And the Senecas,
being mad for revenge, would surely get help and follow.
Henry believed that the theory of returning toward the Wyoming
Valley was sound. That region had been so thoroughly ravaged now
that all the Indians would be going northward. If they could
float down a day or so without molestation, they would probably
be safe. The creek, or, rather, little river, broadened, flowing
with a smooth, fairly swift current. The forest on either side
was dense with oak, hickory, maple, and other splendid trees,
often with a growth of underbrush. The three riflemen never
ceased to watch intently. Henry always looked ahead. It would
have been difficult for any ambushed marksman to have escaped his
notice. But nothing occurred to disturb them. Once a deer came
down to drink, and fled away at sight of the phantom boat gliding
almost without noise on the still waters. Once the far scream of
a panther came from the woods, but Mary Newton and her children,
sleeping soundly, did not hear it. The five themselves knew the
nature of the sound, and paid no attention. The boat went
steadily on, the three riflemen never changing their position,
and soon the day began to come.
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