"On, ahead, we are safe!" cried Gabriel. Of course, there was no time
for explanation, and ten minutes more saw us at the foot of the
mountain. "Not a word, but do as I do," again said my companion. We
followed his example by unsaddling our animals and taking off the
bridles, with which we whipped them. The poor things, though tired,
galloped to the south, as if they were aware of the impending danger.
"I understand, Gabriel," said I; "the savages cannot see us in the
shades of these hills; they will follow our horses by the sounds."
Gabriel chuckled with delight. "Right," said he, "right enough, but it
is not all. I know of a boat on the other side of the mountain, and the
Ogden river will carry us not far from the Buona Ventura."
I started. "A mistake," I exclaimed, "dear friend, a sad mistake; we are
more than thirty miles from the river."
"From the main river, yes," answered he, shaking my hand, "but many an
otter have I killed in a pretty lake two miles from here, at the
southern side of this hill. There I have a boat well concealed, as I
hope; and it is a place where we may defy all the Arrapahoes, and the
Crows to back them. From that lake to the river it is but thirty miles'
paddling in a smooth canal, made either by nature or by a former race
of men.
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