"Great Cæsar!" exclaimed the terrified McEwen, as he began swinging back and , head downward, like a huge ; "won't somebody set me right side up?"  
"Not another word," whispered Fred, him by the shoulders and jerking him loose, "or I'll dash you head-first on the rocks."
 
With some difficulty, the troublesome New Englander was placed on his feet, and finally the whole party stood at the bottom of the ravine, unharmed and hopeful.
 
"If we are captured, it will be due to the presence of a natural-born idiot with us," said Fred; "listen!"
 
It seemed at that moment as if a dozen were calling to each other from different points in the woods. One or two sounds came from the rocks overhead, near where the path terminated its , and must have been uttered by those who were seen there by Godfrey a short time before.
 
"They have discovered us," he added, "and it is now do or die."
 
Not another word was spoken, and the youth led the way along the ravine without any definite idea of where he was going, or whether there was any chance of escaping what might be the very trap into which their enemies were seeking to them.
 
The ground was rough and , and they forward like a party of mountain tourists in a great hurry.
 
Fred Godfrey maintained his place at the head, Maggie and Eva close behind, while Aunt Peggy, Mr. Brainerd, and Habakkuk McEwen followed.
 
When they had gone less then a hundred yards, all were relieved by finding they were rising.
 
If this continued, they must soon reach the level ground above, and, in the darkness, would be able to go a good distance before morning.
 
But it was almost idle to hope, for the thought was scarcely in their minds when the whole party were brought to a standstill by coming squarely against the solid wall.
 
"Is this the end of the path?" asked Brainerd, observing the that checked them.
 
"I hope not—but let's look. Those signals going back and forth across the valley refer to us. I believe the whole Indian force know what we have done, and are arranging to capture us."
 
The probabilities that way, and, when several minutes' hurried search failed to find an to the ravine, which now narrowed until the two sides met, something to despair took possession of the .
 
"It's my belief," ventured McEwen, "that the best thing we can do is to open with the Senecas, with a view of obtaining honorable terms. What are your views, Mr. Brainerd?"
 
"That the best thing for you to do is to hold your peace."
 
"Such is my own theory," added Fred, who had no patience with the fellow. "Hello!"
 
As he he made an upward lea............