From this standpoint he carefully scanned what could be seen of the
ravine. It descended quite gradually from the edge of the bank, so
that he gained a partial view of the rocks and bowlders upon the
opposite side. Some of the trees growing in the narrow valley rose to
such a height that one-half or two-thirds of them were exposed to
view.
It was while the boy was gazing at these that he detected a peculiar
movement in one of the limbs, which instantly arrested his attention.
A moment showed him that the peculiar waving motion was made by human
agency, and he strained his eyes in the hope of detecting the cause of
the curious movement.
The gathering darkness made his vision quite uncertain; but he either
saw, or fancied he saw, a dark object among the limbs which resembled
the form of Baldy Bicknell, the trapper.
Johnny Brainerd would have given almost anything in the world could he
have understood what it all meant.
But the vary fact of these singular demonstrations was prima facie
evidence of the most unquestionable kind; and, after a moment's
consultation with himself, he began moving away, just as the sharp
crack of several rifles notified him of the fearful peril which he had
escaped.
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