He was so much absorbed in his task that he forgot the passage of time, and did not notice how far he had gone.
Paul had acquired much skill as a hunter, and he was learning to observe the signs of the forest; but he did not hear a light step behind him, although he _did_ feel himself seized in a powerful grasp.

This particular warrior was a Miami, and he may have been impelled by pride--that is, a desire to take a white youth alive, or at least hold him until his comrades, who were near, could come and secure him.

To this circumstance, and to a fortunate slip of the savage, the boy undoubtedly owed his life.
Paul was strong, and the grasp of the Indian was like the touch of fire to him.

He made a sudden convulsive effort, far greater than his natural physical powers, and the arms of the warrior were torn loose.

Both staggered, each away from the other, and while they were yet too close for Paul to use his rifle, he did, under impulse, what the white man often does, the red man never.