox.
+
+"It is a pretty song," replied Spotted Deer. "Come, we will pile up some
+of this long grass, and let Schawanachen sing us to sleep."
+
+They gathered several armfuls of the long feathery ferns that grew in
+great abundance at that spot, and made couches of them. Then they
+wrapped themselves in their robes and lay down to sleep.
+
+"Perhaps it would be a good thing for one of us to watch," suggested
+Running Fox.
+
+"No, I do not believe we are in any danger here," said Spotted Deer. "We
+have not seen or heard anything to trouble us."
+
+"That is true," agreed Running Fox. "Well, we will not do anything about
+it."
+
+They had not been long asleep when Running Fox awakened with a feeling
+that all was not well. He raised himself cautiously upon his elbow, and
+spent many moments looking and listening for signs of danger. Spotted
+Deer was slumbering soundly, and Running Fox determined not to awaken
+him unless he discovered something to verify his uneasiness.
+
+"This is a strange thing," Running Fox whispered to himself. "I do not
+see anything, and I do not hear anything, but I feel something wrong. I
+believe we are in some kind of danger. Well, I will watch."
+
+For a long time, however, he found no reason for his suspicions. Still
+the peculiar premonition of danger persisted. It troubled him. He
+believed it was a warning from Getanittowit, and yet he did not know how
+to interpret it. Then he thought he heard something moving through the
+ferns. He held his breath to listen, but the silence was unbroken. At
+last, convinced that his fears were groundless, Running Fox again lay
+down to sleep. He had barely closed his eyes, however, when he was
+roused by the same stealthy sound in the ferns.
+
+"Now I know that something is wrong," Running Fox told himself.
+
+As he sat up and stared anxiously into the night he again heard the
+gentle rustling of the ferns. For a moment he wondered if it might not
+be the wind. All was still, however, and even the murmurs in the
+tree-tops had died away. Running Fox felt that he was being watched. A
+few moments later his suspicions were verified, as a pair of glowing
+eyes shone from the darkness. Aware that they were threatened by some
+savage prowler of the wilderness, Running Fox leaned over and touched
+Spotted Deer.
+
+"Do not make any noise," cautioned Running Fox, as Spotted Deer
+awakened.
+
+"What has happened?" Spotted Deer inquired, anxiously.
+
+"I do not know what it is, but something is watching us," declared
+Running Fox. "Yes, I heard it, and I saw its eyes."
+
+"Perhaps the wolves have followed us," whispered Spotted Deer.
+
+"No, it is something different," replied Running Fox. "Listen."
+
+They heard something circling softly about them through the ferns. Then
+they caught the momentary flash of a pair of eyes. The next instant they
+vanished, and a twig snapped somewhere within bow-shot.
+
+"I believe it is Timmeu, the wolf," declared Spotted Deer. "Perhaps he
+has come back to fight us."
+
+"No, it is not Timmeu," replied Running Fox. "The eyes are different,
+and this thing moves slower."
+
+They heard a low growl, like that of an angry dog. Then they again saw
+the weird shining eyes watching them.
+
+"Perhaps some Evil Spirit lives in this place," Spotted Deer suggested,
+uneasily.
+
+"No, I do not believe it," Running Fox assured him. "I believe it is
+Quenischquney, the panther. Yes, it is the sound I heard in my dream.
+Now I will tell you what to do. I will shoot my arrow. Then if
+Quenisehquney jumps in to fight you must send your arrow into him. By
+that time I will be ready with another arrow."
+
+"I am ready," said Spotted Deer. "See, there are his eyes. He sounds
+mad."
+
+Running Fox discharged his arrow. They heard it strike, and then a
+terrifying scream rang through the night. A moment later a long dark
+form crouched before them. They heard the tail swishing rapidly among
+the ferns, and read a warning in the flashing eyes.
+
+"Do something!" cried Running Fox, as he prepared another arrow.
+
+Spotted Deer had hesitated an instant too long, and as he released his
+bow-string the panther sprang. It missed him by less than a bow-length,
+and disappeared into the night. They heard it coughing and snarling, and
+thrashing about in the ferns. Then it suddenly became quiet.
+
+"It is dead," said Spotted Deer.
+
+"Perhaps," replied Running Fox. "Quenischquney is very cute, we must be
+careful."
+
+They watched anxiously, but the eyes failed to appear. Then, as the
+silence continued, Running Fox began to grow uneasy. He feared that the
+panther might have sneaked away, and the possibility made him reckless.
+
+"I do not like this," he told Spotted Deer. "Perhaps, as you say,
+Quenischquney is dead. But perhaps he has sneaked away. That would be
+very bad. I must follow him and kill him. Yes, I must take his claws,
+and wear them as the mysterious Medicine Creatures told me to do. If I
+do not obey them something bad may happen to us. Now I am going over
+there to find out if Quenischquney is dead."
+
+"That is a very dangerous thing to do," protested Spotted Deer.
+
+"Well, I cannot help it," replied Running Fox. "I must not let
+Quenischquney get away."
+
+"I will go with you," proposed Spotted Deer.
+
+They waited some moments, watching and listening for a clue to the
+whereabouts of the wounded panther. Then, as the baffling silence
+continued, they advanced cautiously toward the place where they had last
+seen the glare of its eyes. They went forward very slowly, about a
+bow-length apart. It was very dark, and they realized that they must
+depend more upon their ears than their eyes to warn them of danger.
+After every third or fourth stride, therefore, they stopped to listen,
+while they peered anxiously on all sides of them for a tell-tale flash
+of those ugly green eyes. However, they neither heard or saw anything of
+the animal they sought.
+
+"I believe that fierce Quenischquney is dead," declared Spotted Deer.
+
+"We must not be too sure," Running Fox warned him.
+
+He had barely finished speaking when they heard a warning growl directly
+ahead of them. They stopped and watched for a chance to shoot their
+arrows. The growling continued, and they heard the ferns rustling, but
+they were unable to locate the panther. They knew it was close to them,
+but for some reason they were unable to discover its eyes. For a moment
+they were puzzled. Then Running Fox guessed the truth.
+
+"I know how it is," he whispered, excitedly. "Quenischquney is crouching
+down in the high grass. I believe he is getting ready to jump."
+
+"Shall I send an arrow over there where we hear him?" asked Spotted
+Deer.
+
+Quenischquney himself answered the question, for at that very instant he
+made his spring, and bore Spotted Deer to the ground. Running Fox saw a
+long black shadow pass before him, heard a short angry snarl, and then
+the quick startled voice of Spotted Deer. For an instant the suddenness
+of the attack bewildered him. He hesitated a moment to recover his wits,
+and then as Spotted Deer called to him he sprang to his assistance.
+
+"O Running Fox! Running Fox!" screamed Spotted Deer.
+
+"Use your knife!" cried Running Fox.
+
+The next instant he was upon the panther. He plunged his flint knife
+deep behind the shoulder.
+
+Then, as the infuriated beast turned upon him, he drove an arrow into
+its body. Quenischquney leaped, but crashed to the ground within a
+bow-length. For some moments he thrashed wildly about in the ferns,
+coughing and snarling furiously. Then he became still. The lads
+approached cautiously, and saw him lying quietly upon his side. Running
+Fox drove another arrow into him, but he failed to move. Then they went
+up to him, and saw that he was dead.
+
+"Did Quenischquney do much harm to you?" Running Fox asked Spotted Deer.
+"Come over here and let me look at you."
+
+"No, Quenischquney did not harm me," Spotted Deer replied, bravely. "I
+felt his claws, but I stuck my knife into his throat, and he could not
+bite me. Yes, I am bloody, but most of it came from Quenischquney. It is
+a good thing you were with me. If I had been alone I might have been
+killed."
+
+Running Fox saw that Spotted Deer had escaped without serious injury. He
+had a number of painful gashes on his arms and the upper part of his
+body, but Running Fox hurried him to the spring and soon stopped the
+bleeding by soaking small pieces of sphagnum moss in the cold water and
+inserting it in the wounds.
+
+"Well, you will have some marks on your body to tell about when we get
+back to our people," laughed Running Fox.
+
+"I will tell them how you killed Quenischquney," replied Spotted Deer.
+
+As Spotted Deer declared that he felt little pain from his injuries,
+they returned to the dead panther and cut off the claws. Then they sang
+medicine-songs, and danced about the body of Quenischquney until well
+along toward the middle of the night.
+
+"Now we will stop," Running Fox said, finally, "It will soon be light.
+Come, we will go back and lie down again."
+
+"Yes, we can sleep easy, fierce Quenischquney will not trouble us now,"
+replied Spotted Deer.
+
+
+
+
+                    CHAPTER VII--THE MYSTERIOUS CANOE
+
+
+The Delawares had not gone far the following day before they came upon
+an inviting eddy in the river, and as the day was unusually warm they
+determined to loiter for a swim. The water was cool and refreshing, and
+they splashed about in great delight. Spotted Deer especially enjoyed
+it, for the cold water felt very soothing to the burning gashes he had
+received from the panther. In spite of their frolicking, however, the
+lads kept a sharp watch for foes. They soon saw the necessity of it, as
+Running Fox suddenly looked up the river and discovered something which
+caused them to scramble frantically to the shore.
+
+A bark canoe had suddenly appeared around a bend of the river, and was
+drifting slowly toward them. The lads watched it with great uneasiness.
+It appeared to be unoccupied and abandoned. Still the suspicious
+Delawares feared a trap. "Perhaps some one is lying down inside of it,"
+suggested Spotted Deer.
+
+"Well, we will soon be able to find out about that," replied Running
+Fox.
+
+They studied the approaching canoe with great attention, but were unable
+to tell to what tribe it belonged. Running Fox had been well trained in
+the art of observing, and his sharp eyes soon told him enough to quiet
+his fears.
+
+"See, it sits high in the water," he told Spotted Deer. "If any one was
+inside it would be low down and heavy."
+
+"Yes, that is true," agreed Spotted Deer. "But some one may be swimming
+on the other side of it."
+
+"No, I do not believe it," said Running Fox. "It does not tremble, and
+it leaves no trail."
+
+Satisfied, therefore, that the mysterious canoe was deserted, the
+Delawares wondered how they might gain possession of it without exposing
+themselves to discovery. They feared that crafty foes might be watching
+from ambush, and they hesitated to show themselves.
+
+"See, it is moving toward land," Running Fox whispered, excitedly.
+
+A short distance below them a narrow gravelly beach reached far out into
+the water, and they noticed that the canoe was drifting directly toward
+it. They watched eagerly until the canoe finally struck upon the
+projecting point of land. Then, as the canoe swung slowly about with the
+current, they realized that they must act quickly to secure it.
+
+"I will go out and catch it," said Running Fox.
+
+He skulked through the bushes as cautiously as a fox. When he reached
+the spot where the canoe had struck he stopped to search the river for
+foes. Then he saw the canoe swinging stern foremost down the river. He
+realized that in another moment it would be beyond his reach. Throwing
+caution to the winds, Running Fox rushed boldly into the water and
+seized the prize. As he had guessed, it was unoccupied. As he drew it
+toward him it left a tell-tale mark in the gravel. However, he made no
+attempt to erase it, for he hoped that any one following on the trail
+would find it and be deceived. It made it appear that, having lodged for
+a time at that spot, the canoe had finally floated free and drifted down
+the river.
+
+Once in actual possession of the canoe, Running Fox signaled for Spotted
+Deer to join him. They waded with the prize until they found a safe
+hiding place, and then they dragged it into the bushes. They had found a
+long hickory bow and a buckskin quiver filled with arrows in the bottom
+of the canoe.
+
+"This is very strange," said Running Fox, as he examined the weapons.
+
+The lads saw at once that they were different in pattern from their own,
+and they had little doubt that they were of Iroquois design. Still they
+were not sure. They stared at them in amazement. The whole affair was a
+great mystery. They would have given much to know how far the canoe had
+come, and how the weapons happened to be in it.
+
+"Whoever left these things in that canoe was very foolish," said Spotted
+Deer.
+
+"Well, I see that he kept the paddle," replied Running Fox.
+
+"That is true, I did not see that," said Spotted Deer.
+
+At first the Delawares were inclined to keep the weapons, and hide the
+canoe in the woods until they returned down the river on their way to
+the Delaware camp. It would have been a splendid trophy, and they
+dreaded to lose it, but Running Fox finally decided to set it adrift.
+
+"This canoe has floated away, and some one will come down here looking
+for it," he said. "If they do not find it, they will become suspicious.
+Perhaps they will look for our trail. We have a long journey to make,
+and we are in great danger. We will not take any chances. Come, we will
+keep the weapons, and give up the canoe."
+
+"You are the leader, I will do as you say," Spotted Deer said,
+resignedly. "But if some one comes after this canoe they will miss the
+weapons."
+
+"We will fool them about that," laughed Running Fox.
+
+They carried the canoe to the water, and as they set it adrift Running
+Fox overturned it with his foot. Spotted Deer laughed as he saw the
+reason for the wily bit of stratagem which would make the owner of the
+canoe believe that his weapons were somewhere at the bottom of the
+river. They watched until the canoe floated slowly from sight around a
+bend of the shore.
+
+"Now we must hide, and watch to see who comes after it," said Running
+Fox.
+
+They concealed themselves in the bushes, and began to watch the river.
+All day they remained there, as alert and patient as a lynx waiting for
+prey. Nothing escaped them. Their eyes caught every movement, their ears
+heard every sound.
+
+"I do not believe any one will come," said Spotted Deer, after they had
+watched a long time in vain.
+
+"We must wait," Running Fox told him.
+
+Then, toward the end of the day, their patience was rewarded. They saw a
+second canoe coming swiftly down the river. They saw at once that it was
+similar in pattern to the one that had preceded it. It was guided by two
+sturdy paddlers, whom the lads recognized even at a distance as Mohawk
+warriors. It was not the first time that the young Delawares had seen
+those fierce fighters, for several had been captured and brought to the
+village by Delaware scouts. Now, however, they looked upon them with
+different emotions. The lads felt their hearts pounding wildly against
+their ribs as the Mohawks approached, but they had concealed themselves
+with great care and they had little fear of being discovered. At any
+rate there was no chance to retreat.
+
+"We must keep very quiet," cautioned Running Fox.
+
+The Mohawks kept to the middle of the river, while they watched the
+shore for signs of the missing canoe. As they passed, the lads studied
+them closely. The warrior in the stern of the canoe was a powerful
+middle-aged man of threatening appearance, but his companion looked more
+youthful and pleasing of countenance. They turned the canoe toward the
+beach, and the Delawares wondered whether they would discover the mark
+in the gravel. They were not long left in doubt, for they saw the
+younger warrior pointing toward the spot, and talking excitedly to his
+companion. The latter seemed suspicious. It was apparent that he was
+watching the shore. Then he said something, and they moved slowly toward
+the beach. They spent some time studying the mark in the gravel, and the
+Delawares watched them in painful suspense. They wondered whether the
+crafty Mohawks would really be deceived by the stratagem of Running Fox.
+However, they soon saw that it had been successful, for the paddlers
+pushed out into the current and disappeared down the river.
+
+"We have fooled those warriors," laughed Running Fox.
+
+"I could have sent an arrow into them," said Spotted Deer.
+
+"That would have been very foolish," Running Fox told him. "Perhaps you
+would not have killed them, and they would have gone back and told their
+people what had happened. No, we are in a dangerous country, and we must
+not let them know about us. If they see us it will be hard to get near
+their camp. The fox does not jump at the bear when he steals to his
+lodge for meat."
+
+"That is true," agreed Spotted Deer. "Well, I will be very cautious."
+
+"Pretty soon those warriors will come back," said Running Fox. "We must
+watch sharp."
+
+As the evening shadows were settling upon the forest the Mohawks
+returned with the missing canoe. They passed close to the shore, and the
+Delawares had a splendid view of them. They saw that the faces of the
+canoemen were streaked with black.
+
+"Those warriors are painted for war," said Running Fox, after the
+paddlers had passed from hearing.
+
+"Yes, I saw the black marks across their faces," replied Spotted Deer.
+"Who are they going to fight?"
+
+"I do not know," Running Fox declared, uneasily. "We must find out.
+Perhaps they are getting ready to fight our people. We will follow
+them."
+
+They waited until they felt sure that the Mohawks were a safe distance
+ahead of them, and then they left their hiding place, and followed
+cautiously up the river. They soon came in sight of the canoes, and
+trailed them until darkness finally blotted them from sight. Then the
+Delawares were puzzled. They had expected the Mohawks to stop at the end
+of the day. The fact that they still continued their journey made the
+lads believe that they were either in a great hurry, or else were making
+toward some familiar camp-site near at hand. The latter possibility
+induced the Delawares to follow on the trail. They hurried along within
+sound of the water, straining their eyes to catch the warning flicker of
+a camp-fire. However, as the night wore on, and they failed to get any
+trace of the mysterious canoemen, the Delawares began to realize that
+they were exhausting themselves in vain.
+
+"It is foolish to keep going," declared Running Fox. "Perhaps those
+warriors will not stop before it gets light. Perhaps they will stop, but
+if they do not make a fire we cannot find them. They are painted for
+war. Warriors on the war-trail do not make fires. If we try to go ahead,
+we may pass them. That would make things bad for us. I believe the best
+thing to do is to stop until it gets light."
+
+"Yes, I believe it will be the best thing to do," agreed Spotted Deer.
+
+They turned from the river, and reconnoitered carefully through the grim
+black wilderness in search of a safe stopping place for the night. They
+finally found suitable shelter in a thick stand of pines on the summit
+of a rocky knoll directly above the river.
+
+"This is a good place," said Running Fox. "When it gets light we will be
+able to see a long ways along the water. Perhaps we will find the
+Mohawks."
+
+They determined to keep a sharp watch until daylight, for they feared
+that their foes might be nearer than they supposed. It was agreed that
+one should remain on guard while the other slept. Spotted Deer said that
+he would take the first watch. He had not been long on guard when he
+heard the weird serenade of Gokhos, the owl. Acting upon the impulse of
+the moment he placed his hands to his mouth, and gave a perfect
+imitation of the call. Running Fox sprang up at the sound.
+
+"What was that?" he inquired, anxiously.
+
+"I am talking with Gokhos," laughed Spotted Deer.
+
+"You are very foolish," said Running Fox, as his eyes flashed angrily.
+"Warriors do not cry out like children when there are enemies about to
+hear. Perhaps what you heard was a signal. I have heard my father tell
+how the Mohawks use the voice of Gokhos to call one another. You have
+done a bad thing."
+
+Spotted Deer accepted the rebuke in silence. He suddenly realized the
+peril of his act. It filled him with shame. He could offer no excuse.
+
+"Running Fox, I see that I have done a very foolish thing," he said. "I
+did not think about it. Now I see that it may get us into trouble. I
+feel very bad."
+
+"We will not talk any more about it," said Running Fox.
+
+They listened anxiously, and in a few moments they heard the call of
+Gokhos again echoing through the forest. It seemed to come from farther
+up the river. The notes sounded perfectly natural, but Running Fox was
+suspicious.
+
+"I believe it is Gokhos," said Spotted Deer.
+
+"Perhaps," replied Running Fox.
+
+A short time afterward the cry was repeated nearer at hand, and Running
+Fox looked at Spotted Deer and smiled.
+
+"Perhaps Gokhos is coming to talk with you," he said. "I believe it will
+be better to move away."
+
+As they retreated cautiously into the night, the weird, mocking cry
+again came to them through the darkness. Running Fox strained his ears
+to find a flaw in it, but it sounded genuine. Still he was distrustful.
+
+"Well, perhaps it is only Gokhos," he told Spotted Deer, "I do not hear
+anything wrong with it, but I do not feel right about it. We have seen
+the Mohawks. They were painted for war. We are in their country. We must
+not be too bold."
+
+As he finished speaking they were surprised to hear Gokhos calling from
+somewhere down the river. For a moment it allayed their suspicions, for
+they realized that only Gokhos himself could have moved so rapidly. Then
+they heard the other cry farther to the northward, and their fears were
+strengthened.
+
+"Now I believe it is the Mohawks calling one another," declared Running
+Fox. "We will stay here, and watch until it gets light."
+
+
+
+
+                      CHAPTER VIII--A NARROW ESCAPE
+
+
+At daylight the lads continued along the ridge upon which they had spent
+the night, until they found a spot which offered them a long,
+unobstructed view of the river. Then they settled themselves to watch
+for their foes. The mysterious owl calls on the previous night had
+convinced them that some of the Mohawks were still down the river, and
+they hoped before long to see them. They waited patiently until half of
+the day had passed, but no one appeared.
+
+"Perhaps they are moving through the woods on foot," suggested Spotted
+Deer.
+
+"Perhaps," replied Running Fox. "We have watched a long time, but we
+have not seen any one. I believe the Mohawks have passed some other way.
+Come, we will go ahead."
+
+They advanced through the forest with great caution, for they knew that
+they might come face to face with their foes at any moment. Watchful,
+and alert to their peril, therefore, the lads took every precaution.
+Nothing escaped their notice. They stopped suspiciously each time the
+wind stirred the leaves; they strained their ears to catch a warning in
+the most familiar sound. The fact that the Mohawk canoemen were painted
+for war suggested the possibility of a large war-party somewhere near at
+hand. The Delawares knew that under those circumstances many sharp-eyed
+scouts were roaming through the woods on all sides of them.
+
+Toward the end of the day the lads heard a wild turkey calling. It
+seemed to be somewhere on a ridge to the eastward, and they stopped to
+listen. It was a common sound in the woods about the Delaware camp, and
+under other circumstances they would have given little attention to it.
+However, with the owl calls fresh in their minds, the Delawares
+immediately became suspicious. Running Fox placed his finger across his
+lips, and looked warningly at Spotted Deer.
+
+"I will keep as still as Achpoques, the wood mouse," laughed Spotted
+Deer, as he recalled his blunder with the owl calls.
+
+They listened some time before the call was repeated, and then they were
+unable to discover anything suspicious about it. Nevertheless they
+determined to wait until they heard it again. The next time, however,
+Running Fox thought he detected an unfamiliar note. He had hunted wild
+turkeys since he was old enough to pull a bowstring, and he was an
+expert at imitating their call.
+
+"I do not like that," he told Spotted Deer. "No, I do not believe it is
+Gulukochsun."
+
+"Well, we will listen again," said Spotted Deer. "I did not hear
+anything wrong about it."
+
+However, as the familiar gobble again rolled through the woods Running
+Fox was compelled to acknowledge that he found it entirely natural.
+Still he was not satisfied.
+
+"This is not the time when Gulukochsun sounds his war-cry," he declared,
+suspiciously.
+
+"I have been thinking about that," replied Spotted Deer.
+
+Then as they continued to listen they heard an answer. It sounded as if
+it came from the opposite side of the river. The lads looked at each
+other and nodded significantly. When they heard the call a second time
+they detected several strange notes that proclaimed it false. They felt
+certain that it came from a human throat.
+
+"Perhaps some hunter is trying to draw Gulukochsun over there,"
+suggested Spotted Deer.
+
+"No, I do not believe it," said Running Fox. "A hunter would come over
+here to find Gulukochsun."
+
+"Yes, that is true," agreed Spotted Deer.
+
+The counterfeit call was soon answered, and then the gobbling ceased.
+The lads were filled with suspicion. They began to mistrust that both
+calls were false. They believed that Iroquois scouts were again
+exchanging signals.
+
+"Perhaps these are the same people who talked with the words of Gokhos,"
+said Spotted Deer.
+
+"Yes, that may be true," replied Running Fox. "Well, I believe they are
+going to meet down there at the water. We will steal down there and have
+a look at them."
+
+"That will be a dangerous thing; to do," said Spotted Deer.
+
+"Yes, we must be very careful," Running Fox told him.
+
+Then they began a daring advance toward the river. They believed that
+the scout whom they had heard first was still somewhere behind them, and
+they hoped to reach the river ahead of him, They moved swiftly,
+therefore, watching and listening for the first warning of danger. When
+they finally got within easy bow-shot of the water they concealed
+themselves in a dense thicket of willows. Then they watched anxiously
+for their enemies to appear. It was not long before they again heard the
+turkey call on the other side of the river. A few moments after it had
+ceased, an answering gobble sounded from the woods directly back of
+them. It was so perfect that if they had heard it under any other
+circumstances they would have been entirely deceived.
+
+"Now watch sharp," cautioned Running Fox.
+
+At that instant they saw a solitary warrior moving swiftly along in the
+shadow of the trees on the opposite shore. In a few moments he dragged a
+canoe from the bushes, and paddled rapidly across the river. He had
+barely landed before another warrior passed noiselessly within several
+bow-lengths of the concealed Delawares, and joined him at the edge of
+the water.
+
+"They are Mohawks," whispered Running Fox.
