They were aware that they were now beyond the bounds of the region avoided by the Indians, and they also had no doubt that the Indian camp was situated farther up the river, probably at some convenient landing-place for canoes.
Finally Ed Matheson, who had the lead, halted and held up his hand.
"Smoke," he whispered, sniffing the air. "Aye," whispered d**k, also sniffing.
Ed now sank to his hands and knees, pausing frequently in his advance to reconnoitre. Presently he ceased to move, his rifle extended before him, until d**k and Bill drew along side.
"There's th' fire," he whispered, "an' there's where they was camped, but it's lookin' t' me as if they's gone."
The smouldering embers of a camp-fire in the centre of the open spot where the wigwam had stood the previous day, lay direct
