Those watchful, forbidding loopholes, the blackened walls and timbers, told the history of ten long, bloody years.

The whole effect was one of menace, as if the fort sent out a defiance to the wilderness, and meant to protect the few dozen log cabins clustered on the hillside.
"How will we ever get across that big river ?" asked Jim, practically.
"Wade--swim," answered the hunter, laconically, and began the descent of the ridge.

An hour's rapid walking brought the three to the river.

Depositing his rifle in a clump of willows, and directing the boys to do the same with their guns, the hunter splashed into the water.

His companions followed him into the shallow water, and waded a hundred yards, which brought them near the island that they now perceived hid the fort.