+
+Spotted Deer was about to reply when one of the warriors suddenly turned
+and looked directly toward their hiding place. The lads felt quite sure
+that they had been discovered, and their hearts bounded wildly at the
+thought. Still it seemed impossible for the low whisper from Running Fox
+to have reached the figures at the edge of the water. However, after a
+moment or so the warrior had again turned to his companion, and the lads
+breathed easier. Then they heard a bird stirring about noisily in the
+undergrowth, and they understood why the warrior had looked toward their
+hiding place. They instantly realized the danger that threatened them,
+for both warriors were now looking intently toward the willows. The
+Delawares feared that in another moment their suspicious foes might
+decide to investigate the sound. Discovery seemed near at hand. They
+realized that they must do something to quiet the fears of their
+enemies. There was not a moment to spare. The lads looked anxiously into
+each other's eyes. Then the bird resumed its noisy search for food. One
+of the warriors prepared to send an arrow into the willows. At that
+moment Running Fox discovered the bird scratching among the leaves. The
+bird saw him at almost the same instant, and as he moved cautiously it
+sounded an alarm and flew above the bushes. The Mohawk laughed and
+lowered his bow. The danger had passed.
+
+Spotted Deer started to say something, but Running Fox placed his finger
+across his lips and warned him to be still. Their narrow escape had made
+him doubly cautious, and he feared that the lightest whisper might reach
+the sensitive ears of those alert scouts. They were conversing
+earnestly, and although they talked in guarded tones the lads distinctly
+heard the low unintelligible hum of their voices. They listened eagerly
+for they would have given much to know what was being said. However, the
+Mohawks were talking too cautiously to give them a clue. Besides, the
+Delawares doubted that they would have understood the Iroquois dialect
+even if they had heard it. Once the warrior who had crossed the river
+swept his arm toward the west, and the lads believed that he was
+describing something of importance which he had discovered in that
+direction. The Delawares studied the two men closely. They saw at once
+that they were not the warriors whom they had seen the previous day.
+These Mohawks were both great stalwart men in the prime of life. Their
+faces, too, were painted black in token of war. It was evident that they
+were scouts searching the forest for signs of their foes. In a few
+moments they entered the canoe, and poled it rapidly up the river.
+
+"Come, we must follow them," declared Running Fox. "I believe the
+Mohawks are gathering a great war-party. We must find out where they
+are."
+
+Once the canoemen had disappeared around a long wooded arm of the shore,
+the Delawares left the willows, and hurried through the woods in pursuit
+of them. They kept a safe distance from the water for they feared that
+the crafty Mohawks might suddenly return on their trail to make sure
+that no one was following them. The lads had a vague idea that they were
+nearing the headwaters of the river, and they began to look for several
+prominent landmarks which had been described to them. Toward evening
+they saw the first of them, a great granite-topped mountain on the
+opposite side of the river. They had often heard it mentioned by the
+Delaware scouts, and they realized that they were close to the great
+Mohawk trail, which began at the headwaters of the river and extended
+many leagues into the north. They also knew that the Shawnees entered
+that region from the westward, and their trails, too, were to be found
+somewhere in the vast forest beyond the river. The young Delawares
+realized, therefore, that each stride was taking them into more perilous
+ground, and they advanced with great care.
+
+As the long evening shadows finally began to reach out over the water,
+the Delawares feared that their foes were again about to escape under
+cover of the darkness. The possibility made them more daring, and they
+hurried along closer to the river. They had not gone far, however, when
+they discovered the Mohawks moving slowly along near the shore. Just
+before dark they landed, and dragged the canoe into the shadows.
+
+"I believe they will stay at that place until it gets light," said
+Running Fox.
+
+"We will watch for their fire," said Spotted Deer.
+
+"They will not light a fire," declared Running Fox. "Now I will tell you
+what to do. It would be foolish to go any nearer to them, before it gets
+light. We will stay where we are. When the light comes I will tell you
+something else."
+
+"Well, you are the leader," replied Spotted Deer. "I will listen to your
+words."
+
+When it grew dark they crawled beneath the drooping branches of a large
+spruce. Then as the night wore on, and they heard nothing from their
+foes, they stole silently to the river. All was black, and still, and
+mysterious, and they were glad to return to their hiding place beneath
+the spruce.
+
+As the first gray hint of dawn appeared in the east Running Fox awakened
+Spotted Deer, and led the way to the river. They waded carefully into
+the water and swam to the opposite shore. Then they stole silently
+through the woods until they were opposite their enemies. Dropping to
+their hands and knees, they crawled into the fringe of bushes that lined
+the water. Then, as the light strengthened, and they peered eagerly
+between the branches, they saw three overturned canoes dimly outlined in
+the shadows on the other side of the river.
+
+"That is strange," whispered Spotted Deer.
+
+"The Mohawks have found one another," said Running Fox.
+
+A short time afterward they saw a lone figure at the edge of the forest.
+They felt certain it was one of the Mohawk scouts. He stood in the
+shadows watching the river. Then he hastened across the narrow beach,
+and dropped at the edge of the water to drink. As he rose he looked
+across the river, and the lads thought they recognized him.
+
+"He is one of the warriors who found the canoe," said Spotted Deer.
+
+"Yes, now I see what has happened," replied Running Fox. "When we heard
+the calls of Gokhos, then that warrior and his friend were talking with
+the warriors we followed here. Now they are all together. Pretty soon
+they will meet the war-party."
+
+The Mohawk had already returned to the woods, and the lads watched
+anxiously. Then they saw four figures gather about the canoes. They had
+little difficulty in identifying them as the four scouts whom they had
+seen previously. The Delawares were somewhat puzzled, however, when the
+Mohawks carried two canoes to the water, and left the third lying at the
+edge of the woods. Then three of the warriors entered the two canoes and
+paddled up the river. The fourth Mohawk, whom the lads recognized as the
+younger of the two who had searched for the canoe, remained behind. He
+stood some moments looking after his companions, and when they passed
+from sight he turned up the beach and disappeared into the forest.
+
+"I believe the Mohawks have found some signs of the Shawnees," declared
+Running Fox. "They have left that warrior to watch. It is bad. Now we
+cannot follow them. We must wait and see what he is going to do."
+
+"Perhaps he will wait there until the war-party appears," said Spotted
+Deer.
+
+The possibility disturbed them, for they knew in that event they would
+be in a serious predicament. It was a long time before their suspense
+was ended. Then the Mohawk carried his canoe to the water, and
+disappeared down the river. The Delawares had not expected that
+maneuver, and they were unable to guess a reason for it.
+
+"Perhaps the Mohawks have found the Shawnees, and that warrior has gone
+to watch them," suggested Spotted Deer.
+
+"Perhaps," replied Running Fox. "I do not like it. Perhaps there are
+more Mohawks behind us. Yes, the war-party may be moving the other way."
+
+The thought alarmed them. As soon as the solitary warrior had passed
+from sight, therefore, the Delawares hurried up the river on the trail
+of his companions. When half of the day had passed they reached the
+headwaters of the river. They had failed to overtake the Mohawks, and
+they were somewhat at a loss to know just what to do.
+
+"It is bad," declared Running Fox. "We have come to a dangerous place.
+We have lost sight of the Mohawks. We must be very careful until we find
+their trail."
+
+"Perhaps they are watching this place," said Spotted Deer.
+
+"Well, we will creep around as softly as Quenischquney, the panther,"
+replied Running Fox.
+
+They scouted cautiously about the headwaters of the river until they
+found a narrow trail leading toward the north. When they stooped and
+examined it they found evidence which convinced them that some one had
+passed over it that very day. They had little doubt that it was the
+three Mohawks whom they had followed up the river.
+
+"Perhaps this is the trail that leads to the great Mohawk camp," said
+Spotted Deer.
+
+"No, my father told me different," declared Running Fox. "This trail
+leads to a big lake. Beyond that there are no trails. It will be hard to
+find the Mohawk camp."
+
+They were moving carefully along the trail when they were halted by the
+sound of voices directly ahead of them. It was evident that the speakers
+were almost upon them, and the startled lads darted into the bushes and
+dropped to the ground. In a few moments they saw two of the Mohawk
+canoemen returning along the trail. They were walking slowly and looking
+intently at the ground. It looked as if they had dropped something, and
+had come back to find it. The Delawares were on the verge of panic, for
+they believed that the sharp-eyed scouts would be almost sure to
+discover their trail. However, when the Mohawks passed by within
+bow-length of them the lads took hope. When they had gone from hearing,
+Running Fox sprang to his feet and called upon Spotted Deer to follow
+him.
+
+"Come, we must fool those warriors, and get a good start," he said.
+
+They ran directly along the trail, being careful to leave plenty of
+tracks. They had not gone far, however, before they heard the shrill cry
+of Nianque, the lynx, ringing through the woods behind them.
+
+"That is a danger signal," Running Fox declared, excitedly. "Those
+warriors have found our trail. Now we must run far back into the woods
+and hide."
+
+They turned from the trail, and sped through the forest like frightened
+deer. Then the lynx cry again sounded from the trail, and in a few
+moments they heard it answered from the north. They knew that the
+warriors who had discovered their trail had warned their comrade, and
+they believed that they would soon be pursued.
+
+
+
+
+                     CHAPTER IX--FORCED INTO HIDING
+
+
+The Delawares had not gone far when they heard sounds which convinced
+them that the Mohawks were already searching for them. The thought
+spurred them to greater efforts, and they scrambled frantically to the
+top of a low hardwood ridge to reconnoiter. They saw what appeared to be
+a large spruce swamp directly ahead of them, and they determined to make
+it their hiding place.
+
+"If we reach that place it will be hard for the Mohawks to find us,"
+said Running Fox.
+
+As they started down the ridge, however, the piercing Mohawk war-cry
+rang in their ears, and an arrow hummed angrily between them. Spotted
+Deer instantly turned to fight, but Running Fox seized his arm and
+dragged him forward.
+
+"Run! If we stop we may be surrounded!" cried Running Fox.
+
+They tore through the undergrowth at top speed and another arrow flew
+harmlessly above their heads. As they ran Running Fox continued to
+shout, "Saganaga! Saganaga!" It was the name by which the Delawares were
+known to the Iroquois, and Spotted Deer could not guess his reason for
+proclaiming his identity. They heard the Mohawk yelling savagely
+somewhere behind them, and they knew that he was leading his comrades to
+the trail.
+
+"Let us wait, and kill that warrior," proposed Spotted Deer.
+
+"Yes, yes, as soon as we get to the swamp," replied Running Fox.
+
+However, as they neared the swamp they heard other cries still farther
+behind them, and they realized that more Mohawks had joined the chase.
+Then the cries and signals suddenly ceased, and the Delawares knew that
+their foes were hurrying along in silence in the hope of surprising
+them. The lads dared not slacken their pace, and when they finally
+reached the border of the swamp they were almost exhausted. Then they
+turned at bay, and waited in ambush to kill the Mohawk who had attacked
+them on the summit of the ridge.
+
+"How did that warrior come up with us so fast?" inquired Spotted Deer,
+
+"Well, I believe that warrior was there all the time," declared Running
+Fox. "Perhaps he was traveling along that ridge when he heard the danger
+cry of his people. Then he stopped to listen. Pretty soon he heard us
+coming through there. Then he tried to kill us. I do not believe he
+knows who we are."
+
+"Then why did you keep calling out 'Saganaga'?" demanded Spotted Deer.
+"Now he will know that we are Delawares."
+
+"No, he will not know it," laughed Running Fox. "I called out that way
+to fool him. He will take us for Shawnees. Yes, he will say, 'Hi, the
+frightened Shawanos took me for a Saganaga.' Yes, he will tell his
+people about it. They will take us for the boastful Shawnees."
+
+"Running Fox, you are very sharp," said Spotted Deer. "Now I see that
+you have done a good thing. But we must kill that warrior who found us
+on the ridge. Yes, he will lead his people to this place, and perhaps
+they will find us."
+
+"Well, I would like to kill him, but I do not believe he will rush ahead
+alone," replied Running Fox. "Perhaps he was with a war-party. I believe
+the best thing we can do will be to go into this big swamp and hide."
+
+They watched and listened a few moments longer, and then they retreated
+into the dreary depths of the swamp. Two-thirds of the day had passed,
+and they believed that it would be impossible for the Mohawks to find
+them before it grew dark. Then they hoped to steal away under cover of
+the night. However, the Mohawks seemed determined to transform the swamp
+into a trap, for instead of following the fugitives they scattered and
+surrounded their hiding place. At nightfall the Delawares heard them
+signaling on all sides of them, and their hearts filled with gloom.
+Running Fox began to fear that he had blundered.
+
+"Spotted Deer, I believe we have done a foolish thing," he said,
+bitterly. "Yes, I believe we should have kept out of this place."
+
+"The Mohawks cannot find us here," Spotted Deer declared, confidently.
+
+"Well, I am not sure about it," replied Running Fox. "But it will be
+hard to get away."
+
+It was too late for regrets, however, and the Delawares determined to
+make the best of their predicament. When it grew dark, therefore, they
+began a cautions advance toward the edge of the swamp. They moved
+through the darkness as silently as phantoms. They had gone a
+considerable distance when Running Fox suddenly stopped and whispered a
+warning to Spotted Deer, who was following a bow-length behind him.
+
+"Listen, something is coming," cautioned Running Fox.
+
+"Where is it?" inquired Spotted Deer.
+
+"Sh," breathed Running Fox.
+
+Then, as they hastily prepared their arrows and stood there endeavoring
+to identify the sound, they heard stealthy footfalls somewhere ahead of
+them. They had little doubt that it was one of their foes. They wondered
+if it was the warrior who had surprised them on the ridge. A moment
+later a pair of great glassy eyes glowed in the darkness, and then they
+heard a frightened snort. The next instant a deer crashed off toward the
+border of the swamp.
+
+"It was only Achtu," said Spotted Deer.
+
+"It is bad," declared Running Fox. "If the Mohawks are watching they
+will hear Achtu. Then they will say, 'Something has frightened that
+deer. Perhaps it was the people we are looking for.' Yes, they will know
+where we are. We must turn and go a different way."
+
+"Yes, I believe it would be a good thing to do," agreed Spotted Deer.
+
+The lads immediately changed their course, and planned to leave the
+swamp farther to the west. They were moving cautiously in that direction
+when they heard the call of Gokhos, the owl. They felt quite sure it was
+a signal. In a few moments it was answered by the husky harking of
+Woakus, the fox. Both calls seemed to come from somewhere in the swamp,
+and the Delawares feared that the Mohawks had sent scouts to explore
+their hiding place.
+
+"The scouts have come to find us," said Running Fox. "We will fool
+them."
+
+They were almost at the border of the swamp when they were turned back
+by voices directly ahead of them. Then, as they retreated into the
+night, they again heard the short, quick yapping of Woakus, the fox.
+This time it seemed to be almost within bow-shot, and the lads realized
+their peril. They stopped and waited for the Mohawk scout to pass them.
+In a few moments they heard him. Then he seemed to stop, and the
+Delawares wondered if he had discovered them. Long, anxious moments
+passed while they stood there, with arrows ready, peering expectantly
+into the night. At last, however, they heard their foe moving toward the
+edge of the swamp, and they knew that for the moment at least they were
+safe.
+
+"We must go back to the place we came from," whispered Running Fox. "The
+Mohawks are all around us. We cannot get away."
+
+"We will hide until they go away," said Spotted Deer.
+
+They began a slow, cautious retreat toward the middle of the swamp. They
+were stopped many times by mysterious sounds which often seemed within
+bow-length of them, but each time the danger passed, and they finally
+gained the depths of the swamp in safety. Then they concealed themselves
+in the dense top of a fallen hemlock, and determined to stay there until
+daylight.
+
+"Now we must find a better place," said Running Fox, as the soft gray
+light of dawn penetrated their hiding place. "Pretty soon the Mohawks
+will come here to look for us. Then we must hide as close as Wisawanik,
+the squirrel."
+
+"This is a good place," replied Spotted Deer. "If we keep still it will
+be hard to see us in here."
+
+"No, I do not like this place," declared Running Fox. "The Mohawks will
+be sure to look into this tree-top. We must hide where they will not
+expect to find us."
+
+"Where shall we go?" asked Spotted Deer.
+
+"Come, I will find a place," Running Fox assured him.
+
+Running Fox led the way to a great black spruce with low sweeping
+branches. Then, as he began to climb, he asked Spotted Deer to remain
+upon the ground. When Running Fox finally settled himself well up toward
+the top of the tree, he called down to Spotted Deer and asked if he
+could see him.
+
+"No, I do not see anything of you," replied Spotted Deer, after he had
+walked carefully about the tree.
+
+"That is good," said Running Fox. "Now you must climb up here."
+
+As Spotted Deer began to climb they heard the first Mohawk signal. It
+sounded a short distance south of them. In a few moments they heard
+other signals from the east, the west and the north.
+
+"The Mohawks have made a circle," said Running Fox. "Pretty soon they
+will draw together. Well, I do not believe they will find anything in
+their trap."
+
+"No, Wisawanik has told us how to hide, and we will fool them," laughed
+Spotted Deer.
+
+It was a long time before the lads heard anything further from their
+foes. Then a flock of crows made a great commotion a short distance to
+the right of them, and the Delawares believed that the noisy birds had
+discovered one of the Mohawk scouts. They took delight in picturing the
+rage of the helpless Mohawk as he heard the crows proclaiming his
+advance to all within hearing distance of them.
+
+"Ahas is warning us," whispered Running Fox. "We must watch sharp."
+
+"Ahas is a good friend," replied Spotted Deer.
+
+When they had watched a long time without seeing any one they decided
+that either Ahas had fooled them, or else the Mohawk had turned in some
+other direction. Then the noise began again, and this time the crows
+were much nearer. Peering carefully through the branches, the Delawares
+saw them circling about above the tree-tops. As-they watched them, and
+realized that the Mohawk scout might move directly toward their hiding
+place, the lads suddenly understood their peril.
+
+"I do not like that," Running Fox said, uneasily. "If Ahas flies this
+way it will be bad. Yes, he will see us, and make a great noise. Then
+the Mohawks will know where to find us."
+
+"That is true," agreed Spotted Deer.
+
+They watched the crows with great anxiety. The birds were flying about
+in short circles, and making a great racket. Then some of the crows
+swung off, and flew directly toward the stand of spruces in which the
+Delawares had taken refuge.
+
+"Now we will see what is going to happen," said Spotted Deer.
+
+"Keep very still," cautioned Running Fox.
+
+As the crows approached their hiding place the Delawares huddled close
+to the trunk of the tree, and sat as motionless as statues. The crows
+passed so near that the lads distinctly heard the sound of their wings.
+They escaped discovery, however, and the thought gave them confidence.
+
+"See, those other birds are going away," Spotted Deer whispered,
+excitedly, a few moments afterward.
+
+The crows had suddenly ceased their noise, and were flying off toward
+the opposite end of the swamp. The Delawares watched them with thankful
+hearts. They believed that Getanittowit had suddenly chased them away.
+However, the lads knew that the danger was far from over, for at that
+moment they heard a signal within bow-shot of their tree. A few moments
+afterward they heard an answer. Then they heard twigs snapping, and they
+looked at each other in alarm.
+
+"The Mohawks are here," whispered Running Fox.
+
+They looked carefully down between the branches and saw a Mohawk warrior
+emerge from the shadows. He stopped within bow-length of the spruce, and
+the lads breathed fast with excitement. Then they heard him speak, and
+they saw that another Mohawk had joined him. The newcomer had approached
+so quietly that they had failed to hear him, and they realized how
+easily one of those soft-footed scouts might steal upon them under cover
+of the night. The two Mohawks exchanged a few words, and then they moved
+cautiously toward the top of the fallen hemlock. The lads trembled as
+they realized what would have happened if they had remained in that
+hiding place. The Mohawks stooped and looked carefully into the dense
+tangle of branches, and then they seated themselves upon the prostrate
+trunk. It was not long, however, before another signal sounded close at
+hand, and one of the warriors raised his hands to his mouth and imitated
+the gobble of the wild turkey. It brought an immediate response, and
+soon afterward a third warrior appeared. It looked as if the Mohawks had
+selected that very spot for a meeting place, and the alarmed Delawares
+feared the result. They knew that at any moment one of the keen-eyed
+scouts might decide to look into the tree-tops, and the possibility kept
+them in painful suspense. Signals were constantly being exchanged
+between the scouts who had met, and those who were still searching the
+swamp, and the crafty Delawares were careful to memorize the calls. When
+the signaling finally ceased the lads courted ten Mohawks sitting in
+council near the base of the spruce. They were stern, fierce looking
+men, and the Delawares could easily guess what their fate would be if
+they fell into their hands.
+
+Finally, after what seemed an eternity to the anxious lads in the
+tree-top, the Mohawks rose and prepared to leave. However, at the very
+moment when the Delawares were rejoicing in their good fortune, one of
+the scouts turned and looked toward the big spruce. The lads believed
+that in some mysterious way he had suddenly learned their whereabouts.
+Their hearts almost stopped beating at the thought. The Mohawk was still
+looking up at the tree, and saying something to one of his companions.
+That warrior, too, seemed to have discovered something of interest in
+the top of the spruce. The Delawares were almost afraid to breathe. They
+knew that the slightest move would betray them. Then as the moments
+passed, and the Mohawks showed no intention of attacking them, they
+began to hope that they had not been seen. Still the two Mohawks
+continued to talk, and watch the tree. The other scouts had already
+passed from sight.
+
+"Come, these warriors are alone, let us kill them before they tell their
+friends about us," whispered Spotted Deer.
+
+"No, we must wait until we are sure they have found us," cautioned
+Running Fox.
+
+A moment afterward they saw the wisdom of his advice, for the two
+Mohawks turned and disappeared after their comrades. The Delawares
+looked after them in wide-eyed astonishment. They could scarcely believe
+that they had gone.
+
+"See, the robe Wisawanik gave us hides us from our enemies," said
+Running Fox. "Yes, Ahas flew over us, and could not find us. Then the
+boastful Mohawks looked into this tree, and could not see us."
+
+"Perhaps the Mohawks have gone to tell their friends about us,"
+suggested Spotted Deer. "Perhaps they will come back."
+
+"No, they would not leave us here to get away," replied Running Fox. "I
+believe that warrior was looking at this great tree. Yes, I believe he
+was telling his friend something about it. Perhaps something happened to
+him at this place. I do not believe he saw us."
+
+However, the lads watched anxiously for some time after the Mohawks had
+disappeared. More than once they thought they heard them returning, but
+as the time passed and they failed to appear the Delawares began to hope
+that they had actually left the swamp. They had little doubt that other
+Mohawks were stationed along the boundaries of the swamp, and they
+believed it would be folly to attempt to leave their hiding place before
+their foes had abandoned the search. They felt quite certain that the
+Mohawks would loiter along the edge of the swamp through the night,
+hoping that the fugitives would attempt to escape under cover of
+darkness. Therefore, the wily Delawares determined to remain in the
+swamp until the following day.
+
+"It is the best thing to do," declared Running Fox. "If the Mohawks do
+not hear anything of us when it grows dark, then I believe they will
+give up the hunt. Yes, I believe they will go away before the next sun
+appears."
+
+"You are a good leader," Spotted Dear declared, loyally, "You have
+fooled the Mohawks. Now I believe we will get out of here."
+
+
+
+
+                   CHAPTER X--SPOTTED DEER DISAPPEARS
+
+
+The night passed without alarm, and at daylight the Delawares began to
+listen for signals. As the time passed, and they neither saw nor heard
+anything of the Mohawks, they believed that they had finally abandoned
+the pursuit.
+
+"It is good," declared Spotted Deer. "Now we will hurry away from here,"
+
+"No, we must wait a little longer," Running Fox warned him. "I believe
+the Mohawks have gone away, but we must be sure. Perhaps they are
+keeping quiet to fool us. Yes, they may be waiting along the edge of the
+swamp."
+
+"Well, we will stay here," agreed Spotted Deer.
+
+They waited until the day was half gone, and then, having heard nothing
+to rouse their suspicions, they again moved cautiously toward the border
+of the swamp. As they neared it, they stopped and spent a long time
+listening and watching. The way seemed clear, however, and they
+determined to risk all on the chance. A few moments afterward they
+crossed the boundary of the swamp, and disappeared into the forest.
+
+"Now we are safe," laughed Spotted Deer.
+
+"Well, we got out of that trap, but there is still great danger,"
+Running Fox warned him. "This country is filled with our enemies. We
+must keep watching."
+
+Running Fox turned toward the west, as he believed that the Mohawks were
+somewhere to the eastward. Besides, if his enemies should discover his
+trail he hoped to mislead them into believing that he and Spotted Deer
+were Shawnees, for he knew that those people lived in the great
+wilderness to the westward. The Delawares continued to travel until long
+after darkness had fallen, and finally stopped in a dense forest of
+pines. They were greatly elated over their successful escape, but they
+were somewhat worried by the thought that the Mohawks might have learned
+their identity.
+
+"If they know who we are, it will be hard to get near their camp," said
+Spotted Deer.
