block-house, while Larry was equally certain
it was on the left. Neither could dissuade the
other, and the question remained as exasper-
ating as before. One believed that instead of
going right they were walking directly con-
trary to the proper course, and that sooner or
later they would reach the dangerous section
where they had already met with so many
narrow escapes.
Had either been able to convince the other
of his mistake they would have decided what
was the best thing to do, for such a decision
of necessity would have determined whether
Arqu-wao was playing them false or not.
It was the younger lad who believed they
were goi6g astray, and it was this fact which
caused him to examine the ground, as they
walked along, with closer scrutiny than his
companion. In doing so he made an alarm-
ing discovery; the path showed the distinct
hoofprints of two horses that had travelled in
the opposite direction.
The woodcraft of the young man told him
that the animals had passed that way quite
recently, probably within a few hours. While



THE TBAGES OF HOBSES. 209

there could be no certainty as to who the
couple were, he decided at once that they were
his father and mother on their way from the
block-house to the settlement.
" Larry," said he, touching the shoulder of
his friend, " the Shawanoe is acting honestly
with us."

" How can ye know that ?" asked the other
in surprise.
"These are the footprints of father and
mother's horses."

Larry bent his head forward and closely
studied the ground for some time, walking
slowly, and allowing nothing to escape him.
