They were ugly-looking customers in their revolting war-paint and fantastic costumes, and the Lieutenant felt that the wisest plan he could adopt was to give them a wide berth.
Withdrawing further into the wood, he asked the negro when he had first seen them.
"Massa Canfield, I stood and watched out dar for two, free hours till I fell asleep myself and come down kerwollup on de ground.

I laid dar a good while afore I woke, and de fust t'ing I see'd when I looked out dar, war dem Injines walking round, kickin' up t'ings and makin' darselves at home ginerally.

You'd better beliebe I trabeled fast to tell you ob it." "From which direction do you think they come ?" "Dunno, but I finks de way dey looks dat dey come purty near from dis way, mighty clus to whar we's standin'; and I t'inks dey'll take de same route to git back agin." Somehow or other, the Lieutenant had the same impression as the negro.
It was so strong upon him that he resolved to change their position at once.

Accordingly, he proceeded to where his horse was tied, and unfastening, led him into the wood.

Making a _detour_, he came back nearly upon the opposite side of the clearing, where, if possible, the wood was still thicker.