+
+"Yes, that is true," replied Running Fox. "But I do not believe they
+know who we are. I believe they took us for Shawnee scouts."
+
+The next day the Delawares turned toward the north. They had been told
+that the Mohawk village was somewhere within a day's journey of a large
+woodland lake, and they climbed to all the high places to look for it.
+Their efforts were in vain, however, for the vast wilderness continued
+unbroken as far as they could see. The following day, therefore, Running
+Fox proposed that they should separate, and explore the country in
+different directions.
+
+"Yes, I believe it is the best thing to do," said Spotted Deer.
+
+It was agreed that Spotted Deer should reconnoiter from a range of
+mountains farther to the westward, while Running Fox continued northward
+along the ridge of hills which they had followed from the headwaters of
+the river. They planned to meet at the end of the second day at the base
+of a large pine-clad mountain about a day's journey toward the north.
+
+"Well, we are going away from each other," said Running Fox. "We will be
+in great danger. We must not let the Mohawks catch us."
+
+"We will watch out," said Spotted Deer.
+
+They agreed that if either of them failed to appear at the meeting place
+at the appointed time the other was to wait there a full day longer.
+Then if his comrade failed to appear he was to go in search of him. The
+thought depressed them. They realized fully the peril of venturing alone
+through the stronghold of their foes, but they saw no other way of
+learning the location of the Mohawk camp. As Running Fox had said, it
+seemed to be the only thing to do, and they determined to make the best
+of it. Therefore, they parted without further ceremony, and hurried away
+on their mission.
+
+Early the second day, as Running Fox reconnoitered from the summit of a
+high mountain, he discovered what appeared to be a large body of water
+several days' journey farther toward the north. He watched it a long
+time, and finally decided that it must be the lake of which he had
+heard. Then he examined the sky for a trace of smoke from the hidden
+Mohawk camp. Several times he thought he had found it, but each time it
+turned out to be clouds, and he finally decided that it would be useless
+to waste more time looking for it. Well pleased with his discovery, he
+hastened down the mountain and set out to meet Spotted Deer.
+
+As Running Fox drew near the meeting place he stopped to reconnoiter.
+Then, after he had circled carefully through the woods to make sure that
+no enemies were lurking in the vicinity, he continued toward the spot
+where he and Spotted Deer had planned to meet. Daylight had faded into
+dusk, and night was near at hand. They had agreed to meet before dark,
+and Running Fox felt quite sure that Spotted Deer was already at the
+meeting place. To make sure he whistled the plaintive notes of the
+white-throated sparrow. It was one of the signals which they had agreed
+upon, and Running Fox listened anxiously for the answer. When he had
+repeated the song many times without getting a reply he began to worry.
+Then he told himself that perhaps Spotted Deer was somewhere out of
+range of the signal. To make sure of reaching him, he imitated the
+shrill quavering cry of Quenischquney, the panther. It echoed through
+the woods with startling force, and Running Fox knew that if Spotted
+Deer were anywhere near he would be sure to hear it. Still it brought no
+response, and Running Fox was perplexed. Twice more he sent the
+startling shriek ringing through the wilderness, and each time he feared
+that sharp Mohawk ears might hear it, and detect the counterfeit. Still
+he saw no other way of learning whether Spotted Deer was in the
+vicinity. However, as time passed and he heard nothing from his friend
+he became alarmed. He wondered what had detained Spotted Deer. The
+question suggested many alarming possibilities, and Running Fox tried to
+drive them from his thoughts. He told himself that Spotted Deer would
+appear before the night passed, and soon after it grew dark he began to
+signal with the call of the little red owl. He called many times, but no
+response came out of the darkness. Then, when half of the night had
+passed, Running Fox began to lose hope. He feared that Spotted Deer had
+been killed or captured by the Mohawks, and the thought drove him to
+despair. His first impulse was to rush recklessly away in search of
+Spotted Deer. Then he suddenly remembered that he had agreed to wait a
+full day at the meeting place.
+
+Running Fox spent the following day in an agony of suspense. He neither
+saw or heard anything of Spotted Deer, and by the time night came the
+miserable lad had worried himself into a frenzy of despair. He had
+little doubt that Spotted Deer had fallen a victim to the Mohawks, and
+he began to blame himself for having sent him upon the expedition. Then
+his heart filled with anger, and he determined to search the wilderness
+until he had learned the fate of his friend. If Spotted Deer was a
+prisoner he vowed to rescue him, and if he had been killed he promised
+to avenge his death. Then, sleep being out of the question, Running Fox
+spent the night singing his medicine-songs and praying to Getanittowit
+for the safety of Spotted Deer.
+
+Day had barely dawned when Running Fox started away in search of his
+friend. He turned toward the west, and traveled at a pace that brought
+him to the rugged range of mountains which Spotted Deer had set out to
+explore, by midday. He climbed to the top of the ridge and continued
+toward the north. As he sped through the forest, the distracted lad kept
+a constant watch for the trail of Spotted Deer. However, he was unable
+to find the slightest clue, and at dark he abandoned the search with a
+heavy heart.
+
+Having failed to discover any evidence of his friend, Running Fox was in
+doubt as to just what to do. He still hoped that Spotted Deer might be
+safe, and in that case he believed that he would eventually return to
+the meeting place. Running Fox realized, therefore, that unless he, too,
+returned, Spotted Deer might go in search of him. He told himself that
+in that event they might never find each other. On the other hand if
+Spotted Deer had been captured each moment was precious, and Running Fox
+dreaded to think what might happen if he blundered into a wrong
+decision. At daylight, however, he determined to return to the place
+where they had agreed to meet.
+
+The day had ended when Running Fox finally arrived at the appointed
+rendezvous. He approached the spot with high hopes. At each stride he
+expected to hear the familiar signal from his friend. When he failed to
+hear it, he stopped and again whistled the notes of the white-throated
+sparrow. Then he waited, straining his ears for the reply. There was no
+answer, however, and Running Fox gave way to despair. He needed no
+further proof. He was sure that Spotted Deer had fallen into the hands
+of his foes. As he pictured his plight, Running Fox blamed himself for
+not continuing the search. He feared he had lost the chance of saving
+Spotted Deer. Running Fox knew only too well the hatred which the
+Mohawks held for his people, and he felt sure that they would lose
+little time in taking vengeance upon the unfortunate young captive. The
+thought drove him to distraction. He determined to return at once to the
+distant mountain range, and continue the search until he found the
+Mohawks and learned the fate of his friend. However, his strength was
+unequal to the task, for two days of forced traveling had completely
+exhausted him. He realized, therefore, that it would be folly to attempt
+to do anything further until he had recovered from his exertions.
+
+Night had already closed down, and the disconsolate young warrior threw
+himself upon the ground, and moaned out his grief for his friend. At
+intervals he roused himself, and sat up to listen. More than once he
+fancied he heard a cautious footfall near at hand, or a faint signal
+farther away, and his heart bounded wildly. Each, time, however, his
+imagination played him false, and his hope gave way to deeper despair.
+At other times he imitated the call of the little red owl. It was a
+favorite signal which he and Spotted Deer had used since their first
+hunting expedition, and his heart ached as it went unanswered. Then his
+tortured brain finally sought relief in sleep.
+
+The sun was shining when Running Fox awakened. As he opened his eyes,
+and sat up, he exclaimed with surprise. Spotted Deer was seated within
+bow-length of him.
+
+"Yes, I am here," laughed Spotted Deer, as Running Fox continued to
+stare at him in speechless amazement.
+
+"I cannot believe what I see," stammered Running Fox, as he moved over
+to Spotted Deer and seized his hand. "Well, now I see that you are not a
+ghost. How did you get here?"
+
+"I came to this place while it was dark," explained Spotted Deer. "Then
+I gave the call of the little red owl. I did that many times, but no one
+answered. Then I moved around looking for you. At last I found you. At
+first I was frightened, for I thought you were dead. When you did not
+move I touched you. You did not feel it. Then I shook you. You did not
+feel that either. Then I got frightened again. Well, I stooped over and
+listened. I heard your breath. That made me feel good. Then I said, 'I
+will sit here beside him, and pretty soon he will open his eyes and see
+me.' Well, you kept on sleeping, and pretty soon I fell asleep. When it
+grew light I opened my eyes. Then I waited. Now you see me."
+
+Running Fox spent some moments in silent meditation. He was greatly
+disturbed at what Spotted Deer had told him. He realized that utter
+exhaustion had placed him at the mercy of any foe who might have
+happened along. The thought worried him. He felt ashamed of his
+weakness.
+
+"Spotted Deer, I see you here alive--it is enough," Running Fox
+declared, warmly. "I believed that the Mohawks had caught you. Now I see
+that you have escaped. I am feeling good again. But I must tell you that
+I am troubled about something else. You say that you came up and took
+hold of me. That is bad. A good war-leader would not let that happen. I
+do not know how it happened, but I feel bad about it."
+
+"Running Fox, you must not talk that way," replied Spotted Deer.
+"Perhaps it will never happen again. You were very tired."
+
+Then Running Fox told of his exhausting search to find him, and Spotted
+Deer instantly understood the reason for the helpless condition in which
+he had found him.
+
+"Now I see how it happened," said Spotted Deer. "If you were not very
+strong you would have been dead. Yes, if you were not a good war-leader
+you would not have come back here. We will not talk any more about it."
+
+"Well, what did you find?" inquired Running Fox.
+
+"I found a big war-party," declared Spotted Deer.
+
+"Tell about it," Running Fox said, eagerly.
+
+"Well, after I went away from here I went right to those mountains where
+you tried to find me," said Spotted Deer. "I could not see any water so
+I kept going ahead. Soon after the second sun I heard some signals. Then
+I heard some more. That made me very cautious. Well, pretty soon I found
+an old trail. It turned back this way. Then I hid myself between some
+rocks, and began to watch. After a long time I heard some one coming.
+Then two warriors went by very fast. I could not see what they looked
+like. Well, I kept watching, and pretty soon I heard many voices. Then I
+saw that those people were not following the trail. They passed behind
+me. I followed them. When the next sun came I saw that they were moving
+toward The-Place-Where-The-Cold-Comes-From. Then I climbed a high hill,
+and saw a big piece of water. It was about two suns' travel ahead of
+those people. Then I said, 'Hi, they are Mohawks, and their village is
+near that water.' Well, I found out what I wished to know. Then I came
+here."
+
+When Spotted Deer finished speaking Running Fox remained silent. He
+seemed to be thinking about what Spotted Deer had told him. The latter
+watched him closely. He wondered if he had displeased him by remaining
+away so long.
+
+"Well, Running Fox, how do you feel about it?" asked Spotted Deer.
+
+"You say that you have found out what you wished to know," replied
+Running Fox. "I am not sure about that. I, too, saw that piece of water.
+I came back to tell about it. I did not see any signs of the Mohawk
+village. Perhaps it is near some other piece of water. You say that you
+could not tell who those warriors are. Then how do you know that they
+are Mohawks? We must not be too sure about that. There is only one way
+to find out. We must catch up with them. Spotted Deer, I am not saying
+anything against what you have done. This is our first war-trail. You
+found those people. It was a good thing to do."
+
+"Running Fox, you have spoken good words," declared Spotted Deer. "Now I
+see that I did not find out enough about those people. Well, I will do
+whatever you tell me to do."
+
+"We will go and find them," replied Running Fox.
+
+
+
+
+                CHAPTER XI--A SKIRMISH WITH THE SHAWNEES
+
+
+The Delawares immediately set out to find the distant lake, and learn
+the identity of the people whom Spotted Deer had seen. They followed the
+route which Running Fox had taken several days before, and late the
+second day they climbed to the top of the high mountain from which he
+had discovered the lake. They judged that the water was about two days'
+journey away.
+
+"Does that look like the water you saw!" Running Fox asked Spotted Deer.
+
+"Yes, it is the same," replied Spotted Deer.
+
+Then he turned toward the west, and pointed out the route which the
+unknown war-party had followed.
+
+"Well, if they did not turn off some other way they must be at the water
+by now," declared Running Fox. "It would be foolish, to try to catch up
+with them. We must go ahead carefully, and see if we can find their
+camp."
+
+"Yes, that is how I feel about it," agreed Spotted Deer.
+
+They spent the night on the mountain-top, and at dawn resumed their
+journey toward the lake. Later in the day, as they were making their way
+through a dense swamp, they heard a harsh cry over their heads. Looking
+up they saw a large bald eagle circling slowly above the tree-tops.
+Running Fox immediately became excited.
+
+"See, there is Woapalanne!" he cried. "That means a fight. Yes, I saw
+him flying around like that before I had the battle with the bear. Do
+you hear him calling? Well, that is the war-cry of his people. Spotted
+Deer, I believe we are going into some kind of danger."
+
+"Well, I do not know about those things, but I believe that what you say
+is true," said Spotted Deer.
+
+They watched the eagle with gloomy forebodings, and as it chanced to
+disappear into the north their suspicions were strengthened. Running Fox
+felt confident that they were about to have an encounter with their
+foes.
+
+"We must keep together, and watch sharp," he warned Spotted Deer.
+
+At the end of the following day they reached the lake. Having seen
+nothing of the roving company of warriors that Spotted Deer had
+encountered, the lads wondered whether they were encamped somewhere
+along the shore of the lake. They determined to take every precaution,
+and instead of advancing directly to the lake they stopped on the top of
+a low ridge some distance back from the water.
+
+"We will wait here until it gets dark," said Running Fox. "Then we will
+crawl down there, and see if we can find out anything."
+
+The lake was large, and the Delawares had little doubt that it was the
+body of water for which they had been cautioned to watch. They wondered
+where the Mohawk camp was located. They believed it was somewhere toward
+the north. Still they saw no evidence of it. They searched the sky until
+dark, but were unable to find a trace of smoke. Then, as night finally
+shut down, they determined to go to the shore of the lake to search for
+the war-party.
+
+The Delawares stole down through the silent black woods as softly and as
+cautiously as Woakus, the fox. When they reached the edge of the water
+they immediately sat down to watch and listen. They had little hope of
+finding the telltale gleam from a camp-fire, for they knew that if the
+Mohawks were actually on the war-trail they would not dare to expose
+themselves in that manner, even in the heart of their own stronghold.
+Therefore, when the lads found nothing to alarm them, they advanced
+carefully along the shore of the lake. They had gone some distance when
+they were astonished to see the light of a fire shining out over the
+water. It was far ahead of them near the other end of the lake, and for
+some moments the Delawares watched it in silence.
+
+"It must be that those warriors have stopped there," said Spotted Deer.
+
+"It is mysterious," replied Running Fox. "If those people are on the
+war-trail why do they make a fire?"
+
+The lads were unable to explain it. They had seen the Mohawks painted
+for war, and under those circumstances it seemed incredible that they
+would dare to make a fire. It appeared as if it must have been lighted
+by some one else. Still, that too seemed beyond belief. The Delawares
+realized that even a large war-party of enemies would scarcely be so
+bold in the domains of their foes. Then Spotted Deer suggested that it
+might be a company of warriors from one of the western villages of the
+Iroquois.
+
+"Yes, that may be true," agreed Running Fox. "But there is something
+strange about it."
+
+"What is it?" inquired Spotted Deer.
+
+"Well, these people may he Oneidas or Onondagas," said Running Fox.
+"Perhaps they have come here to talk with their brothers, the Mohawks.
+Perhaps they do not know that the Mohawks are on the war-trail. Perhaps
+they have not seen any enemies on their journey. Well, if this water is
+near the Mohawk village, why did these people stop here? If they are the
+same people you saw, then they must have arrived here before the last
+sun appeared. Why did they wait here? If they had gone on they would be
+pretty close to the Mohawk camp by now."
+
+"What you say is true," replied Spotted Deer. "But I will tell you how
+it might be. I do not believe these people are Mohawks. I believe I was
+wrong about that. I believe that they are Oneidas or Onondagas. Perhaps
+they are Cayugas or Senecas from far away toward the place
+Where-The-Sun-Goes-To-Sleep. Well, perhaps they have made a long
+journey. Perhaps they want to rest. Perhaps the Mohawks do not know they
+are here. Then they must wait. Yes, they must send scouts to tell the
+Mohawks that they are coming to see them. Then the Mohawks will get
+ready a big feast. It is the proper way to do. I believe that is why we
+have found them here."
+
+"Well, I see that it may be as you say," said Running Fox. "But we will
+not find out about it by sitting here and talking. We see a fire. Well,
+we must creep up close, and find out who made it."
+
+"I am ready," declared Spotted Deer.
+
+They rose and began a daring advance along the edge of the lake. They
+moved with great caution, stopping frequently to listen for a warning of
+danger. However, the fire was a considerable distance ahead of them, and
+they believed that they would be comparatively safe until they got
+within bow-shot of it. Then they were startled by a loud splash in the
+river.
+
+"What was that?" Spotted Deer whispered, anxiously.
+
+"Sh," cautioned Running Fox.
+
+They listened many moments but the silence was unbroken.
+
+"Perhaps it was some one paddling a canoe," said Spotted Deer.
+
+"I believe it was a big fish," replied Running Fox. "Perhaps it was
+Maschilamek, the trout."
+
+Then, as they heard nothing more, they continued toward the fire. They
+had not gone far before they smelled smoke. They knew that the wind was
+in their favor. It gave them confidence, for they realized that there
+was less likelihood of being heard. A short time afterward they saw a
+small light flash across their path. A moment later it appeared at one
+side of them. Spotted Deer stopped.
+
+"It is only Sasappis, the fire-fly," whispered Running Fox.
+
+"He is carrying his torch to frighten the witches out of the woods,"
+declared Spotted Deer. "My mother has told me about him. We must be
+careful not to harm him."
+
+A short distance farther on they were halted by the deep ringing notes
+of the big horned owl. The call seemed to come from somewhere to the
+right of them. It was repeated three times in rapid succession, and the
+Delawares immediately became suspicious. A few moments afterward they
+heard another owl calling directly behind them. It was so near that they
+easily detected a number of false notes in it. They knew it was a
+signal, and their hearts filled with alarm.
+
+"We have run into a trap," Running Fox whispered, savagely. "Come, we
+must get to the water. It is the only chance."
+
+They were close upon the river, but as they turned to reach it they
+heard twigs snapping directly ahead of them. Then they realized that
+they had been surrounded, and that they must fight against heavy odds to
+save themselves. They saw now that the fire was a clever ruse of their
+enemies to draw their foes into an ambush. The lads had little doubt
+that they were again face to face with the hated Mohawks.
+
+"Stand still!" whispered Running Fox, as they heard some one passing
+through the bushes at the edge of the river. "It is dark, and they may
+go by us. Then we must rush into the water, and swim to the other side."
+
+"Let us climb into a tree," proposed Spotted Deer.
+
+"No, that would be foolish," replied Running Fox. "These people have
+surrounded us. They are close. If we climb into a tree they will know
+where we have gone. Then they will wait until it gets light, and kill us
+like Wisawanik, the squirrel."
+
+The next moment a piercing yell rang through the night, and the
+Delawares heard their foes rushing forward on all sides of them. For an
+instant they stood there, filled with panic. Then Running Fox recovered
+his wits, and took command.
+
+"Come, we must fight our way to the water!" he cried.
+
+Fitting arrows to their bows they hurried toward the river. They had not
+covered half of the distance, when two stalwart figures rose out of the
+darkness to oppose them. An arrow sped close to Running Fox, and the
+next instant his own arrow dropped his enemy to the ground. Turning to
+call Spotted Deer, he heard him thrashing about in the undergrowth.
+Rushing to his assistance, Running Fox found him fighting valiantly for
+his life. Running Fox drove an arrow between the shoulders of his
+assailant, and as the warrior rolled over the young Delaware stooped and
+peered eagerly into his face. He felt sure that he was not a Mohawk, but
+he was unable to identify him. Running Fox noted, however, that the
+warrior's face was streaked with charcoal, in token of war. Then the
+lads heard their foes closing in upon them, and they realized that they
+must be off. As they sped toward the river they heard some one behind
+them shouting, "Mengwe! Mengwe!" at the top of his voice.
+
+"Now I know who these people are," cried Running Fox. "That person
+behind us is shouting the Shawnee name for the Mohawks. Yes, this is a
+Shawnee war-party. They take us for Mohawks. It is good."
+
+The Delawares reached the edge of the water in safety, and had waded in
+knee-deep when the first Shawnees appeared on the shore. Then, as an
+arrow hummed ominously above their heads, the lads plunged forward and
+swam furiously to escape from bow-shot. They heard the Shawnees rushing
+into the river in pursuit of them, and as soon as they reached deeper
+water the Delawares dove from sight. They rose to the surface within
+several bow-lengths of each other, far out in the river. They listened a
+moment to make sure that none of their foes were within reach of them,
+and then they turned and swam toward the opposite shore. They passed
+through the water as silently as Winingus, the mink, for they knew that
+sharp-eared foes were listening to catch the faintest sound. They heard
+a number of signals from the shore they had left, and once they thought
+they heard voices within bow-shot of them. It drove them to greater
+efforts, and they raced through the water at top speed. However, as they
+drew near the shore and found themselves in shallow water they moved
+more cautiously. They believed that, having lost sight of them in the
+darkness, their crafty foes were listening to hear them leave the water,
+and they determined to take every precaution against giving a clue.
+
+"We will swim ahead until we are a long ways above this place," proposed
+Spotted Deer.
+
+"No, that would be a bad thing to do," Running Fox told him. "If the
+Shawnees reach land they will travel faster than we can move through the
+water. Perhaps they will send scouts along the edge of the water. Then
+it would be hard to get into the woods. We will swim ahead a little
+ways, and then we will walk out."
+
+They swam some distance farther, and then waded ashore. They waited a
+moment at the edge of the forest to listen for the Shawnees. The fire
+was still burning brightly on the opposite shore, and the Delawares
+smiled grimly as they realized how easily they had blundered into the
+trap that had been set for their enemies, the Mohawks. Then, as they
+feared that the Shawnee swimmers had reached land and begun to search
+for them, they turned and sped away into the night.
+
+
+
+
+                           CHAPTER XII--SMOKE
+
+
+Running Fox immediately took the lead, and turned toward the north. He
+believed that the Shawnees would hesitate to follow them far in that
+direction for fear of being led into an ambush. Besides, it was the only
+direction in which the Delawares could go without sacrificing their
+lead. It was not long, however, before they heard signals ringing
+through the night a short distance behind them.
+
+"The Shawnees are close, we must travel faster," said Running Fox.
+
+Dawn was breaking when they reached the end of the lake. Having heard
+nothing further from their pursuers they believed that they had turned
+back. However, the fact that both the Mohawks and the Shawnees were
+painted for war kept them alert to their danger. They believed that a
+big battle was impending, and they felt sure that the wilderness was
+filled with hostile scouts. Shortly after sunrise, therefore, they
+stopped to rest, and hold a council-of-war.
+
+"I believe the best thing to do is to keep going ahead until the sun
+goes down," declared Running Fox. "Then we will climb to a high place,
+and look for smoke. If we do not see it, then we must circle around.
+Yes, we must climb to all the high places, and look every way. I do not
+believe the Mohawk camp is beyond two suns' journey away. Perhaps it is
+nearer."
+
+"I do not see any other way to do," replied Spotted Deer.
+
+They resumed their way into the north, keeping a sharp watch for their
+foes, and climbing to the tops of the ridges to search the sky for
+smoke. At the end of the day, however, they had seen nothing which would
+give them a clue to the location of the Mohawk camp.
+
+"Perhaps it is not near that water," suggested Spotted Deer. "Perhaps we
+have gone the wrong way."
+
+"No, I do not believe it," said Running Fox,
+
+"I am thinking about something different. The Mohawks are at war with
+the Shawnees. Perhaps they are afraid to make fires."
+
+"Then how can we find the camp?" inquired Spotted Deer.
+
+"I believe it will be a hard thing to do," replied Running Fox. "We must
+ask Getanittowit to help us."
+
+The following day they again decided to separate--Running Fox to make a
+half circle toward the east, while Spotted Deer made a similar detour
+toward the west. They agreed to meet at dark at a great spire-shaped
+rock on the summit of a low hill directly ahead of them.
+
+"No matter what you see, come back when it gets dark," said Running Fox,
+
+"I will do as you tell me," agreed Spotted Deer.
+
+Running Fox made his way toward a ridge of hills less than a half day's
+journey to the eastward. He had traveled about two-thirds of the
+distance when he suddenly came upon the remains of a small fire. It had
+been made between two rocks, and cleverly concealed by a screen of
+brush. A few embers still glowed from the ashes, and it was evident that
+whoever had camped there had only recently departed. Running Fox circled
+carefully about the spot, trying to learn the identity of the firemaker.
+He found some tracks leading toward the east. However, he was only able
+to follow them a short distance, as the country was rough and rocky, and
+they soon disappeared. Running Fox believed that the crafty scout had
+purposely left a plain trail for a short distance to baffle his foes.
