78 THE BED MOUNTAIN OF ALASKA. 
torrent. The ends of four of the largest logs were 
notched, and the big timbers " saddled " on each other. 
Then, although they lay quite firmly together, they were 
lashed with stout cords. Two other pieces were saddled 
across from side to side in the same way, at even distances 
between the ends of the oblong raft, and on these four 
cross-pieces was laid a dry, compact floor or deck of 
logs, running lengthwise of the raft, and secured by notch- 
ing and tying at the outside corners. It was eight 
o'clock in the evening when the last log was fastened in 
its place. 
The day had passed without a visit from the savages, 
but there had been an indication of their presence which 
had disturbed Mr. Button. 
About the middle of the afternoon a light column of 
thin blue smoke had been seen to ascend from just beyond 
the ridge before referred to. Within three minutes a 
similar smoke arose from a hill-top on the opposite side 
of the lake. Then both disappeared. It was plainly a 
signal. It looked as if the natives were gathering in 
force. Perhaps it was not a band of Takheesh after all, 
but some strange, unknown tribe from the interior, far 
more savage and uncivilized. 
Supper was eaten in silence. 
Now," said Mr. Button, quietly, we'll rest an hour 
or two under the mosquito tent." 
The netting had been left out for this especial purpose, 
and the whole party crawled under its meshes, thankful 
