The Home of tJic Wolverene and Beaver. 219 



Having looked carefully to the priming of their 

 rifles and pistols the three daring men followed 

 the path leading to the village, a narrow tortuous 

 way, winding about amongst rocks and boulders. 

 Their approach seemed quite unheeded by the 

 inhabitants ; no voice challenged the rash intruders ; 

 even the very dogs, usually so vociferous at the 

 approach of a stranger, were silent, and an un- 

 wonted stillness reigned around. With cautious 

 glances and light footsteps they pursued their way, 

 and in a few minutes stood Avithin the pirate 

 stronghold ; and now a human being presented 

 itself, a young boy, \\\\o seemed aware of their 

 coming, and without breaking the ominious silence, 

 motioned the white men with his hand to enter a 

 house of much larger dimensions than its fellows, 

 standing in the centre of the village. Without 

 manifesting the slightest uneasiness, McKenzie 

 stooped his head and passed through the low door, 

 followed closely by his two companions. No 

 sooner were their feet over the threshold than from 

 some unseen quarter emerged a host of Indians, 

 whose dusky forms filled up the narrow passage, 

 and cut off all retreat. 



But the three adventurers Avere men of un- 

 wavering determination, and, without betraying the 

 least hesitation, they coolly viewed the curious 