+The Delaware felt quite sure that farther on the unknown traveler had
+turned in another direction.
+
+"I must watch out for that person," Running Fox told himself.
+
+He reached the ridge of hills a short time afterward, and looked
+anxiously toward the north for evidence of the Mohawk camp. The sky was
+clear and cloudless, however, and there was no trace of smoke. Running
+Fox felt troubled. He feared that the unexpected appearance of the
+Shawnees threatened the success of his expedition. Still he had no
+thought of turning back. Having made his boast to his father he
+determined to make it good, or sacrifice his life in the attempt.
+
+The day was well advanced, and Running Fox had about decided to leave
+the ridge and return to Spotted Deer, when he suddenly discovered a
+heavy column of smoke rising above the tree-tops a short distance south
+of him. It suggested many interesting possibilities, and Running Fox
+studied it closely. For a long time it puzzled him. He could scarcely
+believe that it came from the Mohawk camp. In the first place he felt
+sure that the camp was farther from the lake. Besides, there was but one
+dense column of smoke, while smoke from a village usually rose in
+several thin columns, or hovered above the camp in light hazy clouds.
+Running Fox decided, therefore, that the smoke which he saw must be a
+signal. The possibility quickened his interest. Then the smoke column
+began to waver and break. In a few moments he saw it separate into a
+number of puffs or clouds. They followed one another at short intervals,
+and Running Fox became convinced that some one was sending a message. He
+would have given much to have been able to read it. He searched the sky
+in all directions, hoping to see an answer but none appeared.
+
+"I believe some one is talking to the Mohawk camp," said Running Fox.
+
+The Delaware realized that if his guess was true it was quite probable
+that the signal would go unanswered. He believed that it would be read
+by sharp-eyed sentinels who had been stationed on the high places to
+watch for it, but he felt sure that no tell-tale spiral of smoke would
+be permitted to betray the location of the village. If an answer were
+sent, Running Fox believed it would appear somewhere far away from the
+camp. Still, the mere sight of the signal filled him with hope, for he
+told himself that the Mohawk village was surely somewhere within sight.
+He waited until the smoke faded from the sky, and then as he saw nothing
+to indicate that the signal would be answered he hurried away to meet
+Spotted Deer.
+
+Darkness had already fallen when Running Fox approached the rock where
+he was to meet his friend. This time, however, his signal brought an
+immediate response, for Spotted Deer was waiting for him.
+
+"We have found each other--it is good," said Spotted Deer.
+
+"It is good, my brother," replied Running Fox. "Have you looked around?"
+
+"Yes, I have circled all around this hill; there is no one hiding here,"
+Spotted Deer assured him.
+
+"Then we will sit down and talk," said Running Fox.
+
+Running Fox told what he had seen to the eastward, and Spotted Deer
+listened with great attention. The smoke particularly impressed him. He
+agreed with Running Fox that it must have been a signal. However,
+Spotted Deer was not so sure that it had anything to do with the camp.
+
+"Perhaps that smoke was sent up by the Shawnees," he suggested. "Perhaps
+a Mohawk scout was talking with the war-party."
+
+"Well, it may turn out that way, but I feel different about it,"
+insisted Running Fox. "Now you must tell me what you found out."
+
+Spotted Deer said that he had gone a considerable distance toward the
+west without discovering any signs of his foes. Then he had climbed to
+the top of a mountain to reconnoiter. He had watched a long time when he
+finally saw what he believed was smoke far away toward the north. He had
+strained his eyes to make sure, but it faded from the sky before he
+could convince himself. Then he had set out to meet Running Fox.
+
+"That is what happened," concluded Spotted Deer.
+
+"Well, we have not done much," Running Fox declared, gloomily. "I
+believe the Mohawk camp is close. There is only one thing to do. We must
+keep moving around until we find it. We will wait here until the next
+sun comes. Then we will look around some more."
+
+The following day they again scouted carefully through the woods in
+search of the Mohawk camp. This time, however, they remained together
+and turned toward the north. Running Fox felt convinced that the village
+was somewhere in that direction, and as he was the leader Spotted Deer
+was content to rely upon his judgment.
+
+"I believe there must be a trail going toward that camp," declared
+Spotted Deer.
+
+"Well, I did not hear our people say anything about it," replied Running
+Fox.
+
+Nevertheless they determined to keep a sharp watch for anything that
+looked like an opening through the forest. They continued toward the
+north for half of the day, and then Running Fox proposed that they
+should circle toward the west.
+
+"That will bring us near the place where you saw something that looked
+like smoke," he told Spotted Deer.
+
+"Well, I am not sure about what I saw, but I believe it would be a good
+thing to go over there, and look around," said Spotted Deer.
+
+Then for a long time they traveled in silence. Running Fox seemed moody
+and thoughtful, and Spotted Deer made no attempt to rouse him. The
+latter realized that a war-leader had many responsibilities, and he felt
+quite sure that Running Fox was meditating upon some plan for bringing
+success to his undertaking.
+
+"Spotted Deer, there are two things that trouble me," Running Fox said,
+finally.
+
+Spotted Deer remained silent. He knew that it would not do to question a
+war-leader unless the latter chose to enlighten him.
+
+"First I am troubled because I have not found Gokhos, the great white
+Medicine Owl," continued Running Fox. "If we had the skin of that
+mysterious bird I believe much good would come of it. But I am troubled
+about another thing. Yes, I am troubled about the Shawnees. They have
+come into this country to fight the Mohawks. It is a bad thing for us. I
+believe the Mohawks will keep many warriors around the village. Well,
+now I will tell you something different. I have set out to do this
+thing, and I am going through with it no matter what happens to me."
+
+"Those are good words," Spotted Deer declared, admiringly. "You will
+soon find Gokhos, the great white Medicine Owl, and then we will be able
+to do some great things. I am not thinking about the Shawnees----"
+
+"Stop!" Running Fox interrupted, excitedly. "I see smoke rising behind
+that ridge."
+
+They saw a misty blue haze drifting above the top of a low ridge
+directly ahead of them.
+
+"That is the place I was looking at," said Spotted Deer. "Yes, I know it
+by that big mountain over there."
+
+"I believe we have found the Mohawk camp," declared Running Fox. "We
+must watch sharp. If the village is on the other side of that ridge we
+are very close. Spotted Deer, I believe we are in great danger."
+
+They immediately concealed themselves in the woods to watch. It was not
+long, however, before both of them agreed that the smoke came from the
+Mohawk camp. The thought filled them with joy. They believed that they
+were almost within sight of their goal, and they were eager to verify
+their hopes. However, Running Fox realized that it would be the height
+of folly to attempt to look over the ridge before dark. He had little
+doubt that, if the camp really was on the other side, the crafty Mohawks
+had stationed scouts along the crest of the ridge to guard the village
+against surprise. Therefore, he decided to wait until night came to his
+assistance.
+
+"We must stay here until it gets dark," he told Spotted Deer. "Then we
+will creep up on that ridge, and find out if the camp is over there."
+
+"I believe we will find it," Spotted Deer replied, confidently.
+
+"Well, that smoke looks like camp smoke, but I am not sure about it,"
+said Running Fox.
+
+
+
+
+                         CHAPTER XIII--SURPRISED
+
+
+Shortly after dark the impatient young Delawares set out on their
+perilous search for the Mohawk camp. When they reached the base of the
+ridge they stopped to listen. Then, as they heard nothing to arouse
+their suspicions, they climbed carefully up the steep brushy slope. They
+were almost at the top when Running Fox thought he heard something
+moving through the bushes. They immediately dropped and lay close to the
+ground. They waited a long time, but nothing appeared. At last they
+decided that they had been needlessly alarmed, and they rose and
+continued up the ridge.
+
+Once on top the Delawares' first thought was to look for the glow of the
+Mohawk fires. When they failed to find them they began to lose hope. It
+was evident that the Mohawk camp was not where they had expected to find
+it.
+
+"I do not see what I expected to find--it is bad," whispered Spotted
+Deer.
+
+Running Fox made no reply. He appeared to be listening.
+
+"That smoke must have been another signal," said Spotted Deer.
+
+Running Fox still continued silent. He sat with his bow across his
+knees, staring moodily into the night. Having been unable to draw him
+into conversation, Spotted Deer, too, subsided into silence and waited
+patiently for Running Fox to announce a plan of action.
+
+They sat there for a long time, and then they were suddenly roused by
+the sound of a dog barking somewhere near the spot where they had looked
+for the Mohawk camp. Running Fox instantly became alert. Cautioning
+Spotted Deer to silence, he listened eagerly. In a few moments the
+barking changed to sharp cries of pain, and it was evident that the
+animal had been cowed into silence. Then for a long time all was still.
+
+"Now I know what I came here to find out," said Running Fox. "My ears
+have told me what my eyes could not see. Spotted Deer, the great Mohawk
+camp is down there where we heard that dog."
+
+"Where are the fires?" demanded Spotted Deer.
+
+"Perhaps there are no fires," replied Running Fox. "Perhaps they are
+hidden by the trees. Perhaps the camp is closed in by high stakes. I do
+not know how it comes that we cannot see the fires, but I believe the
+camp is there."
+
+"Then we will go down there and find it," Spotted Deer proposed,
+impulsively.
+
+"No, I have a different plan," Running Fox told him. "I am going down
+there alone. I will look around. Then I will come back and tell you
+about it. You must wait here."
+
+"Running Fox, that is not a good thing to do," protested Spotted Deer.
+"I must go with you. Perhaps you will get into a fight down there. Yes,
+I must be there to help you."
+
+"Spotted Deer, I am the leader," Running Fox reminded him. "I am doing
+this thing because it is the best way to go about it. If we both go down
+there and get caught then there will be no chance to get away. If I go
+down there alone and get caught then you must get me out of it. I will
+not go into the camp without you, but I must go and look around. It is
+the only way to do. I will not talk any more about it."
+
+"Running Fox, you say that you are the leader, it is true," replied
+Spotted Deer. "Yes, I will do what you tell me to do. I believe it is
+the best way."
+
+"That is good," said Running Fox. "Now I will tell you something
+different. If anything had happens to me down there I will make the call
+of Quenischquney, the panther. If you hear that then you must come down
+there and do what you can. But perhaps you will get into danger. Then
+you must make the call of Quenisehquney. Then I will come to help you.
+Now I am going away."
+
+"I will keep singing the sacred songs to help you," said Spotted Deer.
+
+"Yes, that will be a good thing to do," agreed Running Fox.
+
+A moment later he disappeared into the night. Running Fox moved down the
+ridge with great caution, for he felt quite sure that Mohawk sentinels
+were somewhere within bow-shot of him. He stopped many times to listen,
+but heard nothing to alarm him. When he reached the bottom of the ridge
+he turned directly toward the place where he had heard the dog barking.
+As he advanced he kept a sharp watch for the warning glow of the Mohawk
+fires. The forest was very dense, however, and as he believed that the
+Mohawk village might be walled about by a log stockade he had little
+hope of discovering the fires. Then he thought of a better plan.
+Moistening one of his fingers, he raised it above his head and learned
+that what little wind there was came from the north. As he was traveling
+almost due west, he made a wide detour to get the wind in his face. Soon
+afterward he saw the value of the wily maneuver, when the unmistakable
+odor of smoke was borne to his nostrils. It filled him with joy, for he
+realized that at last he had found an easy trail to the hostile camp.
+
+Running Fox followed the tell-tale smoke scent with the eager
+persistence of a famished wolf. As long as the breeze held steady he
+hurried along with little fear of going astray. However, when the wind
+weakened, or shifted, his task became more difficult. Under those
+conditions he invariably lost the trail, and was compelled to circle
+about until he found it. Thus he felt his way toward his goal, until at
+last he was halted by the familiar sounds from the camp itself. He
+stopped and raised his eyes to Getanittowit.
+
+"O Getanittowit, I have come near to the camp of my enemies, the proud
+and boastful Mohawks," whispered Running Fox. "O Getanittowit, I am in
+great danger. O Getanittowit, make me as sharp as Woakus, the fox, and
+as brave as Machque, the bear. O Getanittowit, take pity on me and help
+me."
+
+Having made this earnest appeal to Getanittowit, the Great One, the
+devout young Delaware resumed his daring advance toward the Mohawk camp.
+As he neared it the sounds increased, and he knew that the village
+contained many people, The thought made him more cautious, and he
+stopped to reconnoiter. Running Fox felt sure that he was within a few
+bow-shots of the village, and yet he could see no trace of it. He
+scouted cautiously through the woods looking for it, but although the
+sounds warned him that the camp was dangerously close at hand the night
+effectually hid it from his sight.
+
+"This comes of not following the advice of Gokhus, the Medicine Owl,"
+the superstitious young Delaware told himself. "Gokhus is the only one
+who can see through the dark. Yes, if I had the skin of the great white
+Medicine Owl I believe I would be able to see this camp."
+
+Nevertheless he determined to continue looking for the Mohawk village.
+He knew that to come within sight of the camp he must run the risk of
+capture and death, but he felt little fear. He believed that
+Getanittowit would help him, and the assurance gave him courage. He
+advanced, therefore, with every faculty keenly alert, determined to
+actually see the hostile camp before he thought of turning back.
+
+Running Fox was moving slowly through the woods when he suddenly found
+himself on the edge of a large clearing. Corn and squashes were growing
+there, and the Delaware instantly realized that he had found the Mohawk
+camp. The thought set his heart beating wildly. Then he heard a number
+of persons chanting a song, and looking toward the sound he saw a long
+high, shadow stretching across one side of the clearing. He knew at once
+that it was a log stockade enclosing the camp. He saw a pale yellow glow
+above it, and he believed it came from the Mohawk fires.
+
+Having finally got within arrow-range of his goal, Running Fox shrank
+back into the shadows of the forest, and looked upon the great Mohawk
+camp with awe. For a moment or so it frightened him, and he found
+himself trembling with nervousness. It looked like a huge trap from
+which it would be hard to escape. The thought weakened his confidence.
+He heard a dog barking, and he wondered if it had caught his scent. He
+raised a moistened finger into the air to test the wind. It was in his
+favor, and he felt much relieved. A few moments afterward a small square
+of light appeared in the long black wall. Something black flashed across
+it, and then the light vanished into the night. Running Fox was
+perplexed. He wondered if it had been a signal of some sort. Perhaps he
+had been discovered. The possibility brought sweat to his brow. For an
+instant he thought of retreating. However, the very suggestion filled
+him with shame. He asked himself if Running Fox, the son of the great
+war-chief, Black Panther, were a coward.
+
+"No, I will not run away," he whispered, savagely. "I will stay here,
+and see what is going to happen to me."
+
+Then, as he continued to watch the grim black outline of the stockade,
+the square of light again appeared, and this time it was some moments
+before it vanished. In the meantime a number of dark objects had flashed
+across it. Running Fox was unable to explain it. It seemed as if it must
+be a signal to some one outside of the village. Still he could not
+understand how it was done. He knew that there was no fire outside of
+the stockade, else he would have seen the glare. Then where did the
+light come from, and what made it? For a long time Running Fox was
+unable to guess. At last, however, the truth flashed across his mind.
+
+"Hi, now I know about it," he told himself.
+
+"There is a hole in that log wall. Yes, some one pulled something away,
+and made it open. Then some one moved something across that place. Then
+some one closed it up again, and made it dark. Pretty soon some one
+opened it again. Then some one moved something across that place many
+times. Perhaps it was a signal."
+
+Having guessed that much, it was only a few moments until the
+sharp-witted young scout learned the full truth. He realized that the
+opening must have been an entrance or door into the village, and that
+the mysterious black objects which had momentarily shut out the light
+were people either entering or leaving the camp. That, however, was the
+only point about which he had any doubt. He would have given much to
+know whether the people who had passed through the opening were warriors
+returning from the war-trail, or scouts going out to look for the enemy.
+Then, as a great commotion suddenly broke out in the camp, Running Fox
+believed that the answer had been given by the Mohawks themselves.
+
+"Yes, I believe some warriors have come back from the fight with the
+Shawnees," said Running Fox.
+
+Each moment the noise increased, and it was evident that a celebration
+of some sort was in progress. Then the glow above the stockade
+brightened, and Running Fox believed that the fires were being rekindled
+in preparation for some important ceremony. The thought pleased him, for
+he believed that with the Mohawks absorbed in celebrating a victory, it
+would be easier to approach the village. Having discovered the entrance
+into the camp, the reckless lad resolved to have at least one peep at
+his foes before he returned to Spotted Deer.
+
+Running Fox waited until the noise indicated that the celebration was
+well in progress, and then he moved toward the camp. He had carefully
+noted the location of the opening in the stockade, but he feared to
+approach it, for he knew that at any moment he might encounter some one
+leaving the village. He turned toward the end of the stockade,
+therefore, and was almost within leaping distance of the camp when he
+was halted by a challenge directly behind him. Acting upon the impulse
+of the moment, Running Fox stopped for an instant, and mumbled an
+unintelligible reply. Then, as the night hid the person who had hailed
+him, he tried to hurry away. He planned to dodge around the end of the
+stockade and dash into the woods. The ruse failed, however, for the
+suspicious Mohawk followed him. Aware that further attempts to deceive
+would be useless, Running Fox ran off at great speed. The Mohawk
+immediately raced after him, yelling at the top of his voice.
+
+As Running Fox dodged around the end of the stockade he crashed into two
+Mohawks who were running up at the call of their tribesman. The surprise
+was mutual, and all three fell to the ground. A moment afterward the
+young Delaware found himself lying helplessly upon his back with two
+stalwart warriors holding him down. As he attempted to shout a warning
+to Spotted Deer one of the Mohawks seized him by the throat and began to
+choke him unmercifully. However, Running Fox had no idea of
+surrendering. He fought with the fury of a wildcat until one of his foes
+struck him a stunning blow on the head with a war-club.
+
+When the lad regained his senses some moments later he found himself
+surrounded by a number of Mohawk warriors. His arms had been tightly
+bound behind him, and a heavy piece of buckskin had been tied over his
+mouth. As Running Fox opened his eyes, the warrior who had choked him
+kneeled and glared fiercely into his face. Then he seized him roughly by
+the shoulder, and motioned for him to rise. As the Delaware obeyed the
+Mohawks crowded excitedly about him, peering eagerly into his face, and
+threatening him with their weapons. Running Fox showed no fear, however,
+and in a few moments they ceased tormenting him and led him into the
+camp.
+
+The Mohawk village was lighted by several large fires, and Running Fox
+saw a great many people gathered in the center of the camp. They were
+mostly women and children, with a small company of old men and guards
+who had been left behind to protect the village when the warriors had
+rushed out at the cry of alarm. As Running Fox was led into the
+firelight the Mohawks quickly recognized him as a Delaware, and
+immediately began to taunt and abuse him. The old women and the boys
+were particularly vicious, and several of the latter ran up and began to
+beat him with sticks. The Delaware's eyes flashed threateningly, but he
+knew better than to resist for he realized that it would only expose him
+to still harsher treatment from his tormentors.
+
+When Running Fox and his guards reached the center of the village they
+were beset by a great throng of people who seemed intent upon reaching
+the prisoner. They appeared so hostile that the Delaware feared they
+intended to kill him there and then. They surged wildly about him
+shouting their war-cries, and striking at him over the shoulders of his
+guards. The latter were struggling valiantly to protect him, but it
+looked as if they would be overpowered at any moment. At the height of
+the tumult, however, Running Fox saw several warriors hurrying forward
+from the other end of the camp. As they approached, the foremost warrior
+called out, and at the sound of his voice the Mohawks immediately fell
+back. It was evident that the warrior was a man of great authority, and
+Running Fox wondered if it could be Standing Wolf, the famous Mohawk
+war-chief.
+
+A few moments afterward the Mohawk stood before him. He was a tall,
+broad-shouldered man of middle age, with a cruel face and restless black
+eyes. For a moment Running Fox felt afraid of him. Then, as the Mohawk
+looked searchingly into his face, the lad suddenly remembered that he
+must uphold the honor of his tribe. He raised his head and met the
+challenge unflinchingly. They gazed steadily at each other for several
+moments, and the vast assemblage of Mohawks watched them in silence.
+Then the Mohawk laughed scornfully, and turned to his people. He
+addressed them in a few sharp sentences, and his words were received
+with what seemed to be expressions of approval. At any rate the Mohawks
+made no further demonstrations against the prisoner, and Running Fox
+wondered whether the warrior had spoken in his behalf. It seemed too
+much to expect, however, and the young Delaware feared that his relief
+was only the prelude to a more trying ordeal yet in store for him. Then
+he saw the man whom he took to be Standing Wolf, talking to the three
+warriors whom Running Fox had encountered outside of the camp. A moment
+later one of them approached him, and untied the buckskin bandage which
+had been placed over his mouth. For an instant Running Fox was tempted
+to shout a warning to Spotted Deer. Upon second thought, however, he
+abandoned the idea. He doubted that Spotted Deer would hear it, and
+besides, he believed it would be foolish to acquaint the Mohawks with
+the fact that he had a companion. In the meantime the Mohawk leader had
+again approached him. Running Fox was greatly astounded to hear him
+speak in the Delaware dialect.
+
+"Do the boastful Delawares send boys to fight their enemies?" he
+inquired, sarcastically.
+
+Running Fox made no reply.
+
+"Well, do Delaware children remain silent when they are spoken to?" the
+Mohawk demanded, angrily. "I do not like that. When Standing Wolf speaks
+he must be answered. Come, speak fast or I will teach you how to obey."
+
+"I will answer you," Running Fox said, angrily. "Standing Wolf, you have
+asked me something. Well, I will tell you what you wish to know. My
+people keep their men to fight the brave Shawnees. My people send their
+boys to kill the Mohawks."
+
+It was a reckless speech, and Running Fox immediately realized that he
+had sealed his doom as he looked into the angry eyes of Standing Wolf.
+For a moment the great Mohawk war-chief looked upon him in unconcealed
+amazement. Then he mumbled something, and advanced threateningly.
+Running Fox showed no signs of weakening, however, and Standing Wolf
+struck him a stinging blow across the mouth. It was the signal for a
+wild outbreak from the onlookers, for they realized that their famous
+war-chief had been insulted by a mere lad. The thought drove them into a
+frenzy, and only the prompt interference of Standing Wolf himself saved
+the Delaware from instant torture and death. When he had quieted the
+people, the Mohawk chief called several trusted warriors to lead Running
+Fox away.
+
+The unhappy lad was taken to a square bark lodge or shack. It contained
+a single room or compartment, and appeared dark and uninhabited. Once
+inside the building, the Mohawks threw Running Fox to the ground and
+bound his feet, which until that moment had been free. Then they left
+him.
+
+The two guards had barely gone from hearing when Running Fox heard
+something stirring over in a corner of the lodge. However, darkness made
+it impossible to tell what it was. He listened anxiously, and finally
+thought he heard some one chanting a medicine-song. It was low and
+indistinct, but still there was something about it that sounded
+familiar. A few moments later Running Fox identified it as one of the
+songs which he had learned from old Sky Dog, the Delaware medicine-man.
+Then the startling truth suddenly confronted him.
+
+"Spotted Deer!" Running Fox cried in a tense whisper.
+
+"Yes, Running Fox, I am here," replied Spotted Deer. "This is very bad.
+Now I know that there is no chance for us."
+
+
+
+
+                        CHAPTER XIV--ANXIOUS DAYS
+
+
+Spotted Deer said that he had been surprised and captured soon after
+Running Fox left him. At first the Mohawks mistook him for a Shawnee,
+and his appearance in the camp was the occasion for a wild commotion. He
+was taken to the center of the village and tied to the torture stake.
+Then the Mohawks suddenly discovered that he was a Delaware. They seemed
+greatly surprised, and it was evident that they feared the presence of a
+Delaware war-party somewhere near the camp. Thinking to frighten the
+young captive into telling them what they wished to know, Standing Wolf
+threatened him with all sorts of terrible tortures if he refused to give
+the information they desired. However, Spotted Deer scorned the threats,
+and the Mohawks were unable to make him talk. At last they unbound him,
+and threw him into the lodge in which Running Fox so unexpectedly found
+him.
+
+"Now I have told you how I came here," concluded Spotted Deer.
+
+"Well, I see that you could not help it, but it is very bad," replied
+Running Fox.
+
+Then he related his own experiences. When he told how he had defied the
+great Mohawk war-chief, Spotted Deer exclaimed in astonishment.
+
+"That was a foolish thing to do," he declared.
+
+"Yes, I see that I did a bad thing," acknowledged Running Fox. "I
+believe I will be killed, but you may live to get away and tell our
+people what they wish to know."
+
+"No, Running Fox, I believe the Mohawks will kill me, too," said Spotted
+Deer.
+
+At that moment Running Fox thought he heard some one moving cautiously
+away from the entrance of the lodge, and he feared that spies had been
+stationed there to listen. The Delawares immediately ceased talking.
