That something was wrong he was sure; but, as he was alone, he was unable to oppose their departure.

He watched them closely, as they paddled out, in readiness to give a war whoop, which would have brought down the fishing canoes outside, and given warning to every Indian within sound of his voice; but, when he saw them stop and begin to fish, he hesitated.

If he gave the alarm, he might prove to be mistaken, and he shrank from facing the ridicule which a false alarm would bring upon him.

Should they really prove, as he believed, to be spies, he would, if he gave the alarm, lose the honour and glory of their capture, and their scalps would fall to other hands--a risk not to be thought of.
He therefore waited, until six of his braves came up.

He had already retired among the trees, before he joined them; but the canoe was still visible through the branches.
"The men we tracked have taken to the water.