There they came to the mouth of a
small river, thickly lined on both shores with gigantic trees.
"I think we'd better take down our sail and run up this," said Henry. "We
can go back some distance and hide close to the bank. The Spaniards of
course will not dream of coming up it, and we can stay here until they go
by."
"A safe and pleasant haven as long as it is needed," said Paul.
They took down the sail and pulled at least a mile up the little river.
There they tied close to the bank, and, happy over their success, sought
sleep, all except the watch, the night passing without disturbance.
The day came, again unclouded and beautiful, and the five regarded it, the
boat, and themselves with a great deal of satisfaction.
"I'm thinkin' that our treasure ship, the gall-yun, ought to hev the most
credit," said Shif'less Sol. "She brought us past all them warrin' people
in great style. Without her we'd hev a hard time, follerin' the Spaniards
to New Or-lee-yuns."
After breakfast they remained awhile in the boat, content to lie still and
await events. Everywhere around them was the deep forest, oak, hickory,
chestnut, maple, elm, and all the other noble trees that flourish in the
great valley. Just above them was a low point in the hank of the little
river and they could see that it was trodden by many feet.
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