+They lay there a long time listening, but all was still. The night-hush
+had fallen upon the camp, and it was evident that the Mohawks had
+retired to their lodges. However, the lads felt quite sure that the
+entrance to their own lodge was closely guarded. Still it seemed like an
+unnecessary precaution, for they had been so skillfully bound that they
+would have been unable to escape even if the way had been open.
+
+Left to their thoughts, the lads immediately began to speculate upon
+their chances. Running Fox believed that for himself at least death was
+inevitable, and he tried to become reconciled to the thought. However,
+his great fear was that by antagonizing the Mohawk chief he had also
+sealed the fate of Spotted Deer. The possibility filled him with
+despair. If only Spotted Deer might be spared to eventually learn and
+carry away the secret which had brought them to the Mohawk camp, Running
+Fox would have been willing to suffer and die without complaining. Now,
+however, he believed that his sacrifice would be in vain. The idea drove
+him into a frenzy. Carried away by emotion, he fought desperately to
+free himself from his bonds. His efforts were useless, however, and he
+soon saw the folly of wasting his strength, for the present escape
+seemed impossible.
+
+"It is no use to fight that way," Spotted Deer told him. "No, we must
+wait until we get a better chance."
+
+"That is true," agreed Running Fox.
+
+The long night finally passed, and as day dawned the lads looked
+anxiously about the lodge to learn if they were guarded. They appeared
+to be alone, but they mistrusted that sharp-eared sentinels were just
+outside the entrance. However, the lads took advantage of their privacy
+to study the details of their prison. It was a square, one story
+structure about four bow-lengths high. It was made of slabs of bark
+which were held in place by two rows of upright saplings or poles. The
+roof, which was peaked, was also of bark, and had a small square opening
+in the center to let out the smoke of the camp-fire. The lads found
+themselves in a room about four bow-lengths square, with a shallow
+fire-pit in the middle, and low willow bunks or platforms along two
+sides. The lodge would have accommodated six or eight persons, and was
+similar in design and material to those erected by the Delawares. It
+showed no signs of recent occupancy.
+
+It was not long before the Delawares heard some one approaching. Their
+hearts quickened at the sound, for it suggested a number of disturbing
+possibilities. Then the robe which covered the doorway was drawn aside,
+and a warrior entered the lodge. He was a great powerful fellow, and he
+stared so fiercely at the captives that they felt quite sure he meant
+them no good. They returned his glances without wavering, and in a few
+moments he turned and called to some one outside. An aged woman answered
+the summons, and the lads saw that she brought food and water.
+
+The warrior kneeled and unbound their hands. Then the old woman placed
+meat and water before them, and hobbled away. The guard, however,
+instantly began to annoy them. Pointing at the bones and scraps of meat
+which had been set before them, he imitated the whining of a dog, and
+laughed boisterously. The Delawares knew that he was trying to make them
+understand that they had been fed with the leavings from the camp which
+ordinarily were given to the dogs. The lads gave no sign that they
+comprehended the insult. Realizing that refusal to eat the food might
+subject them to a brutal attack, they consumed it in sullen obedience.
+Then they looked expectantly toward the Mohawk. He was laughing and
+making significant gestures with his knife to make them realize the
+punishments that awaited them. They watched him without the slightest
+trace of emotion. Their indifference seemed to anger him, and he began
+to talk fiercely in the Mohawk dialect. The lads showed plainly that
+they did not understand his threats, and he suddenly seemed to realize
+that he was making himself ridiculous. A moment afterward he tied their
+hands behind them, and drew the buckskin thongs deep into the flesh.
+Then he laughed gleefully, and left the lodge.
+
+"That warrior is very fierce," said Spotted Deer, as the footfalls died
+away.
+
+"Well, he did not frighten us," boasted Running Fox.
+
+"That made him mad," laughed Spotted Deer.
+
+It was not long before they began to feel the effects of his cruelty.
+The tight buckskin thongs ate slowly into their flesh, and caused them
+great agony. However, they bore it in silence. Each knew what the other
+was enduring, but neither of them was willing to acknowledge that the
+Mohawk had made him suffer.
+
+As the day progressed they heard considerable noise and confusion in the
+camp, and they believed that the Mohawks were preparing for some
+important ceremony. The thought filled them with gloomy premonitions.
+Running Fox, especially, read a warning in the sounds. He knew that his
+bold defiance of the famous war-chief would not be permitted to pass
+unpunished, and he feared that at any moment he would be called out to
+pay the penalty. He had heard many stories about the awful tortures
+which the Mohawks inflicted upon their prisoners, and he wondered if he
+were about to experience them. The possibility tried his nerve.
+
+"Running Fox, what I hear makes me feel bad," Spotted Deer said,
+uneasily. "Perhaps the Mohawks are getting ready to kill us."
+
+"We must be brave," Running Fox told him.
+
+Soon afterward several fierce looking warriors entered the lodge, and
+stared at the captives. However, they made no attempt to annoy them, and
+left without speaking. The lads were at a loss to explain the visit.
+Then other warriors came, and several women and children. As none of the
+visitors showed any inclination to harm them, the Delawares felt
+somewhat reassured. They knew that the Iroquois tribes often adopted
+young warriors whom they captured, and they wondered if they, too, were
+to be spared. The thought gave them hope, for while they would not have
+thought of pledging allegiance to their foes, still they believed that
+they might be able to turn the opportunity to good advantage.
+
+"Yes, we will fool the Mohawks until we find a chance to get away,"
+whispered Spotted Deer.
+
+"They are sharp," Running Fox warned him.
+
+Then they heard criers going about the camp calling the people to
+assemble. Their fears immediately returned. They listened anxiously as
+the Mohawks began to sing, and shout their war-cries. Then the noise
+suddenly ceased. The Delawares heard some one talking excitedly. They
+thought they recognized the voice of Standing Wolf, the Mohawk
+war-chief. At the end of the talk a great shout went up from the camp.
+
+"I do not like that," said Running Fox. "I believe some one is turning
+the Mohawks against us."
+
+"Perhaps they are talking about something different," Spotted Deer
+replied, hopefully. "Perhaps a war-party is going out to fight the
+Shawnees."
+
+"No, I do not believe it," said Running Fox. "Spotted Deer, I believe we
+will soon be killed."
+
+However, no one came to disturb them until the end of the day, and then
+the warrior and the old woman again entered the lodge with food and
+water. When the Mohawk unbound their wrists the lads found that they had
+temporarily lost the use of their arms. They made several attempts to
+reach the food that had been placed before them, but for some moments
+they were unable to raise their hands from their sides. The Mohawk
+seemed to take great delight in their discomfort. He jeered, and
+laughed, and insisted upon their eating the food. The lads feared that
+if they were unable to comply with his demands he would take away the
+food, and tell the Mohawks that they had refused it. They made heroic
+efforts, therefore, and finally succeeded in getting the food to their
+mouths. Then the guard again bound their wrists, and left them to
+suffer.
+
+As the evening shadows fell upon the camp the Delawares once more heard
+sounds of hustling activity. The Mohawks were breaking wood for fires,
+and the lads felt a vague premonition of danger. In a few moments they
+heard the crackling of the flames, and saw the light through the hole in
+the roof of the lodge. They waited in anxious suspense.
+
+"Pretty soon we will know what is going to happen to us," said Running
+Fox. "Do you feel brave?"
+
+"I believe we are in great danger, but I am not afraid," replied Spotted
+Deer.
+
+An ominous hush had fallen upon the camp. Then the covering was drawn
+from the doorway of the lodge, and three warriors entered. The lads knew
+at once that these men had been sent to get them, and they feared that
+their hour of trial was at hand. For a moment they weakened. Then as the
+Mohawks came toward them, they recovered their courage, and waited
+calmly to learn their fate.
+
+"Be brave," said Running Fox.
+
+"I am a Delaware," Spotted Deer replied, proudly.
+
+One of the Mohawks stooped and freed Running Fox from his bonds.
+
+Then they motioned for him to rise. It was evident that they had no
+intention of taking Spotted Deer. The latter struggled furiously to rise
+and accompany his friend, but the Mohawks laughed and pushed him back.
+
+"Keep still," said Running Fox. "You must keep alive to finish this
+thing. I am not afraid to die. Tell my father those words."
+
+Before he had finished speaking the Mohawks were leading him toward the
+door of the lodge. He walked with difficulty, however, for his legs had
+been so tightly bound that circulation had been entirely stopped. Each
+step was agony, but the courageous lad fought hard to conceal his
+suffering. As he was pushed roughly from the lodge he heard Spotted Deer
+frantically singing the medicine-songs which old Sky Dog had taught him.
+Running Fox wondered whether they would save him in the present
+emergency.
+
+Running Fox saw the Mohawks gathered about a great fire in the center of
+the camp. They greeted his appearance with a wild outburst of yells, and
+he realized that he could expect no mercy. His guards led him toward the
+fire, and stood him with his back against a stout stake, a short
+distance from the flames. Then Standing Wolf and a number of important
+looking warriors walked up to him. For some moments they stared at him
+in silence, and Running Fox looked fearlessly into their eyes. He knew
+only too well the severity of the punishment which was about to be
+inflicted upon him, but he determined to endure it without flinching. He
+felt that the honor of his tribe was at stake, and the thought gave him
+courage. The last trace of fear had left him, and he found himself calm
+and unafraid. In a few moments he heard the Mohawk chief addressing him
+in the Delaware tongue.
+
+"Well, you were very boastful when you came here; do you feel brave
+now?" demanded Standing Wolf.
+
+"A Delaware is always brave," replied Running Fox.
+
+"Well, we will see about it," Standing Wolf declared, warningly.
+
+He turned and spoke a few words to the warriors behind him, and Running
+Fox saw them smile contemptuously. Then Standing Wolf began to address
+the great throng of people who had gathered about the fire. His speech
+seemed to greatly excite them, and when he finished they began to shout,
+and jeer, and threaten the captive. However, Standing Wolf and his
+escort kept them in control. Then the chief spoke to the warriors who
+had brought Running Fox from the lodge, and they immediately bound the
+lad to the stake.
+
+"Young man, you are about to see how the Mohawks treat their enemies,"
+said Standing Wolf. "You, alone, are to blame for whatever happens to
+you. You are young, and I might have saved you. But you talked very
+boastful. Yes, you have made my heart black against you. Now you must
+pay for it."
+
+Running Fox remained silent. There was nothing to say. He realized that
+he had blundered, and that the blunder was to cost him his life.
+
+Standing Wolf gave the signal, and a noisy company of women and boys
+formed about the prisoner, while the warriors looked on. Then several
+old men raised their voices in a weird chant, and the Mohawks began to
+dance about the post. Running Fox saw that they were armed with supple
+willow wands or whips, and he easily imagined what they intended to do
+with them. They beat him unmercifully, but he endured it without a
+tremor. Many diabolical old women tried to blind him by striking him
+across the eyes, but he foiled them by slightly raising his head so that
+the blows fell short. Standing Wolf and his warriors looked on with
+sullen indifference, and Running Fox wondered if they intended to have
+him beaten to death. Not until many of the women had exhausted
+themselves did the Mohawk chief finally interfere, and stop them. Then
+he again confronted the prisoner.
+
+"Have you any words now?" he inquired scornfully.
+
+Running Fox was covered with welts and gashes, but his eyes flashed as
+defiantly as ever. He ignored the taunt, and remained silent.
+
+"Well, I see that you are afraid to speak," said Standing Wolf. "When
+your mouth is closed your ears must be open. Listen to what I am about
+to say. What you have just gone through is only the beginning of what is
+going to happen to you. The women and boys have beaten you. Now we will
+show you something different."
+
+When Standing Wolf finished speaking he called to the warriors, and they
+formed a great circle about the prisoner. Most of them carried knives
+and war-clubs, but a few had bows and arrows. When they had taken their
+places Standing Wolf pointed at Running Fox, and spoke briefly in a
+fierce tone. What he said seemed to rouse the Mohawks to a fury, and as
+soon as he finished they began to dance wildly about the captive.
+
+"O Getanittowit, help me," whispered Running Fox. "O Getanittowit, make
+me strong."
+
+As they danced past the stake each warrior crouched and yelled fiercely
+into the ears of the erect young Delaware. Several struck him across the
+face with their open palms, but he gave no evidence that he felt the
+blows. Convinced that he was about to receive the full fury of the
+hatred which the Mohawks held for his people, Running Fox resolved to
+die like a hero. The Mohawks were rapidly rousing themselves into a
+frenzy. They had drawn their knives, and were making vicious passes
+within a few inches of his body. Some who carried war-clubs rushed
+forward and struck the post within a handbreadth of his head. Running
+Fox bore it all without flinching.
+
+Then Standing Wolf once more interrupted the proceedings. This time,
+however, he did not address the prisoner, but called several of his
+escort aside and began to talk earnestly. A number of fiendish old women
+immediately took advantage of the opportunity to attack the prisoner.
+They rushed upon him with their sticks, and began to beat him over the
+head and shoulders. Standing Wolf saw them, however, and promptly
+ordered them to stop. A moment or so afterward he spoke to the warriors.
+Running Fox watched him closely. He was unable to guess whether Standing
+Wolf was talking for or against him. The Mohawks received his words in
+silence, and the Delaware imagined he read disappointment in many of the
+faces. At the conclusion of the talk two warriors left the circle, and
+approached the prisoner. They stopped in front of him, and one drew his
+knife. He stood a moment staring fixedly into the eyes of Running Fox.
+The great crowd of Mohawks watched in ominous silence. Standing Wolf was
+standing with his arms folded across his breast, smiling grimly. Running
+Fox felt that his end was at hand, and he straightened proudly to
+receive the knife-thrust in his heart. A murmur of approval rose from
+the Mohawks. Many moments passed. Still the warrior hesitated to carry
+out his command. Running Fox felt himself weakening under the suspense.
+It was evident that the wily chief was hoping to break down his courage
+before he killed him. The thought gave the lad new strength. Having
+endured that far, he determined to maintain his nerve to the end. He
+waited, therefore, smiling scornfully into the eyes of the warrior who
+confronted him.
+
+Then the Mohawk darted forward to perform his mission, but instead of
+driving his knife into the heart of the prisoner he passed behind him,
+and severed the thongs which bound him to the stake. A moment afterward
+two guards led the astounded Delaware back to the lodge in which he had
+been imprisoned.
+
+"Well, my brother, Getanittowit has listened to the medicine-songs!"
+Spotted Deer cried, joyfully, as soon as the Mohawks had passed out. "I
+believed the Mohawks killed you, and I wanted to die. Now my heart is
+filled with songs. Tell me how you come to be alive."
+
+"I cannot tell you that," Running Fox said, confusedly. "I believed I
+would be dead by now, and here I am alive. It is very mysterious."
+
+
+
+
+                 CHAPTER XV--A BATTLE WITH THE CHIPPEWAS
+
+
+For a long time the lads were kept in continual doubt as to whether they
+were to live or die. Then they unexpectedly found a friend in the young
+son of one of the Mohawk medicine-men, a man of great influence with
+Standing Wolf. From that time their uncertainty was set at rest. The
+young Mohawk made them understand that they were not to be killed. Some
+time later, when he had learned to express himself in the Delaware
+tongue, he told why Running Fox had been spared.
+
+The Mohawk said that Standing Wolf had determined to kill Running Fox,
+but the medicine-man interfered. The latter had had a dream concerning
+the youthful prisoners, and declared that a great calamity would fall
+upon the camp if they were put to death. At first Standing Wolf paid
+little attention to him, and prepared to carry out his revenge. However,
+at the very moment when Running Fox was tied to the torture stake
+misfortunes began to fall upon the camp. First an old man fell and broke
+his leg. Then a child of one of the women who was participating in the
+attack on Running Fox died suddenly while the mother was in the act of
+beating the prisoner. As a climax the medicine-bundle fell from its
+tripod in the sacred lodge, as the warriors were dancing about the
+stake. Word of the strange coincidences was instantly carried to the
+Mohawk chief, and when the alarmed medicine-man himself rushed up and
+told what had happened to the medicine-bundle even Standing Wolf became
+filled with superstitious awe, and immediately altered his decision
+regarding the fate of the captive.
+
+The Delawares showed great interest in the Mohawk medicine-bundle, and
+asked a number of questions concerning it. They asked in vain, however,
+for the young Mohawk only shook his head, and pretended to misunderstand
+them. Fearing that further questioning might arouse his suspicions, they
+immediately changed the topic of conversation.
+
+Although Standing Wolf had spared the lives of the Delawares, he used
+every means in his power to annoy and humiliate them. For a long time he
+compelled them to go about the village with their hands loosely bound
+behind them, so that they were powerless to save themselves from the
+attacks of the women and children whom he made no attempt to restrain.
+He also kept them on the verge of starvation, and fed them with the most
+unpalatable scraps from the camp. They were warned that if they
+approached nearer than a bow-shot to the doorway in the stockade they
+would be killed by the first person who saw them. As they were
+constantly watched, and the entrance to the camp was continually closed
+and barred with massive logs, the lads thought the warning quite
+unnecessary. Then as the days passed they were permitted to wander more
+freely about the village. However, they soon realized that to attempt to
+escape would be the height of folly. Therefore, they continued to
+cultivate their friendship with the son of the medicine-man in the hope
+of eventually learning the secret which had brought them upon their
+mission. With that once in their possession, they had implicit faith
+that Getanittowit himself would offer them an opportunity to escape from
+their foes.
+
+The Delawares had been in the Mohawk camp many days when Winaminge,
+The-Time-Of-Roasting-Ears, arrived. It was at that season that the
+Iroquois gathered together to celebrate the Green Corn Festival.
+Sometimes the various Iroquois tribes celebrated the occasion in their
+own village, and at other times they traveled to the villages of their
+nearest tribesmen. Upon this particular occasion, however, it was
+apparent that the Mohawks intended to observe the festival by
+themselves. The Delawares watched the preparations with interest, for
+they were similar to those which they had observed in their own tribe,
+and they hoped that before the four days' celebration ended they might
+learn the secret for which they were risking themselves.
+
+In celebrating the Green Corn Festival the ceremonies were begun each
+day soon after dawn, and ended promptly at midday, or when the sun
+reached the meridian. It was a festival of thanksgiving to Ha-weu-ne-yu,
+the Great Spirit, for ripening the corn, beans and squashes. On the day
+before the celebration began, the entire tribe gathered in the center of
+the village to confess their wrong deeds, and promise to live better
+lives. Strips of white shells, or wampum, were passed from one to
+another, and each person held it while acknowledging his misdeeds, and
+pledging himself to a better life in the future. The wampum was believed
+to record and preserve each pledge. The women and even the older
+children were required to join in the ceremony. The Delawares, however,
+were barred from participating, or approaching within hearing distance.
+They looked on in respectful silence from the door of their lodge.
+
+"Well, we have made the vows," the young Mohawk told them at the
+conclusion of the ceremony. "When the next sun comes we will begin the
+celebration."
+
+The lads would have liked to ask him if the mysterious medicine-bundle
+would appear in the ceremony. They realized, however, that any reference
+to it might ruin all chance of learning what they wished to know.
+
+"Running Fox, I believe that these people are about to do a great
+thing," said Spotted Deer. "I believe Standing Wolf and the medicine-men
+will have much to do with it. If we watch sharp perhaps we will find out
+something about the mysterious medicine-bundle that gives this great
+chief his power."
+
+"Yes, that is true," replied Running Fox. "But we must be very careful.
+The Mohawks are as cute as Sanquen, the weasel. If they find out what we
+are after it will be the end of us."
+
+The Green Corn Festival began at dawn the following day. The Delawares
+were awakened by a number of criers, or couriers, who hurried through
+the camp calling the people from their lodges. As the lads reached the
+door of their lodge they saw the Mohawks gathering in the center of the
+village.
+
+"Come, let us go over there, and see what is going to happen," proposed
+Spotted Deer.
+
+"Perhaps that will make the Mohawks mad," suggested Running Fox.
+
+"Well, that may be true," replied Spotted Deer. "But I am going to see
+how near I can get."
+
+A moment afterward they were hurrying toward the center of the camp.
+They had not gone far, however, when they encountered a surly looking
+old woman who instantly challenged them. Pointing toward the lodge which
+they had just left she made them understand that they were to return at
+once. To be ordered about by a toothless old woman was a rather
+humiliating experience for the high tempered young Delawares, especially
+as they saw a number of warriors looking on with great amusement. For a
+moment, therefore, the lads held their ground. This drove the old woman
+into a wild rage, and she immediately seized a stick and began to beat
+them. Realizing that further resistance might lead to more serious
+consequences the Delawares began to walk slowly toward their lodge. The
+old woman was not satisfied, however, and she tried to make them run. A
+great crowd had gathered to watch her, and the Delawares heard much
+jeering and laughing at their expense. Carried away by anger, Spotted
+Deer suddenly wheeled and sprang at his tormentor, yelling so fiercely
+that the old woman dropped her stick and hobbled away as fast as she
+could go. The Mohawks were quick to see the humorous side of the
+incident, and laughed good naturedly.
+
+"I believe that old woman is a witch," Running Fox declared, angrily,
+when they reached the lodge. "She made us look foolish. Some time I will
+kill many Mohawks to wipe that out of my heart."
+
+"She made me very mad," replied Spotted Deer. "Well, I frightened her,
+and now all the people are laughing about it. We must watch out. She
+will try to harm us."
+
+Then their thoughts were diverted by the appearance of Standing Wolf and
+a number of the principal men of the tribe. They stood in the middle of
+the camp, and the Mohawks formed around them. There was a few moments of
+silence, and then the Mohawk chief addressed his people. The eyes of the
+Delawares glowed threateningly as they watched him, for he was a cruel,
+relentless foe whom they had learned to hate.
+
+"I would like to kill that man," declared Spotted Deer.
+
+"I believe he bears a charmed life," said Running Fox. "We must find out
+how he gets his power before we can kill him."
+
+"When Standing Wolf had finished speaking he called the father of the
+lad who had befriended the Delawares, and the medicine-man approached
+with something wrapped in a small black bearskin. Then he drew off the
+robe, and presented Standing Wolf with what appeared to be a small
+bundle of bird and animal skins.
+
+"It is the mysterious medicine-bundle!" Spotted Deer whispered,
+excitedly.
+
+"Do not talk--watch," Running Fox cautioned him.
+
+They saw Standing Wolf carefully unfasten the wrappings from the
+medicine-bundle, and remove a skin of the great white Medicine Owl. He
+held it before him, and raised his face toward the heavens. It was
+evident that he was chanting a sacred medicine-song. Then he turned
+toward the four principal points of the compass, and repeated the
+ceremony. The Delawares watched him with fascinated eyes. They believed
+that at last the secret of his power had been discovered. Gokhos, the
+mysterious white Medicine Owl, was his lucky talisman.
+
+"Now I know why Getanittowit put us in this camp," said Running Fox.
+"Yes, I have seen the white robe of Gokhos, the Medicine Owl, and I will
+not go away without it."
+
+"It is wrapped in the mysterious medicine-bundle," Spotted Deer warned
+him. "Much harm may come to us if we open one of those bundles."
+
+"No, I do not believe it," replied Running Fox. "I must do as it
+appeared in my dream. Spotted Deer, if we get that mysterious white
+skin, I believe we will become as great as Standing Wolf."
+
+The thought fired their imagination. They lost all further interest in
+the Green Corn Festival, and cared only to know into which lodge the
+medicine-man carried the sacred bundle. They watched patiently until the
+first day's ceremony ended at midday. Then they sought to keep the
+medicine-man and his precious burden in sight, but in spite of their
+best efforts he eluded them in the great throng of Mohawks, and their
+long vigil ended in bitter disappointment.
+
+"I believe we will find it in the lodge of that medicine-man," declared
+Spotted Deer.
+
+"No, I believe it is in the lodge of Standing Wolf," said Running Fox.
+
+"Well, if that is true perhaps some bad Medicine Creatures will kill us
+if we go into the lodge," Spotted Deer suggested, solemnly.
+
+"Well, I cannot help it," replied Running Fox. "When I find out where
+the mysterious medicine-bundle hangs I am going in to get that skin."
+
+"How will you get away?" inquired Spotted Deer.
+
+"When I have that big medicine thing I will be able to do anything,"
+Running Fox assured him.
+
+The Mohawks devoted the balance of the day to sports and games, and at
+dark they gathered for the great feast of succotash, which was made of
+corn, beans and squashes. The food was cooked in large clay urns, or
+bowls, and each member of the tribe helped himself. Before the people
+began to eat, however, one of the medicine-men started a weird,
+melancholy chant, and in a few moments the entire tribe united in a
+mighty chorus. It was a song of thanks to the Great Spirit, for
+supplying their wants. At the end of the simple ceremony, the Mohawks
+proceeded to enjoy themselves. The Delawares looked on with envious
+eyes, for in spite of the hilarity and good-will which prevailed at the
+feast the Mohawks showed no intention of sending any of the food to
+their captives. "Perhaps this would be a good time to look for the
+medicine-bundle," suggested Spotted Deer. "The Mohawks are all together
+in the middle of the camp, and there will be no one to see us."
