When he drew near the place he saw three more Indians, and these
were traveling directly south. He was quite sure now that his
theory was correct. They were sending out hunters in every
direction, in order that they might beat up the woods thoroughly
for game, and his own position anywhere except on the islet was
becoming exceedingly precarious. Nevertheless, using all his
wonderful skill, he continued the hunt. He had an abiding faith
that his four comrades were yet alive, and he meant to prove it.
In the afternoon the clouds moved away a little, and the rain
decreased, though it did not cease. The Indian signs multiplied,
and Henry felt sure that the forest within a radius of twenty
miles of his islet contained more than one camp. Some great
gathering must be in progress and the hunters were out to supply
it with food. Four times he heard the sound of shots, and thrice
more he saw warriors passing through the forest. Once a wounded
deer darted past him, and, lying down in the bushes, he saw the
Indians following the fleeing animal. As the day grew older the
trails multiplied. Certainly a formidable gathering of bands was
in progress, and, feeling that he might at any time be caught in
a net, he returned to the islet, which had now become a veritable
fort for him.
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