Zane Grey by The Spirit of the Border

hillside.
    "How will we ever get across that big river?" asked Jim,
practically.
    "Wade—swim," answered the hunter, laconically, and began the
descent of the ridge. An hour's rapid walking brought the three to
the river. Depositing his rifle in a clump of willows, and directing
the boys to do the same with their guns, the hunter splashed into
the water. His companions followed him into the shallow water, and
waded a hundred yards, which brought them near the island that they
now perceived hid the fort. The hunter swam the remaining distance,
and, climbing the bank, looked back for the boys. They were close
behind him. Then he strode across the island, perhaps a quarter of a
mile wide.
    "We've a long swim here," said Wetzel, waving his hand toward the
main channel of the river. "Good fer it?" he inquired of Joe, since
Jim had not received any injuries during the short captivity and
consequently showed more endurance.
    "Good for anything," answered Joe, with that coolness Wetzel had
been quick to observe in him.
    The hunter cast a sharp glance at the lad's haggard face, his
bruised temple, and his hair matted with blood. In that look he read
Joe thoroughly. Had the young man known the result of that scrutiny,
he would have been pleased as well as puzzled, for the hunter had
said to himself: "A brave lad, an' the border fever's on him."
    "Swim close to me," said Wetzel, and he plunged into the river. The
task was accomplished without accident.
    "See the big cabin, thar, on the hillside? Thar's Colonel Zane in
the door," said Wetzel.
    As they neared the building several men joined the one who had been
pointed out as the colonel. It was evident the boys were the subject
of their conversation. Presently Zane left the group and came toward
them. The brothers saw a handsome, stalwart man, in the prime of
life.
    "Well, Lew, what luck?" he said to Wetzel.
    "Not much. I treed five Injuns, an' two got away," answered the
hunter as he walked toward the fort.
    "Lads, welcome to Fort Henry," said Colonel Zane, a smile lighting
his dark face. "The others of your party arrived safely. They
certainly will be overjoyed to see you."
    "Colonel Zane, I had a letter from my uncle to you," replied Jim;
"but the Indians took that and everything else we had with us."
    "Never mind the letter. I knew your uncle, and your father, too.
Come into the house and change those wet clothes. And you, my lad,
have got an ugly knock on the head. Who gave you that?"
    "Jim Girty."
    "What?" exclaimed the colonel.
    "Jim Girty did that. He was with a party of Delawares who ran across
us. They were searching for Wetzel."
    "Girty with the Delawares! The devil's to pay now. And you say
hunting Wetzel? I must learn more about this. It looks bad. But tell
me, how did Girty come to strike you?"
    "I pulled his nose."
    "You did? Good! Good!" cried Colonel Zane, heartily. "By George,
that's great! Tell me—but wait until you are more comfortable. Your
packs came safely on Jeff's raft, and you will find them inside."
    As Joe followed the colonel he heard one of the other men say:
    "Like as two peas in a pod."
    Farther on he saw an Indian standing a little apart from the others.
Hearing Joe's slight exclamation of surprise, he turned, disclosing
a fine, manly countenance, characterized by calm dignity. The Indian
read the boy's thought.
    "Ugh! Me friend," he said in English.
    "That's my Shawnee guide, Tomepomehala. He's a good fellow, although
Jonathan and Wetzel declare the only good Indian is a dead one. Come
right in here. There are your packs, and you'll find water outside
the door."
    Thus saying, Colonel Zane led the brothers into a small room,
brought out their packs, and left them. He came back presently with
a couple of soft towels.
    "Now you lads fix up a bit; then come out and meet my family and
tell us all about your adventure. By that time dinner will be
ready."
    "Geminy! Don't that towel remind you of home?" said Joe, when the
colonel had gone. "From the looks of