+
+"No, we must not go now," Running Fox told him. "If we leave this lodge
+they will know about It. When we go to look for the medicine-bundle we
+must know how we are going to get out of the camp."
+
+The Green Corn Festival continued through the three following days, and
+each night the feast was resumed. The last night, however, was largely
+given up to a number of sacred dances which the Delawares were not
+permitted to see. While the dances were in progress the lads were bound,
+and confined in their lodge. An aged warrior sat in the doorway to
+prevent them from looking out.
+
+The following day the village was thrown into a turmoil by the return of
+several Mohawk hunters who said that a large war-party of Chippewas were
+approaching from the north. The Delawares learned the news from their
+friend, the son of the medicine-man. He said that the Mohawks expected
+the Chippewas to attack the village in revenge for the death of a number
+of Chippewa hunters whom the Mohawks had surprised and killed some time
+previously.
+
+"Yes, there will be a big fight," declared the Mohawk. "The Chippewas
+are very fierce, but my people will kill them. My friends, I warn you to
+be very careful what you do. If you try to get away, or try to help the
+Chippewas, you will surely be killed."
+
+The Delawares instantly realized the significance of his warning, and
+they determined to profit by it. They knew that it would be foolhardy to
+attempt to escape while the camp was besieged by enemies, for it was
+certain that the entrances and weak spots would be more closely guarded
+than ever. Besides, they had little doubt that if they should fall into
+the hands of the Chippewas the latter would mistake them for Mohawks,
+and kill them at once.
+
+"This thing is bad for us," said Running Fox. "If this fight goes
+against the Mohawks they will believe that we have brought bad fortune
+upon them, and perhaps they will kill us. If the Chippewas break into
+the village they will kill us for Mohawks. We must do what we can to
+show the Mohawks that we have nothing to do with it."
+
+The Delawares wisely remained in their lodge, therefore, while the
+Mohawks prepared for battle. Scouts were immediately sent out to locate
+the hostile war-party, while a great company of warriors assembled to
+defend the camp. Standing Wolf and a number of sub-chiefs and
+medicine-men hurried to the council-lodge.
+
+"Now perhaps we will see how this great chief gets his power," said
+Spotted Deer.
+
+"We will try to watch him," replied Running Fox.
+
+The day was almost ended when the lads saw the scouts enter the camp. A
+short time afterward the young Mohawk came to the lodge, and told the
+Delawares that the Mohawks expected the Chippewas to attack the village
+some time during the night or early dawn. He also boasted that his
+people had gained a notable victory over the Shawnees, and had sent
+them, fleeing toward their own boundaries in a wild panic.
+
+"The foolish Chippewas have come a long distance to get here, but we
+will soon chase them away," declared the Mohawk lad.
+
+"Perhaps it will not be so easy," suggested Spotted Deer.
+
+"You will see," laughed the young Mohawk.
+
+The Delawares awaited the encounter with considerable impatience. They
+had been warned against leaving the lodge under penalty of death, and
+they realized that they would see little of the fight. However, they
+were determined to see as much as possible, and as soon as it grew dark
+they seated themselves in the doorway of the lodge. The camp was
+brightly illuminated to guard against the Chippewas scaling the stockade
+without being seen. Groups of warriors stood about the barred entrances,
+and others patrolled the inside of the stockade. Standing Wolf and
+several noted war-leaders stood in the center of the camp to give
+commands. The women and children, and even the dogs, were sheltered in
+the lodges.
+
+"See, those warriors are talking about us," said Running Fox.
+
+Two of the warriors with Standing Wolf were looking toward the
+Delawares. In a few moments they spoke to the war-chief, and he, too,
+looked toward the Delawares.
+
+"We have done a bad thing to show ourselves," Running Fox declared,
+uneasily.
+
+The next moment they saw Standing Wolf call one of the fighting men, and
+point at the lodge. The warrior at once turned and walked rapidly toward
+the Delawares.
+
+"Something is going to happen to us," said Running Fox.
+
+"Come, we will move back into the lodge," proposed Spotted Deer.
+
+"No!" cried Running Fox. "We will not be frightened into our den like
+rabbits. We have put ourselves here. Well, we will stay here and meet
+this man."
+
+As the warrior approached them he began to talk fiercely, and point
+toward the interior of the lodge. The Delawares had little doubt about
+his meaning, and yet they made no attempt to comply with his commands. A
+moment later they realized their folly, for the Mohawk raised his bow
+and shot an arrow directly between them. It was a hint which they
+thought it well to accept, and they immediately withdrew into the lodge.
+The Mohawk entered after them, however, and proceeded to bind their
+hands and feet. Then, to make matters worse, he tied buckskin bandages
+over their eyes.
+
+"Well, we have got ourselves into this trouble," Running Fox declared,
+savagely. "It was foolish to show ourselves to Standing Wolf. Now we
+will see nothing. If the Chippewas get into the camp we will be killed
+like Moskimus, the rabbit, when we find him in our traps."
+
+"It is bad," agreed Spotted Deer.
+
+They lay a long time listening for the sounds of battle. An unusual hush
+had fallen upon the camp, and it was evident that the Mohawks also were
+listening. Then the notes of Gokhos, the owl, sounded close outside the
+camp. In a few moments they heard the logs being drawn from the opening
+in the stockade.
+
+"One of the scouts has come into the camp to tell about something," said
+Spotted Deer.
+
+"Listen!" cried Running Fox. "The Chippewas have come."
+
+The melancholy howl of the timber wolf rang through the forest. It rose
+on four sides of the camp. Then a wild outburst of yells broke forth
+close to the stockade.
+
+"The fight has begun!" Spotted Deer cried, excitedly.
+
+For some time the Mohawks and their foes contented themselves with
+shouting defiance at one another. It was evident that the former felt
+quite secure behind their log stockade, and had no inclination to risk
+themselves in the open. It was not long, however, before the Delawares
+heard sounds which led them to believe that the Chippewas intended to
+force the fighting. They had apparently kindled fires on all side of the
+stockade in an effort to burn the village. The possibility was somewhat
+alarming to the helpless young captives in the deserted lodge. Once the
+stockade caught fire they knew that it would only be a question of
+moments before the dry bark lodge would be in flames. However, the noise
+from the camp indicated that the Mohawks were quick to realize the
+peril, and the Delawares had little doubt that they would rush out and
+attempt to extinguish the fires.
+
+"Listen, the Mohawks are on the outside of the camp!" Running Fox cried,
+a few moments later.
+
+The Delawares heard the fierce Mohawk war-cry ringing through the night
+on every side of the village, and they knew that a great fight was
+taking place on the other side of the stockade. The village was in wild
+disorder. The sounds of battle had alarmed the women and children, and
+roused the dogs, and all of them added their voices to the din. The camp
+was lighted by the lurid glare of the flames, while dense clouds of
+smoke rolled into the lodges. The Delawares feared that some of them had
+already been set on fire. Then somewhere on the opposite side of the
+village they heard sounds which set their hearts beating wildly.
+
+"I believe the Chippewas have got into the camp!" declared Spotted Deer.
+"We will see if the great Standing Wolf can drive them out."
+
+However, in a few moments they heard the triumphant yells of the
+Mohawks, and they knew that the Chippewas had been forced out or
+overcome. The fight on the outside of the camp seemed to be raging in
+undiminished fury. Then there, too, the Mohawk war-cry echoed
+triumphantly through the night, and the Delawares believed that for the
+moment at least the Chippewas had been driven off.
+
+"Well, the Mohawks have won a big battle," said Spotted Deer, as the
+sounds of conflict gradually subsided.
+
+"It is good," declared Running Fox. "Perhaps it will help us. I believe
+the Chippewas have made a hole into the camp. Perhaps we will be able to
+crawl out."
+
+Soon afterward they heard the Mohawk war-party entering the village in
+triumph. They marched noisily about the camp shouting, and singing their
+war-songs. The Delawares wondered whether they had brought in any
+prisoners. Then the young Mohawk entered the lodge, and saw the
+predicament of his friends.
+
+"Hi, my friends, my people have done what I told you about," he cried,
+as he stooped and took the bandages from their eyes. "We have killed
+many Chippewas. All who escaped are running toward their lodges.
+Standing Wolf ran out and killed three Chippewas at one time. He is a
+great man. Perhaps this great victory will make his heart good toward
+you. Perhaps he will let you go. Now I will go, and talk with my father
+about it. Perhaps he will help you."
+
+"You are a Mohawk, but you are a good friend," Running Fox said, warmly.
+
+While the Delawares had little hope that the fierce Mohawk chief would
+relent and give them their liberty, still they realized that an appeal
+in their behalf from one of the powerful Mohawk medicine-men might go a
+long way toward gaining them sufficient freedom to enable them to
+escape.
+
+"See, they do not free our hands and feet," said Spotted Deer. "I
+believe the Chippewas have made an opening into the camp."
+
+"Well, we must try to do something," declared Running Fox. "Pretty soon
+it will get light. Then perhaps we can look around, and see what has
+happened."
+
+
+
+
+                         CHAPTER XVI--THE ESCAPE
+
+
+The following day the Delawares waited impatiently for an opportunity to
+venture into the village, and learn the result of the battle. However,
+the day was more than half gone before any one came to the lodge to free
+them. Then a warrior came, and unbound them. He made them understand
+that they might go into the camp, and partake of food.
+
+"This is bad," said Running Fox, as they left the lodge. "The Mohawks
+kept us tied up until they closed up the place where the Chippewas got
+in. Now there is no chance to get out."
+
+"Yes, I believe that is true," agreed Spotted Deer.
+
+They found the Mohawks still jubilant over their victory. The lads
+realized, therefore, that it would be foolish to show themselves too
+prominently at that time. Many of the younger warriors seemed carried
+away by the glory of their first triumph, and the Delawares knew that
+they would be only too willing to find an excuse for attacking them. For
+some time the lads had been quite free from annoyance, and they had no
+desire to lose the privileges which their long stay in the Mohawk camp
+had brought them.
+
+"Those young men are very fierce," said Running Fox. "We must be very
+cautious. I believe the best thing to do is to keep away from them."
+
+"Yes, I am watching them," replied Spotted Deer. "We will take some
+meat, and go back to the lodge."
+
+The Delawares made their way toward the old woman who had brought their
+food. She was stirring something in a large clay urn which she had
+propped up among the embers of the cooking fire. When the lads reached
+her they stopped and waited expectantly. For some time the old woman
+took no notice of them. Then the warrior who had unbound them shouted
+some commands, and the woman immediately seized a forked stick and drew
+a piece of deer meat from the urn. She gave it to the Delawares, and
+motioned them away. Having learned the folly of opposing those irritable
+old scolds, the lads determined to move off at once.
+
+At that moment, however, some of the young Mohawks spied them, and ran
+forward shaking their weapons, and yelling fiercely. The Delawares
+immediately stopped and stood at bay. The Mohawks rushed up to them, and
+tore the meat from the grasp of Spotted Deer. They threw it upon the
+ground, and kicked it about in the dirt. Then one who appeared to be the
+leader picked it up, and offered it to Spotted Deer. Before Running Fox
+could warn him, Spotted Deer seized the meat and hurled it into the face
+of the young Mohawk.
+
+The next instant the enraged Mohawk and Spotted Deer were glaring
+furiously into each other's eyes. The Mohawk was only a lad, but he
+looked considerably older and stronger than the Delaware. However,
+Spotted Deer showed no fear of him. For a moment it looked as if the
+friends of the Mohawk were about to take the matter out of his hands by
+annihilating both of the Delawares. The one who had been insulted,
+however, warned them against interfering. It was plain that he intended
+to avenge the affront without assistance. His friends held back,
+therefore, watching Running Fox. The latter realized that Spotted Deer
+must settle the matter alone, but he determined to rush into the fight
+at the first hint of the Mohawks reinforcing their tribesman.
+
+Word of the impending battle had already been shouted through the camp,
+and the Mohawks were running toward the spot from all parts of the
+village. They formed a square about Spotted Deer and his adversary, but
+showed no inclination to interfere with either of them. Running Fox
+stood several bow-lengths from his friend, staring defiantly at the
+young Mohawks.
+
+For some moments the young warriors continued to glare at each other.
+Each appeared to be trying to frighten the other, but neither seemed
+much alarmed. Then, as his people urged him on, the Mohawk crouched and
+began to circle about Spotted Deer, with his war-club in his hand. The
+Delaware straightened and opened his palms, as he smiled scornfully at
+his foe. For a moment the Mohawk hesitated. Then he accepted the
+challenge, and threw down his weapon. A murmur of approval ran through
+the Mohawks. Running Fox felt greatly relieved.
+
+The Mohawk continued to circle cautiously about Spotted Deer, looking
+for an opening. The Delaware, however, was equally alert, and kept
+turning slowly with his eyes fixed on those of his foe. Several times
+the Mohawk crouched and pretended he was about to spring in, but each
+time he found Spotted Deer ready for him. Then for many moments they
+circled, and dodged, and tried for an advantage, while the Mohawks
+shouted encouragement to their young tribesman, and Running Fox prayed
+silently to Getanittowit for the success of Spotted Deer.
+
+Then the Mohawk thought he saw a chance, and sprang forward with the
+agility and strength of a young panther. However, Spotted Deer had
+anticipated the attack, and jumped back in time to escape being caught.
+He wheeled about, and sought to catch his foe, but the Mohawk had
+already recovered himself and resumed his position of defense. Both lads
+had given a wonderful exhibition of quickness, and the Mohawks yelled
+their delight. They began to realize that the Delaware was no mean
+adversary for his older and larger opponent, and the prospect of a
+desperate encounter filled them with enthusiasm.
+
+In the meantime Running Fox had remained an impassive spectator. He
+never for an instant appeared to lose control of himself. To all
+appearances he was absolutely confident about the outcome of the battle.
+However, had the Mohawks been able to read his thoughts they would have
+learned the true state of his feelings. He knew that the impulsive act
+of Spotted Deer had placed them in a desperate situation, and he foresaw
+serious consequences. If the young Mohawk should win the encounter,
+Running Fox realized that they would be made to suffer all sorts of
+indignities from the younger members of the tribe. On the other hand, if
+Spotted Deer should vanquish his rival it was equally certain that the
+Mohawks would find some way of avenging the defeat. Running Fox waited,
+therefore, prepared to act when the emergency presented itself.
+
+Spotted Deer was quick to realize that the advantage rested with his
+adversary, and he made no attempt to force the fighting. He had been
+thoroughly trained in the art of wrestling, and he determined to remain
+on the defensive until he had provoked the young Mohawk into exposing
+himself. The latter, however, appeared to have been equally well
+schooled in that particular style of combat, and he, too, seemed intent
+upon waiting for an advantage that would give him an easy victory. For a
+long time he tried to trick the Delaware by jumping forward as though he
+were about to grapple with him. It appeared to be a favorite ruse, and
+he seemed considerably surprised when Spotted Deer refused to be
+deceived. Then the latter began to laugh at him. It was a daring bit of
+effrontery which instantly roused the anger of the Mohawk and his
+tribesmen. The result was exactly what Spotted Deer wished it to be, for
+the infuriated young Mohawk immediately lost control of himself.
+Throwing aside his caution, he rushed recklessly upon his foe.
+
+The Mohawk sprang toward Spotted Deer in an effort to seize him by the
+throat. Spotted Deer dodged and tripped him. Then as the Mohawk stumbled
+forward the Delaware sprang upon him, and bore him to the ground. The
+next moment Spotted Deer found himself upon his back with his foe
+striving to throttle him. Aware that he was battling for his life, the
+Delaware fought with the fury of a wildcat. After a few moments of
+desperate fighting he managed to wriggle free, and rise to his knees.
+Then the Mohawk again forced him to the ground. This time, however,
+Spotted Deer found an opening, and locked an arm about the neck of his
+foe. With his free hand he began to beat the Mohawk fiercely in the
+eyes. It was the only style of fighting he knew, and his foe was using
+similar tactics against him. In this primitive mode of fighting there
+was no thought of fair-play. The same code of honor prevailed among all
+the tribes, namely to disable or kill an adversary in the quickest
+possible manner, and to accept punishment and death without flinching.
+Both young warriors had been trained in that rigorous code, and both
+were making every effort to live up to its principles.
+
+It soon became apparent that unless the Mohawk speedily broke from the
+grip of his foe he was doomed. Spotted Deer had forced his head down
+close to the ground, and was punishing him without mercy. The Mohawk was
+fighting furiously to free himself, but Spotted Deer held on with grim
+determination. It was a desperate battle in which fists, feet and teeth
+all played a part.
+
+The Mohawks were wild with excitement. They saw their young tribesman in
+grave danger of defeat, and the thought drove them into a frenzy. They
+began dancing madly about the fighters, yelling encouragement to the
+Mohawk, and threatening his foe. Running Fox watched them with great
+anxiety. He feared that the emergency he had dreaded was at hand.
+
+Spotted Deer was slowly choking the Mohawk into a condition of utter
+helplessness. He had him entirely at his mercy, and it was plain that he
+had no idea of sparing him. It was also plain that the Mohawks were
+about ready to rush to the assistance of their tribesman. At that
+moment, however, the battle was unexpectedly ended by the father of the
+lad who had befriended the Delawares. Rushing up to the fighters the
+medicine-man seized Spotted Deer and pulled him to his feet. For a
+moment the furious young Delaware seemed about to attack the man who had
+snatched away his victory. However, a warning glance from Running Fox
+told him his peril, and he submitted to the interference. Then the
+friends of the defeated young warrior rushed toward the Delawares to
+avenge their tribesman. They were met by the Mohawk medicine-man who
+dispersed them, and escorted the Delawares to their lodge.
+
+"Hi, that was a great fight," laughed Spotted Deer, when they were
+safely in the lodge.
+
+"Yes, you were brave enough but you have done a bad thing," said Running
+Fox. "Now there is no chance for us. Listen, the Mohawks are yelling out
+there in front of the lodge. Pretty soon we will be taken out there and
+killed."
+
+They heard a great commotion before the lodge, and they had little doubt
+that the friends of the vanquished Mohawk were demanding their lives.
+They knew better than to show themselves. In a few moments the friendly
+young Mohawk came to them.
+
+"My friends, do you hear that noise?" he asked. "Well, do you know what
+it means? The young men are very mad. They want to kill you. Do not be
+afraid. My father and Standing Wolf are talking to them. Pretty soon
+they will send them away. You were very brave. Some of my people feel
+good toward you. But I warn you that you must not do any more fighting.
+If you do you will surely be killed."
+
+"You have come to us like a good friend," replied Running Fox. "We will
+keep thinking about your words."
+
+The noise ceased soon after the young Mohawk left them, and the
+Delawares believed that the disturbers had finally dispersed. It was
+some time, however, before they thought it wise to show themselves in
+the doorway of their lodge. Then they saw that the village had
+apparently become quiet.
+
+Several days later a large company of warriors suddenly left the camp,
+and the Delawares were glad to see that most of the young men who had
+annoyed them were members of the party. They wondered if it were a
+war-party. It seemed unlikely, for the warriors had left the camp
+without ceremony, and the people showed little interest in their
+departure.
+
+"I believe they are either hunters or scouts," said Spotted Deer.
+
+"There are too many for scouts," Running Fox told him. "We must try to
+find out about it I believe it is a good thing for us. Now the people
+who troubled us have gone away. There are not many warriors about. It
+will be a good time to try to do something."
+
+When the young Mohawk came to see them they tried to learn the purpose
+and destination of the warriors who had left the camp. Their efforts
+were in vain, however, for the Mohawk professed to know nothing about
+it. When they continued to question him he grew angry, and left the
+lodge.
+
+"Now we have done another foolish thing," said Running Fox. "We have
+made that young man mad. Perhaps he might have helped us. Now he may
+turn against us."
+
+"No, I do not believe that," Spotted Deer assured him. "He is our
+friend. He will not do anything to harm us."
+
+"Spotted Deer, we must do something before those young men come back,"
+declared Running Fox. "There are three things to be done. First we must
+find a way to get out of this camp. Then we must find something to fight
+with. Then we must get that mysterious medicine-bundle."
+
+"Those are hard things to do," said Spotted Deer.
+
+"Well, we must do them," replied Running Fox. "When it gets dark, and
+the Mohawks go to the lodges, I am going to creep around the village and
+see if there is any way to get out."
+
+"Running Fox, if you do that you will surely be killed," warned Spotted
+Deer.
+
+"No, I will not get caught," Running Fox assured him.
+
+Late that night Running Fox left the lodge, and stole quietly through
+the camp until he reached the stockade. It was the first time he had
+dared to approach it, and as he crept cautiously along in its shadow his
+heart beat fast with excitement. He knew that if he were discovered it
+would mean death not only for himself, but for Spotted Deer as well. The
+thought made him careful. Stealthily, a stride at a time, he moved
+toward the entrance of the camp. When he finally came near it, he
+stopped to listen. All seemed safe, however, and he went on. In a few
+moments he reached the great barricade of logs that closed the stockade.
+He spent some time trying to move them, but without result. It was
+apparent that it would require the united efforts of a number of strong
+men to open the way into the village. Realizing the folly of wasting his
+strength, Running Fox turned his attention to the upper part of the
+stockade. He found that by climbing on top of the logs that formed the
+barricade he was more than half-way to the top of the stockade. The
+discovery filled him with delight. He believed that by placing Spotted
+Deer on the barricade and standing upon his shoulders he might be able
+to spring up and grasp the top of the stockade. Then he knew it would be
+possible to draw himself to the top. Once there he felt quite sure that
+he could reach down, and find a way to rescue Spotted Deer.
+
+When Running Fox returned to the lodge he found that Spotted Deer had
+disappeared. The discovery filled him with alarm. He wondered what it
+meant. All sorts of startling possibilities flashed into his mind.
+However, while he was trying to puzzle it out Spotted Deer appeared.
+
+"Well, what have you done?" Running Fox inquired, sharply.
+
+"I have brought some things to fight with," said Spotted Deer.
+
+He had scouted about the camp, and found two bows, a war-club and a case
+of arrows. Running Fox listened to the story of his exploit in
+amazement. Spotted Deer said that he had entered two lodges, and moved
+cautiously among the sleepers until he found what he wanted. Once he had
+been compelled to lie in the shadows while a warrior passed within
+bow-length of him.
+
+"You have been very brave," said Running Fox. "But perhaps the Mohawks
+will miss these things. Then it may make trouble for us."
+
+"I do not believe anything will come of it," laughed Spotted Deer.
+
+"Well, we must hide them with great care," said Running Fox.
+
+"No, we must not hide them, we must use them," Spotted Deer declared,
+excitedly. "Running Fox, I have found the mysterious medicine-bundle!"
+
+The announcement so astounded Running Fox that it was some moments
+before he was able to speak. The thing seemed impossible. He feared to
+believe it.
+
+"Spotted Deer, your words have set me shaking like an old man," he
+stammered, "I know that you have told me what is true, and still I am
+afraid to believe it."
+
+"What I tell you is true," Spotted Deer assured him. "The mysterious
+medicine-bundle is hanging in the sacred medicine-lodge."
+
+"How did you know about it?" inquired Running Fox.
+
+"I did not know about it," acknowledged Spotted Deer. "When you went out
+to look for a way to get out of the camp, I said, 'Now I must do
+something.' Then I thought about the mysterious medicine-bundle. I
+wanted to find it. I believed it must be in the sacred lodge. I told you
+about that. Well, I found the lodge, but I was afraid to go in. Yes, I
+was afraid of the Bad Spirits that help the Mohawks. Well, I was ashamed
+about that. I went in. I moved around. I saw the mysterious
+medicine-bundle hanging on three sticks. Then I heard a noise. Something
+squeaked like Achpoques, the wood-mouse. I believe it was a Bad Spirit.
+Well, I was afraid to touch that mysterious medicine-bundle, because
+nothing wonderful has ever happened to me. You have seen the Medicine
+People. Nothing can harm you. Now you must go to the sacred lodge, and
+carry out the mysterious Medicine Thing that gives Standing Wolf his
+power over our people. It will soon be light. You must not wait."
+
+Running Fox hurriedly told his plan for escaping from the village. He
+told Spotted Deer to wait for him near the entrance into the camp. Then
+he hastened away to secure the sacred medicine-trophy. As Spotted Deer
+had said, the night was three-quarters gone, and Running Fox knew that
+there was not a moment to spare. Still he realized that it might be
+fatal to his chances to postpone the attempt until the following day. He
+knew, too, that the company of warriors might return at any moment, and
+he believed that the wisest course would be to take advantage of the
+opportunity which had presented itself.
+
+As Running Fox saw the outlines of the sacred lodge looming up before
+him, he stopped and raised his face toward the heavens. He prayed
+fervently to Getanittowit to help him in the great thing he was about to
+attempt. Then he spent some time listening. The camp was still, and he
+advanced toward the lodge. He had almost reached it when he was stopped
+by a noise behind him. Some one was approaching. His heart jumped wildly
+at the thought. Still he determined to stand his ground. Having got that
+near to the prize, he had no idea of surrendering without a struggle.
