Days of the Colonists #254862

The exploring party was following the river, which Smith reckoned by his compass to be hereabouts more or less parallel to the James. The weather was mild and delicate, with no sign of winter, and he meant to keep on somehow, afoot or afloat, until he found that corn. When the shallop, a sloop-rigged craft of about twelve tons, could go no further, he could take the two Indians and two white companions and proceed by canoe. This he presently did, leaving the rest to guard the sailing vessel where it lay at anchor. A while after the canoe disappeared those who te mained thought they caught a glimpse Of shadowy figures flitting in the same direction through the forest, though the woodlands were as silent as the creeping waters. Then they fancied that far away they heard shots and a cry, but nothing more occurred, nor did any message or Sign come from their leader. At last they gave up hope and went back to Jamestown.