“Splashed purposely?” I said, bewildered.

“Perhaps. The Black-Snake had the river watch — until you changed our stations.”

“You think it might have been a sign for him from possible confederates.”

“Maybe. Maybe clumsy white men.”

“What white men? No forest runners dare range these woods at such a time as this. Do you mean a scalping party of Butler’s men?”

“Maybe.”

We had been walking swiftly while we spoke together in low and guarded tones; now I nodded my comprehension, sheered off to the right, took the trail-lead, replacing the Stockbridge Mole, and signalled the nearest Oneida, Grey-Feather, to join Mayaro on the left flank. This made it necessary for me to call the Wyandotte into touch, which I did; and the other Oneida, the