+Spotted Deer had given him one of the bows and a handful of arrows, and
+he prepared to surprise and attack whoever was stealing upon him under
+cover of the night.
+
+The moments passed and no one appeared. Running Fox grew impatient. He
+looked anxiously toward the east and thought he detected the first faint
+trace of dawn. Each instant he delayed strengthened the chance of
+failure. The thought made him reckless. He turned to enter the lodge. At
+that moment he heard a low threatening growl close beside him. Then the
+truth instantly flashed through his mind. One of the dogs had got his
+scent. He had been long enough in the camp to win the confidence of the
+surly wolf-like creatures that abounded there, and once the dog
+recognized him he had little fear that it would raise an alarm. Still he
+determined to take no chances. As it came close to him, growling and
+sniffing, he drove an arrow through its heart. It fell without a sound.
+The next moment Running Fox entered the sacred lodge.
+
+Once inside, the lad hesitated, for his heart suddenly became filled
+with superstitious fear. He had heard many stories about the fierce
+Medicine-Spirits whom his people blamed for the remarkable success of
+Standing Wolf and his warriors, and he had little doubt that something
+terrible was about to happen to him. Then he suddenly recalled the words
+of Spotted Deer, "You have seen the mysterious Medicine People. Nothing
+can harm you." The assurance gave him confidence. He believed that to
+hesitate longer would show lack of faith in Getanittowit, in old Sky Dog
+and in the powerful Medicine Beings that had appeared in his dream.
+
+Moving carefully toward the rear of the lodge, Running Fox located the
+tripod of poles which held the mysterious medicine-bundle. For a moment
+the Delaware feared to touch it, lest he should be instantly destroyed
+by some strange Medicine Being. However, the thought of helping his
+people made him bold, and he reached out and removed the bundle from the
+poles. Then for some moments he worked feverishly at the fastenings.
+When the bundle lay open before him his eager eyes quickly discovered
+the sacred white pelt of Gokhos, the Medicine-Owl. As he finally held it
+in his hands, the superstitious lad believed that he had suddenly
+received the power of the famous Mohawk war-chief. Hastily retying the
+medicine-bundle, he hung it in its accustomed place, and hurried from
+the lodge.
+
+Running Fox was running toward the stockade when he suddenly encountered
+some one walking through the camp. They were face to face before either
+of them realized it, and there was little chance of avoiding
+recognition. Running Fox tried to withdraw into the night, but the
+Mohawk jumped forward and peered intently into his face. He identified
+him at once. Running Fox tried to use his bow, but the Mohawk was too
+close. He seized the Delaware, and shouted to rouse the camp. He was a
+large, powerful man, but Running Fox was too quick for him. He jabbed an
+arrow directly into his face, and as the Mohawk shrank back the lad
+wrenched himself free and darted toward his goal.
+
+"Jump up there!" shouted Running Fox, when he reached Spotted Deer.
+
+They climbed nimbly to the top of the log barricade that closed the
+entrance to the village, and then Running Fox clambered upon the
+shoulders of Spotted Deer. The camp was in a wild turmoil, and they knew
+it was only a question of moments before the Mohawks would be upon them.
+Running Fox found that he was almost a bow-length from the top of the
+stockade. The distance was greater than he had expected to find it, and
+for a moment he lost hope. Then, as he realized what it would mean to
+fail, he sprang frantically upward. His fingers closed about the tops of
+the logs, and he struggled furiously to hold fast. For a moment or so it
+seemed as if he must slip back. Then he found a toe-hold against one of
+the logs, and improved his grip on the top of the stockade. The next
+moment he had drawn himself to the top.
+
+"The Mohawks are here, jump down and save yourself," cried Spotted Deer.
+
+Running Fox took no heed of the warning. Instead he lay across the top
+of the stockade, and reached down to rescue Spotted Deer.
+
+"Jump up, I will help you!" he shouted.
+
+A moment later they had clasped hands, and Spotted Deer was struggling
+desperately to reach the top of the stockade. Arrows were already
+whizzing past them, but as yet the darkness had saved them from harm.
+Once Spotted Deer had gained the top of the stockade in safety, they
+turned about and dropped to the ground on the outside of the camp. They
+heard the Mohawks struggling frantically with the logs that closed the
+doorway.
+
+"Come, we must ran fast!" cried Running Fox, as he dashed for the woods.
+
+"I will follow you," replied Spotted Deer.
+
+Then they heard a wild babel of sounds behind them, and they knew that
+the Mohawks were rushing from the camp. Above the tumult sounded the
+fierce cry of Nianque, the lynx, the danger signal of the Mohawks. It
+seemed to come from the top of the stockade, and the Delawares believed
+that the Mohawks were sending a warning to the warriors who had left the
+camp earlier in the day.
+
+
+
+
+                   CHAPTER XVII--PURSUED BY THE ENEMY
+
+
+The Delawares bounded through the woods like frightened deer, for they
+knew that the Mohawks were close at their heels. Then they heard
+something that filled them with dread. The dogs were baying fiercely on
+their trail.
+
+"Listen, the Mohawks have sent their dogs after us," Running Fox cried,
+savagely. "They will follow us like wolves. It will be hard to get
+away."
+
+"Well, if they come up with us, we will stop and kill them," said
+Spotted Deer.
+
+"We have few arrows," Running Fox warned him.
+
+"Perhaps we will not need them," replied Spotted Deer. "These dogs have
+seen us there in that camp many days. Perhaps when they find out who we
+are they will not trouble us."
+
+"That may be true," Running Fox agreed, hopefully.
+
+They noted that the savage baying had already grown weaker in volume,
+and they believed that most of the dogs had abandoned the chase, and
+were barking from the edge of the camp. There were some, however, that
+seemed intent upon overtaking the fugitives. In fact it was only a few
+moments before the lads heard them bounding through the undergrowth a
+short distance behind them. Realizing that flight would only invite an
+attack, the lads instantly stopped and waited for the dogs to come up
+with them.
+
+"Here they are--watch sharp!" cried Running Fox.
+
+The next moment four great wolf-like creatures overtook them. As the
+lads faced them and ordered them off the curs seemed to recognize them.
+They circled cautiously about them, sniffing and bristling, but showed
+no disposition to attack. There was one, however, that suddenly grew
+threatening as the Delawares attempted to resume their flight. It
+snarled viciously, and rushed toward Spotted Deer. He waited until it
+came within arm's reach, and cracked its skull with the Mohawk war-club.
+
+"Now we will get away," he laughed, as the other dogs drew their tails
+between their legs and scurried toward the village.
+
+Without the help of the dogs the Mohawks soon blundered from the trail,
+and it was not long before the lads heard them signaling on all sides of
+them. What disturbed them was the fact that some of the Mohawks seemed
+to be ahead of them. They could scarcely believe that their foes had
+actually passed them, and they wondered if it might not be some of the
+warriors who had left the camp early in the day.
+
+"The Mohawks have surrounded us," Spotted Deer said, uneasily.
+
+"No, I am not afraid about that," replied Running Fox. "They have lost
+the trail, and they are scattering to find it. If we watch sharp we will
+get by them."
+
+When it grew light the lads began to look for certain landmarks which
+they had fixed in their memory. They planned to skirt the edge of the
+lake where they had blundered into the Shawnees, and then make directly
+toward the river. As the day progressed and they continued to avoid
+their foes they began to feel more confident. Running Fox had little
+doubt that the skin of the great white Medicine Owl was beginning to
+exert its power.
+
+"When the Mohawks find out that we have taken away the skin of Gokhos I
+believe they will be afraid to follow us," said Spotted Deer.
+
+"No, I feel different about it," replied Running Fox. "When Standing
+Wolf finds out what we have done I believe he will bring a great
+war-party to fight us. Yes, I believe he is already on our trail. We
+must travel fast to warn our people."
+
+The sun was disappearing behind the western hills when the Delawares
+finally reached the northern end of the lake. They had traveled at top
+speed ever since their escape from the camp, and they were tired and
+hungry. Nevertheless they feared to stop. They had little doubt that at
+least some of the Mohawks were close behind them, and they knew it might
+be fatal to sacrifice even part of their lead.
+
+"We must keep going," Running Fox said, grimly. "If the Mohawks do not
+come up with us pretty soon I believe they will begin to hold back."
+
+They continued along the shore of the lake, and had gone about half of
+its length before night finally overtook them. Then a big red moon rose,
+and flooded the forest with its light. It blazed a broad silver trail
+across the water, and as they watched it they suddenly saw the black
+phantom-like forms of three canoes sweep swiftly across the path of
+light. They were within bow-shot of the shore, and were apparently
+making for the end of the lake.
+
+"The Mohawks have fooled us," said Running Fox. "Now they will get to
+the river ahead of us. Perhaps they will wait at the end of this water.
+We must keep a sharp watch."
+
+He had barely finished speaking when a loon called a short distance
+farther down the lake. The Delawares felt certain that it was a signal
+from the canoemen. In a few moments they were sure of it when they heard
+a fox yapping on the opposite shore. Then close behind them sounded the
+call of Gokhos, the owl.
+
+"The Mohawks are all around us," whispered Spotted Deer.
+
+They believed that there was a shorter trail between the Mohawk camp and
+the head of the lake, which accounted for the Mohawks overtaking them.
+It was evident that they hoped to intercept them before they reached the
+river. Spotted Deer proposed that when they reached the end of the lake
+they should make a long detour toward the east, and gradually circle
+back to the river. Running Fox promptly decided against it.
+
+"No, that would take a long time," he said. "We have done what we set
+out to do. Now we must take the shortest trail to our people. I believe
+we will find danger any way we go. The best way is to go ahead until we
+strike the river."
+
+"We will do as you say," agreed Spotted Deer.
+
+Then for three long days they skulked through the forest endeavoring to
+reach the headwaters of the river. Twice they were turned back, and
+compelled to make long, wearying detours. When they finally reached
+their goal near the end of the fourth day, they were almost on the point
+of collapse. However, the sight of the river gave them new strength, for
+it seemed like a friendly trail to their own village.
+
+"Now we will soon be with our people," laughed Spotted Deer.
+
+"We will find much danger before we reach them," Running Fox warned him.
+
+The Delawares had little doubt that the Mohawks had canoes concealed
+somewhere near the headwaters of the river, but they believed they had
+already been put to use by their owners. Therefore, the lads determined
+to take no chances trying to find them. Their one thought was to reach
+their people in time to warn them against the great war-party that they
+felt sure would follow them to the Delaware camp.
+
+Late the second day they suddenly came in sight of a single canoe
+directly ahead of them. It contained three Mohawk warriors, and was
+close to the shore along which the Delawares were traveling. The
+paddlers appeared tired, and the lads felt certain that they had paddled
+desperately down the river in a last effort to overtake them before they
+reached the Delaware hunting grounds.
+
+"Look, those warriors are coming to the shore," whispered Spotted Deer.
+
+Shortly afterward the Mohawks brought the canoe to land, and two of the
+paddlers stepped out. The third, however, remained in the canoe, and
+paddled across to the opposite shore. Then, he, too, landed, and drew
+the canoe into the bushes. Then all three Mohawks disappeared into the
+woods.
+
+"Those warriors have come a long ways ahead of the war-party to look for
+us," whispered Running Fox. "If they do not find us they will wait until
+their people come."
+
+The lads were fearful of colliding with the canoemen who had disembarked
+on their side of the river, and they determined to hide themselves until
+darkness made it safe to advance. While they were waiting, Spotted Deer
+suddenly formed a daring plan for outwitting their foes.
+
+"When it gets dark I am going to swim across the water, and get that
+canoe," he told Running Fox.
+
+The latter shook his head. It was some moments before he replied.
+
+"No, you must not do that," said Running Fox.
+
+"Yes, I am going to do it," declared Spotted Deer. "You are the leader,
+but you must stay here until I see what happens to me. Yon have done a
+great thing. You will bring great power to our people. It would be
+foolish for you to get killed. If I get that canoe I will come back and
+get you before it gets light. If I do not come back by that time you
+will know that I have been killed. Then you must do the best you can to
+reach our people. Now I am not going to talk any more about it.
+
+"Spotted Deer, you are very brave," said Running Fox. "If you get that
+canoe it will be a good thing for us. Yes, then we can get away from the
+Mohawks, and go to our people very fast. But you must not let anything
+happen to you. Perhaps the Mohawks have set a trap. Perhaps the warrior
+who dragged the canoe into the bushes is watching. You must be very
+careful."
+
+"I will watch sharp," Spotted Deer assured him.
+
+Spotted Deer did not wait long after darkness fell. He believed that his
+chances for success would be better if he made his attempt during the
+early part of the night. He felt quite sure that at that time the
+Mohawks would still be intent upon watching, but he feared that if he
+waited until later they might become discouraged and decide to abandon
+their vigil. Running Fox held the same opinion.
+
+"Now I am going," Spotted Deer whispered, when he was ready. "It may
+take me a long time, but you must creep down close to the water and keep
+listening. If I get the canoe I will come back near this spot. When I
+get near the land I will slap the water like Amoch, the beaver. When you
+hear that you must throw a little stone into the water. It will make a
+splash like Maschilamek, the trout, and the Mohawks will think nothing
+of it. But I will know what it means. Now I am going."
+
+"Go. I will watch for you," said Running Fox.
+
+A moment later Spotted Deer disappeared into the dark as silently as a
+shadow. He turned directly toward the river, and when he came in sight
+of the water he stopped to listen. Clouds filled the sky, and the night
+was black and still. Spotted Deer raised his face toward the heavens,
+and asked Getanittowit to aid him in his task. Then he advanced to the
+edge of the water. For a moment or so he stood there looking and
+listening. Then he waded carefully from the shore.
+
+The river was narrow and still at that spot, and Spotted Deer crossed it
+without difficulty. As he approached the shore he ceased swimming, and
+turned upon his back. He floated a long time, listening for a warning of
+danger. Then as he heard nothing to arouse his suspicions he swam to the
+shore.
+
+It took only a few moments to wade from the water, and cross the narrow
+beach between the river and the stand of willows in which the Mohawk had
+concealed the canoe. Spotted Deer entered the cover with great caution,
+for he feared an ambush. His fears proved groundless, however, and he
+reached the canoe in safety. Then he hesitated. The most perilous part
+of his task was still before him, and he was somewhat in doubt as to
+just how to proceed. He doubted his ability to carry the canoe to the
+water, and still he realized that if he attempted to drag it through the
+dense tangle of bushes he might make sufficient noise to warn the
+Mohawk. Still there seemed to be only those two alternatives, and he
+knew that every moment he delayed he increased his peril. He lifted the
+how of the canoe to the level of his knees, and saw at once that it
+would be almost impossible to get it to his shoulders. The question was
+decided, therefore he would be compelled to drag it.
+
+Holding his bow and arrows in one hand, Spotted Deer started to draw the
+canoe from the willows. It was not an easy task, and the young Delaware
+trembled at the noise he made. Each moment he expected to find the
+Mohawk at his throat. Once out of the willows, however, he made better
+progress. He had almost reached the water when he heard a twig snap at
+the edge of the woods. Believing that he had been discovered, he threw
+off his caution, and dragged the canoe toward the water with no attempt
+to conceal the noise. As he launched it and clambered in over the side,
+he heard the Mohawk running toward the river. Several strong paddle
+strokes carried him from the shore, and then the night hid him from his
+foe.
+
+As Spotted Deer paddled frantically toward the opposite shore of the
+river, he heard the Mohawk yelling furiously to warn his friends. The
+anxious lad realized that once they reached the river it might be
+impossible to rescue Running Fox. The thought drove him to still greater
+exertions. As yet the two scouts had failed to answer the frantic
+appeals of their tribesman. Then, when Spotted Deer was two-thirds of
+the way across, he heard them signaling with the notes of the owl. Still
+they seemed to be some distance back from the water, and he had hopes of
+picking up Running Fox before they could reach the river.
+
+Once within bow-shot of the shore, Spotted Deer ceased paddling and
+struck the water a resounding whack with the blade of his paddle. Then
+he listened anxiously for the splash of a stone. Several moments passed,
+and the silence remained unbroken. Spotted Deer again struck the water
+with his paddle. Still there was no answer. Spotted Deer suddenly grew
+weak with fear. He believed that something had happened to Running Fox.
+The possibility staggered him. He was unable to rally his wits. Then he
+heard the Mohawk on the opposite side of the river imitating the scream
+of Nianque, the lynx. A moment afterward the signal was answered from
+the edge of the woods, a bow-shot farther down the river. The next
+instant a stone struck the water within a bow-length of the canoe.
+
+Wild with joy, Spotted Deer paddled furiously toward the shore. Running
+Fox waded out to meet him. As he stepped into the canoe, an arrow sang
+harmlessly past them. The next moment they heard the Mohawks rushing
+into the water below them.
+
+"Paddle hard!" cried Running Fox. "They will swim out and try to catch
+us."
+
+"We will get by them," declared Spotted Deer. "Keep watching ahead."
+
+He turned the canoe toward the opposite side of the river, and put all
+his strength into his paddle strokes. Then, when he was half-way across,
+he turned down the river. They had gone several arrow-flights when
+Running Fox called a warning. A moment later they flashed past one of
+the Mohawks, who was floundering desperately within three bow-lengths of
+them.
+
+"Now we are safe," said Spotted Deer.
+
+"Yes, I believe we have got away," replied Running Fox. "You have done a
+great thing."
+
+Spotted Deer asked Running Fox why he had been so slow in replying to
+his signal. Running Fox said that at the time he heard it one of the
+Mohawks was somewhere within a few bow-lengths of him, and he had feared
+to make the slightest move. He had been compelled to wait, therefore,
+until the Mohawk moved away.
+
+"Well, we have fooled them," declared Spotted Deer.
+
+"Yes, that is true," replied Running Fox. "But I believe they will bring
+a great war-party to fight us."
+
+
+
+
+             CHAPTER XVIII--THE IROQUOIS BLUNDER INTO A TRAP
+
+
+Two days later the lads reached the Delaware village. Their sudden
+appearance caused a great commotion. "Running Fox has come! Running Fox
+has come!" cried the Delawares. The news brought a great crowd to the
+edge of the water. The enthusiasm was intense. Many of the younger
+warriors waded out, and dragged the canoe to the shore. Then Running Fox
+held up the sacred medicine-trophy, and the people went into ecstasies
+of joy. "See, Running Fox has brought the scalp of Gokhos, the
+mysterious white Medicine Owl," they cried, excitedly.
+
+As soon as the exhausted young warriors stepped from the canoe they were
+surrounded by a great throng of friends who instantly began to ply them
+with questions. Running Fox left Spotted Deer to struggle with them,
+while he hurried away to find his father.
+
+Black Panther showed little surprise as his son entered the lodge, and
+offered him the famous trophy for which he had risked his life. However,
+the lad's mother flung herself upon him, and wept for joy. When he had
+tenderly freed himself from her arms, Running Fox turned toward the
+stern Delaware war-chief. The latter showed his pride and his joy in his
+eyes, and the young warrior was satisfied.
+
+"My son, you have come back," said Black Panther. "It is good. I see
+that you have brought the scalp of Gokhos, the Medicine Owl. Where did
+you find it!"
+
+"I found it in the sacred Medicine Bundle, which hangs in the Medicine
+Lodge of our enemies, the Mohawks. I believe it is the thing that gave
+Standing Wolf his power over us. Yes, I saw him talking to the Medicine
+Spirits with this thing in his hands."
+
+"Well, my son, you have done a great thing," declared Black Panther,
+striving hard to conceal his emotion. "You are only a boy, but you have
+done more than the bravest warrior. But you must not think about that.
+No, you must find out how to get those mysterious powers, so that you
+can help your people, and become a great chief. Take this thing to Sky
+Dog, and ask him what to do."
+
+"Yes, I will go, but first I must warn you that a great war-party of
+Mohawks are coming to fight us," said Running Fox.
+
+"How do you know that?" Black Panther asked, sharply.
+
+"The scouts followed us a long ways down the river, and the Mohawks are
+very mad. I believe Standing Wolf will bring a great war-party here to
+try to get back this mysterious Medicine Thing."
+
+The warning seemed to make a strong impression upon Black Panther. He
+immediately summoned a picked company of scouts, and sent them away to
+watch for the Mohawks. Then he called a council of the principal
+war-leaders to form plans for defending the village. It was evident that
+the possibility of Standing Wolf leading his great war-party against the
+camp filled even Black Panther with considerable uneasiness.
+
+In the meantime Running Fox had hastened to the lodge of old Sky Dog. As
+usual the aged medicine-man showed little interest as the visitor
+entered the lodge. A moment afterward, however, when he learned who it
+was he began to grow excited.
+
+"Hi, I see that you have lived to come back," he said. "That is because
+I helped you. I have done some wonderful things, but this is the
+greatest. Well, tell me what has happened to you."
+
+When Running Fox showed him the medicine-trophy, and related his
+experiences since he left the camp, Sky Dog looked at him in
+astonishment. It was apparent that he found difficulty in believing the
+story. He gazed searchingly into the eyes of the lad, and examined the
+medicine-trophy many times before he committed himself. Then he seemed
+satisfied that the exploit was genuine.
+
+"My son, I have listened to your words," he said, soberly. "At first I
+did not believe them. But now I know that you have told the truth. Yes,
+I see that you have done the greatest thing I ever knew about, But you
+must not feel too big about it. You must prepare yourself to become a
+great leader. Take this sacred Medicine Thing, and keep it about you
+whenever you are about to do anything big. It will give you great power.
+But you must not give it to any one else. If you do that, something bad
+will surely happen to you. Now I will tell you something. Standing Wolf
+and his people will come here to get that great Medicine Thing. Yes,
+they will come here before two suns pass. There will be a great battle.
+Many people will be killed. Perhaps the Medicine Thing will help you.
+Perhaps it will still help Standing Wolf. If it helps him, then you must
+get rid of it. Sometimes these things turn out that way. There is only
+one way to find out about it. You must carry it into the thick of the
+fight. If it gives you power you will do great things. If it turns
+against you, you will surely be killed. Now you must go and rest. I have
+spoken."
+
+"Sky Dog, I will do as you tell me," replied Running Fox.
+
+Several days passed and still there was no word of the Mohawks. The
+Delawares began to hope that they had been needlessly alarmed. Some of
+them even began to doubt that the skin of the white Medicine Owl had
+really come from the Mohawk medicine-bundle. However, they were careful
+to keep their suspicions from reaching the ears of Running Fox or his
+father. Others declared that Standing Wolf was afraid to fight without
+the protection of his medicine charm. Still Black Panther and his
+war-leaders continued to make preparations for the battle. They knew
+Standing Wolf too well to deceive themselves by believing that he would
+surrender his most valued possession without making a desperate attempt
+to regain it from his foes. The delay only strengthened their fears, for
+they believed he had sent runners to induce some of the neighboring
+tribes of Iroquois to join in the attack on the Delaware camp.
+
+Then the suspense was suddenly ended by the return of one of the scouts.
+He said that a great company of Iroquois were coming down the river in
+canoes, and the Delaware scouts had little doubt that many more were
+traveling through the forest on foot. He declared that the Delawares
+would be greatly outnumbered, as it appeared that the Mohawks had been
+strongly reinforced by some of their neighbors from farther to the
+westward.
+
+The Delawares became greatly disturbed at the news. They had fought more
+than one losing fight with the fierce Mohawk chief and his savage
+warriors, and they fully realized the nature of the task that confronted
+them. Besides, the village sheltered many women and children, and the
+warriors dreaded to think what might happen if the Mohawks forced their
+way into the camp. They knew from experience that once roused, the
+Mohawks would kill every man, woman and child that fell into their
+hands. For a time, therefore, the Delawares thought of abandoning the
+camp and fleeing southward to the village of their tribesmen, the Minsi,
+another tribe of the Lenape nation who lived a full day's journey
+farther down the river. However, when Black Panther heard of their fears
+he immediately called them to assemble in council.
+
+"Men of the Lenape nation, what has happened to your hearts?" demanded
+the Delaware war-chief. "Have the Delawares turned into rabbits? Do you
+tremble when you hear the name of Standing Wolf? Come, you must answer
+me."
+
+The stern rebuke was received in silence. More than one stalwart warrior
+lowered his eyes in shame as Black Panther challenged him. Then as no
+one spoke, the chief continued.
+
+"You have heard that the Mohawks are coming to fight us. Well, what will
+you do about it? Do you feel like running away? I do not believe it. You
+say that Standing Wolf has mysterious power over us. Well, I will tell
+you that he has lost it. Running Fox has taken it away from him. The
+great Mohawk war-chief is like a bear without claws. He can do no harm.
+Running Fox will carry the mysterious Medicine Thing into the fight. If
+you follow him he will lead you to victory. It is true that we have
+never beaten Standing Wolf, but this time it will be different. Yes, Sky
+Dog will tell you that. Come, I will tell you what to do. First we will
+send scouts down the river to ask our brothers, the Minsi, to come and
+help us. Then we will send the women and children down the river in
+canoes. A warrior will sit in each canoe. Whoever is afraid of Standing
+Wolf must leave his weapons, and go with the women and children. The
+rest of us will stay here, and meet the boastful Mohawks. Now, my
+brother, let me see who is afraid to stay."
+
+Not even the youngest boy responded. The Delawares answered the
+challenge with a great shout of defiance that seemed to shake the hills.
+Then they began to sing their war-songs, and parade about the camp. In a
+few moments they called for Running Fox to address them.
+
+"My brothers, I am a young man, and I have not much to say," Running Fox
+told them, modestly. "I have brought you the thing which gave Standing
+Wolf his mysterious power over us. Now I am going to carry it into the
+thick of the fight. I believe we will win a great victory. Now we must
+get ready to fight."
+
+Then old Sky Dog rose and delivered a fiery harangue that instantly
+roused the fighting mood of the warriors. He told them that Running Fox
+had done the most wonderful thing in the history of the tribe. He
+declared that the possession of the Mohawk medicine-trophy not only
+insured them against defeat, but made victory certain. Then he called
+upon them to go forth, and fight as they had never fought before.
+
+In the meantime Spotted Deer and a young warrior named Little Snake had
+already departed down the river to summon aid of the Minsi. The canoes
+had been launched, and the women and children were getting into them.
+Now that the Delawares had become eager to fight, it was difficult to
+get warriors to accompany them. However, Black Panther selected the
+escort, and chose the young untried warriors and a few of the older men
+who had been disabled in previous fights.
+
+The refugees had barely left the village when scouts brought word that
+the Mohawks had disembarked about a half day's journey from the camp.
+The scouts said that it was evident they intended to advance through the
+woods on the north side of the camp.
+
+"The river was covered with canoes," declared an excited Delaware scout.
+
+Black Panther immediately called for a company of volunteers to go out
+and lie in wait for the Mohawks. Most of the warriors responded, and he
+chose a third of his entire force. Then he appointed Running Fox the
+leader. It was an unusual honor for a lad of his years, but he had
+proved his ability, and the Delawares were ready to follow him. They had
+little doubt that the Mohawk medicine-trophy would bring him the same
+powers which they believed it had bestowed upon Standing Wolf, and they
+expected to see him accomplish equally wonderful feats.
+
+"My son, I have made you the leader of this war-party," said Black
+Panther, as the lad came to him for final instructions. "You are very
+young, and you have not been in many fights. You must listen to what I
+am about to say. There are some great war-leaders in your party. There
+is Broken Hand, and Two Elks, and Painted Dog. All those men are great
+leaders. You must ask them to help you. But I have made you the leader.
+You must know what to do. Now I will tell you. The Mohawks have left the
+canoes. They will probably come down along this side of the river. You
+must send good scouts ahead of you to find which way the Mohawks are
+coming. It will be necessary to send some scouts across the river, for
+the Mohawks may come down that side. Well, when you have found out which
+way the Mohawks are coming you must put your warriors in their way. You
+must hold them back until I get a chance to prepare the camp. You must
+find a good place to hide in. Do not show yourselves until the Mohawks
+are right between you. Then you must rush in and fool them. You must try
+to kill as many as you can, and drive back the others. That may hold
+them off until we can get ready to fight. However, if they are too
+strong for you, you must fight your way back to the village. I have
+finished."
+
+"My father, I will do as you have told me," replied Running Fox. "I will
+talk with Broken Hand, and Two Elks and Painted Dog. We will try to make
+a good fight."
+
+Running Fox and his companions left the village in silence, for Black
+Panther had cautioned the Delawares against making a demonstration. The
+sun was low in the west, and the valiant company of fighters hurried
+through the woods in the hope of finding the Mohawks before it grew
+dark. Several of the scouts who had already located the enemy were sent
+on ahead, and three other scouts were sent across the river in a canoe
+to watch along the opposite shore.
+
+By the time darkness finally closed down the Delawares had traveled a
+considerable distance along the river. Then they stopped, and waited to
+hear from the scouts. It was not long before one of them brought word
+that the main Mohawk war-party was close at hand. He said that they were
+following the Delaware hunting trail, and had sent a number of scouts
+ahead of them. The Delawares lost little time in concealing themselves
+along the sides of a narrow ravine. Then they waited anxiously for the
+Mohawks to blunder into the ambush.
+
+A short time afterward the Mohawk scouts entered the ravine. The
+Delawares allowed them to pass through in safety. However, when the
+war-party attempted to follow, the Delawares rose from concealment and
+attacked them with great fury. The Mohawks were completely surprised,
+and for a time they were thrown into great confusion. The Delawares had
+little trouble in driving them from the ravine, and elated at their
+success they attempted to turn the surprise into a rout. It was only a
+few moments, however, before they discovered that they had made a
+serious blunder. What they had mistaken for the war-party was only an
+advance guard following the scouts. When the main war-party rushed up a
+few moments later, the Delawares found themselves outnumbered by four to
+one. Still Running Fox had no idea of retreating. He had been sent to
+delay the Mohawks as long as possible, and he determined to make them
+fight every stride of the way to the Delaware camp. Calling upon his
+war-leaders to follow him, the young warrior fought with a reckless fury
+that amazed his foes. Stimulated by his example, the Delawares not only
+held their ground, but actually forced the Mohawks to give way. The
+advantage was only temporary, however, for the Mohawks soon rallied, and
+attacked so fiercely that the Delawares in turn were compelled to yield.
+They retreated slowly, however, fighting so stubbornly that the Mohawks
+began to grow cautious.
+
+Running Fox had many narrow escapes, for he threw himself into the
+thickest of the fighting. Twice he was compelled to fight desperate hand
+to hand encounters with his foes, and each time he came off victorious.
+At another time he was attacked by three Mohawks at once, but he
+succeeded in dodging behind a tree and killed two of his assailants, and
+wounded the third. The Delawares began to believe that the sacred white
+Medicine Owl had made him invincible. Running Fox himself believed it,
+and the thought gave him confidence.
+
+The Delawares held back the Mohawks until daylight, and then the latter
+suddenly retired. Running Fox knew better than to attempt to follow
+them. He feared that the withdrawal was part of some clever stratagem,
+and he immediately called a council of his war-leaders.
+
+"I believe the Mohawks will wait until it gets dark again, and then they
+will try to circle around us," said Broken Hand. "I believe the best
+thing we can do is to go back to the village. We have held back the
+Mohawks until our women and children are safe. We can do no good by
+staying here and throwing away our lives. I believe we can make a better
+showing with our people at the village."
+
+"I feel strange about this thing," declared Two Elks. "You have done
+some wonderful things, but if you stay here I believe you will be
+killed. I cannot help telling you this, because that is how I feel about
+it."
+
+"I feel like Broken Hand," said Painted Dog. "I have not seen Standing
+Wolf in this fight. I believe he is somewhere about with another big
+war-party. I saw many Oneidas in this war-party. Yes, I believe I killed
+an Onondaga. Those people may be coming to help the Mohawks. Running
+Fox, you are a good leader. You have done some wonderful things. But
+there are only a few of us. Some of our friends have already been
+killed. The Mohawks are too strong for us. If we stay here they will
+come back and destroy us. I believe we must try to get away."
+
+"Well, my brothers, I have listened to your words, and I see that you
+all feel the same way about it. I would like to stay and fight some
+more, but I believe it would be foolish. We have done what we came here
+to do. We have held back the Mohawks so that our people can get ready to
+fight It is enough. Come, we will go."
+
+
+
+
+              CHAPTER XIX--THE ATTACK ON THE DELAWARE CAMP
+
+
+When Running Fox and his companions returned to the camp they found
+everything in readiness for an attack. As there was no stockade about
+the village, the Delawares had hastily thrown up a number of barricades
+made of logs and stones. Inside of the camp were several large
+brush-piles to be lighted if the Mohawks attempted to enter the camp
+under cover of the darkness. Water had been brought from the river, and
+two boys had been selected to climb to the roof of each lodge as soon as
+the fighting began to watch for fire-arrows.
+
+Running Fox went to Black Panther and gave him a full account of the
+fight with the Mohawks. The Delaware chief seemed much pleased, and said
+that if the Mohawks had not been intercepted and held up they would have
+reached the village before he had a chance to prepare for defense.
+
+"My son, you have done a good thing," he told Running Fox.
+
+Soon afterward the scouts who had been sent across the river came into
+the camp, and said that they had seen nothing of their foes.
+
+"That is good," declared Black Panther. "Now we know that the Mohawks
+are all together."
+
+The Delawares had little fear that the Mohawks would begin their attack
+before dark, still they determined to be ready for any emergency.
+Therefore, as the sun sank slowly toward the hilltops they gathered in
+the center of the camp to receive their final instructions from the
+war-chief.
+
+"My brothers, I have little to tell you," said Black Panther. "You know
+what has happened. Now the Mohawks have come to fight us. Running Fox
+has broken the power of their great chief, Standing Wolf. I believe we
+will be able to overcome him. We must all be brave. We must keep our
+enemies outside of the camp. Pretty soon our brothers, the Minsi, will
+come to help us. No matter what happens we must keep fighting until they
+get here. Do not let anything make you afraid. If we win this great
+battle, the Mohawks will never trouble us again. I have finished."
+
+When Black Panther finished speaking the Delawares stationed themselves
+along the edge of the camp to watch for their foes. The night was well
+advanced, however, before they heard anything to rouse their suspicions.
+Then they heard the Mohawks signaling on two sides of the camp. It was
+evident, therefore, that there were either two distinct war-parties, or
+else the Mohawks had separated to attack the village on two sides.
+
+The Delawares waited calmly at their posts, each man grimly determined
+to avenge the long list of tribesmen who had died at the hands of those
+fierce and implacable foes. The signals soon ceased, and then for a long
+time all was still. The Delawares waited in trying suspense. A little
+group of warriors huddled behind each barricade, and between them, at
+the edge of the camp, were others to close the gaps. Black Panther and
+the war-leaders moved back and forth between them.
+
+The stillness was suddenly broken by a piercing yell, and a moment later
+it was answered by another on the other side of the camp. Then the
+Mohawks began their attack. They rushed toward the village shouting
+fiercely, but the Delawares faced them without a tremor. They waited
+until their foes were within a few bow-lengths of them, and then they
+rose and met them with such a deadly volley of arrows that the astounded
+Mohawks recoiled in confusion.
+
+Then the Delaware war-cry rang triumphantly through the night, and the
+Mohawks rallied at the sound. Roused to a fury by the stubborn
+resistance of their foes, they fought with a reckless daring that
+carried them to the very edge of the camp. There they met the Delawares
+in a fierce hand to hand encounter. Although they had a tremendous
+advantage in numbers the Mohawks found themselves outfought at every
+point of contact with their courageous foes. Strive as they might, they
+were unable to gain a foothold in the camp. They heard the familiar
+voice of Standing Wolf urging them to victory, but it had suddenly lost
+its power. The Mohawks began to realize that the fight was going against
+them. Aware that they were wasting themselves in vain, they suddenly
+became demoralized, and retreated in wild disorder.
+
+The Delawares were frantic with delight. They had beaten back the
+boastful Mohawks for the first time since Standing Wolf had begun to
+make war upon them. Still they dared not become too hopeful, for they
+feared that their success might prove to be only temporary. They had
+little doubt that the Mohawks would speedily renew the attack, and they
+knew that next time the fortunes of war might again turn in their favor.
+However, their temporary victory gave them confidence, and they
+determined to fight even harder when the Mohawks resumed the battle.
+They believed that the sacred medicine-trophy had already made them
+invincible.
+
+"My brothers, we have beaten off the boastful Mohawks, but we are not
+through," cried Black Panther. "Do not feel too sure. They will come
+again. Next time they will fight harder. They are much stronger than we
+are. Yes, I believe there are three Mohawks for every Delaware. But I
+saw some Oneidas and Onondagas. It is a great war-party. We must fight
+very hard to keep alive until help comes. Now we must watch."
+
+Darkness had given way to the soft gray light of dawn when the Mohawks
+made their second attempt to enter the village. This time they attacked
+the camp on three sides, and the fighting was even fiercer than in the
+first encounter. They were led by Standing Wolf and some of the most
+noted Iroquois war-chiefs, and for an instant the Delawares lost
+confidence. The Mohawks were quick to see their advantage, and they
+fought recklessly to make the most of it. Rushing to the barricades they
+struggled desperately with the gallant men who defended them. In one or
+two places they overwhelmed them by force of numbers, and succeeded in
+breaking through the line.
+
+"Come, my brothers, we must fight harder!" shouted Black Panther, as he
+ran boldly along the edge of the camp. "Standing Wolf has lost his
+power. Running Fox has found it. Come, drive these boastful enemies from
+the camp!"
+
+Then Running Fox threw himself into the thick of the fight. Gathering a
+little company of followers, he led them against the Mohawks who had
+reached the edge of the camp. Waving the sacred medicine-trophy, and
+calling upon his companions to follow him, he attacked his foes with
+such ferocity that they fell back astounded. Before they could recover
+from their surprise, the Delawares rallied, and drove them beyond the
+barricades.
+
+Then a warning came from the other side of the camp. Again Running Fox
+led a gallant company to meet the invaders. This time, however, their
+task was more difficult, and for a time the Delawares were unable to
+dislodge their foes. Then in a thrilling hand to hand encounter Running
+Fox killed the warrior who led the attack, and the Mohawks suddenly lost
+their courage, and fell back.
+
+Word of his prowess was instantly spread among the Delawares, and they
+were finally convinced that the mysterious Mohawk medicine-trophy was
+responsible for his remarkable success. The thought strengthened their
+confidence, and filled them with such dogged determination that the
+Mohawks were again compelled to fall back before their stubborn
+resistance.
+
+"Well, my brothers, you have made a great fight," Black Panther cried,
+enthusiastically. "The Mohawks have found out that we are men. They
+tried to get into the camp, but we were too strong for them. Running Fox
+has done some great things. It must be that the mysterious Medicine
+Thing is helping him. But we are not through with this fight. I believe
+it will last a long time. Well, we will not give in. No, we will keep
+fighting no matter how long it takes. See, the Mohawks have disappeared
+into the woods. The full light has come. It is good. I do not believe
+the Mohawks will begin to fight again until it gets dark. Perhaps they
+have gone away. Well, we will not let them fool us. We will keep
+watching."
+
+The Delawares saw nothing further of their foes until near the end of
+the day, and then they again heard them signaling on both sides of the
+camp. It was evident that they were preparing to renew the attack. The
+Delawares knew what to expect. Still there was not one among them who
+showed the least trace of anxiety. They waited calmly, determined to
+fight if need be until the last of them was killed.
+
+The attack was renewed at sunset, and the Delawares were astounded to
+find that on this occasion their foes were Oneidas and Onondagas. They
+knew at once that the wily Mohawk war-chief had been holding these hardy
+fighters in reserve, and had called upon them to relieve his own
+warriors when the latter showed signs of weakening before the deadly
+resistance of the Delawares.
+
+"Hi, my brothers, the Mohawks have sent others to do what they cannot do
+themselves!" cried Black Panther. "Come, we will show these people how
+to fight!"
+
+Although the unexpected appearance of the new fighting force filled them
+with dismay, the Delawares fought as stubbornly as ever. The odds were
+all against them, however, and they realized that only the timely
+arrival of their tribesmen, the Minsi, could save them from disaster.
+
+
+
+
+                           CHAPTER XX--VICTORY
+
+
+Fighting continued at intervals throughout the night, and daylight found
+the exhausted Delawares still keeping weary vigil at the edge of the
+camp. They had lost almost half of their number, and they were
+discouraged and hopeless. They watched the dawn of the new day with
+gloomy forebodings, for they feared to imagine what might happen before
+it ended. The Iroquois showed no intention of abandoning the fight, and
+the Delawares knew that unless their tribesmen arrived to help them it
+would be only a short time before they were finally overcome. They felt
+sure that the three war-parties would unite for the final attack, and
+they knew that there was little chance of holding them off. Each grim
+Delaware warrior felt defeat and death hovering over him.
+
+"My brothers, a new day has come," said Black Panther. "Before it ends I
+believe our brothers, the Minsi, will come to help us. Pretty soon we
+will hear them shouting the war-cry. Then the Iroquois will run like
+rabbits. We must keep our hearts brave. We have killed many of our
+enemies. They tried to get into our lodges, but we beat them back. Now
+they are hiding out there in the woods. Yes, they are afraid to face us
+in the light. Come, we will let them hear our war-cry."
+
+Roused by the words of their chief, the Delawares rallied from their
+gloom and sent their war-cry ringing through the forest. The Iroquois
+immediately answered the challenge, and the Delawares shook their heads
+soberly. However, as the time passed, and the Iroquois made no further
+attempts against the village, the Delawares began to take heart. They
+believed that their foes were waiting to make one supreme effort under
+cover of the night, and they hoped that the Minsi war-party would arrive
+in the meantime.
+
+Then as the long day finally passed and their tribesmen failed to appear
+the Delawares again lost heart. The approach of night filled them with
+dread. They feared that long before daylight they would be overcome by
+the superior numbers of their foes. The possibility staggered them. They
+suddenly realized what it meant. They would be wiped out, destroyed from
+the land, and their women and children would be homeless. The thought
+filled them with new determination. They pledged themselves to fight
+even harder than they had fought before.
+
+As the ominous black shadows finally settled over the camp, the
+Delawares nerved themselves for their task. They knew that the attack
+would come suddenly, at any moment, and the thought kept them in trying
+suspense. Then as the night dragged on and nothing happened, they began
+to grow suspicious. They wondered if the Iroquois were stealing silently
+upon them under cover of the darkness. They strained their ears to catch
+a warning. All was still. The Delawares were bewildered. The uncanny
+silence strained their nerves. Each moment they expected to hear the
+terrifying Iroquois war-cry, and see their foes within arm's reach of
+them. Then some one shouted a warning from the end of the camp. The
+suspense was ended. The fight had begun. The Delawares felt relieved.
+
+"Light the fires! Light the fires!" cried the warriors near the point of
+attack.
+
+"No, no, not yet!" shouted Black Panther.
+
+Then a streak of fire flashed through the night, and fell into the
+village. It was a fire-arrow. The boys were ordered to the tops of the
+lodges. A moment afterward the great Iroquois war-party rushed upon the
+camp. They had approached close up to the barricades before the
+Delawares discovered them. Then at the proper signal they rose, and
+grappled with them. The Delawares fought desperately, but they were
+hopelessly outnumbered, and it seemed to be only a matter of moments
+before the Iroquois would force their way into the camp.
+
+"Light the fires! Light the fires!" screamed the Delawares.
+
+This time Black Panther realized the necessity for it. Then as the
+flames roared through the piles of dry brush, and flooded the village
+with light, he saw the Iroquois at the edge of the camp. They were
+fighting recklessly to gain a foothold in the village, but the Delawares
+were attacking them like a swarm of angry bees. Onondagas, Oneidas and
+Mohawks had combined, and Standing Wolf himself was leading them. For a
+time the Delawares held them off, but the odds against them were too
+great, and the Iroquois eventually fought their way into the camp.
+
+For an instant the Delawares faltered. Then they rallied about their
+gallant war-chief and fought with the fury of despair. They had gathered
+in force at one end of the camp, and the Iroquois were unable to
+dislodge them. The Delawares knew that if they were scattered and driven
+from the village they would be surrounded and annihilated. Therefore,
+they determined to stand together until the end.
+
+Running Fox was in a frenzy of despair. He realized that he alone was to
+blame for the plight of his tribesmen, and the thought drove him to
+distraction. It seemed as if his perilous journey to the Mohawk camp had
+been in vain. The mysterious Medicine Creatures had apparently deceived
+him. The sacred medicine-trophy for which he had risked his life seemed
+powerless against the famous Mohawk war-chief. Getanittowit appeared to
+have turned against him. Instead of aiding his people, the distracted
+lad believed that he had brought about their destruction. He had fought
+with a recklessness that had astounded both his tribesmen and their
+foes, and still it seemed to have been in vain. Running Fox was beside
+himself with grief. In the midst of the desperate encounter be raised
+his arms toward the sky and called upon Getanittowit to help him. "O
+Getanittowit, see what has happened to me. O Getanittowit, give me power
+to help my people. O Getanittowit, send the powerful Medicine Creatures
+to aid me," he shouted excitedly.
+
+Then a loud mocking laugh rose above the sounds of battle. Running Fox
+did not need to look. He knew instinctively that it came from Standing
+Wolf. A moment afterward he saw him fighting recklessly at the head of
+his warriors. As usual be seemed to bear a charmed life. His tribesmen
+were dropping on both sides of him, but as yet he was unharmed.
+
+"See, we cannot harm that man!" the Delawares told one another in
+superstitious awe. "It is useless to fight him. He will kill us all!"
+
+"No! No! He cannot harm you, for I am going to kill him!" Running Fox
+cried, hysterically. "See, I have the skin of Gokhos, the great white
+Medicine Owl. My brothers, I have taken away the power from Standing
+Wolf. I have just found out about it. Now you will see something. I am
+going to kill that man. I am going to bring our brothers, the Minsi.
+Pretty soon you will hear them. Now you must watch me."
+
+The next moment he bounded past his astonished tribesmen, and advanced
+fearlessly upon the Mohawk chief. The latter shot an arrow at him, but
+it flew harmlessly past his head. Then, as Running Fox laughed and
+pointed to the medicine-trophy which hung upon his breast, Standing Wolf
+uttered a yell of rage and rushed forward, war-club in hand. Before he
+had taken two strides Running Fox drove an arrow through his heart.
+
+"See, my brothers, see what I have done!" screamed Running Fox, as he
+drove back several Mohawks who had rushed upon him to avenge the death
+of their chief.
+
+"It is the Medicine Spirits!" cried the Delawares, as they ran to his
+support.
+
+"Yes, I have the power!" shouted Running Fox. "Come, you must follow
+me!"
+
+He led the Delawares in a furious attack that utterly routed the
+faltering Mohawks. The death of their famous chief had demoralized them,
+and as they saw their comrades falling before the deadly arrows of the
+wild-eyed young Delaware and his followers they suddenly became
+panic-stricken and fled from the camp.
+
+At that very instant the Delaware war-cry rang through the night and a
+moment afterward a great company of Minsi fighting men poured into the
+village. They threw themselves upon the bewildered Oneidas and Onondagas
+and completely overwhelmed them. The Minsi gained a quick and easy
+victory, for the superstitious Iroquois believed that some powerful
+Medicine Spirit had suddenly come to the aid of their foes, and they
+made little attempt to resist them. Finding themselves in danger of
+being speedily annihilated by the fierce fighters who had suddenly
+appeared before them, they, too, retreated from the camp in wild
+disorder, and sought safety in flight. However, the Delawares were
+determined to make the most of their victory, and they followed their
+fleeing foes far into the wilderness, exacting a terrible vengeance for
+the many wrongs which they had suffered at the hands of Standing Wolf
+and his followers.
+
+Late the following day when the last of the Delaware fighting men had
+returned to the camp, Black Panther called upon all to assemble and give
+thanks for the victory. It was a notable gathering, and the stern
+Delaware war-chief looked upon his warriors with great pride. Then his
+eyes sought out Running Fox, and for a moment he was almost overcome by
+his emotion.
+
+"My people, we have won a great victory," said Black Panther. "Standing
+Wolf, the great Mohawk war-chief, is dead. Many of his people have
+followed him. The warriors who escaped are running toward their
+villages. It will be a long time before they come here again. Do you
+know how all this came about? Well, I will tell you. It is because
+Running Fox went into the Mohawk camp, and brought away the skin of the
+mysterious white Medicine Owl. Spotted Deer went with him. Those young
+warriors have done the greatest thing that has ever been done by a
+Delaware. But Running Fox has done something bigger than that. He has
+killed the great chief Standing Wolf. That fierce warrior killed many of
+our people. Yes, he killed many of our women and children. He destroyed
+our crops, and burned our lodges. We wished to live in peace, but he
+would not let us. He brought great trouble upon us. Now he will never
+trouble us again. Running Fox has brought it to pass. He is very young,
+but he has become a great warrior. Yes, he must have a place in the
+council-circle. I have finished."
+
+The Delawares greeted the announcement with shouts of approval. They
+called Running Fox and Spotted Deer to stand in the center of the camp,
+while the great war-party paraded around them, singing the songs of
+victory. Then they suddenly stopped, and raised their voices in the
+great tribute which was only given to the famous war-chiefs of the
+nation. It was a high honor, and the happy lads strove hard to conceal
+their pride as they looked joyfully into each other's eyes.
+
+                                THE END
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Running Fox, by Elmer Russell Gregor
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