" answered Kepenau. "I
will let them understand that I have more skins to bring."

"The greater reason they will have for putting a small value on them,"
observed the old trapper.

"I would advise you to accept Samson Micklan's offer," said Uncle Mark,
turning to the Indian.

Kepenau considered the matter for some time. "I will do as you advise,"
he said at length. "I know that I can trust you. When you have fixed a
price, I will not consent to sell under it. I intend, nevertheless, to
go to the settlement."

The old trapper, whose name I now for the first time heard, appeared to
be in no hurry to continue his journey. When at length he declared that
he was ready to start, Reuben offered to carry his pack.

Old Samson smiled. "It may make your young shoulders ache more than you
suppose," he observed.

"Let me try," answered Reuben; and I helped him to place it on his
shoulders. In doing so I was able to judge of its weight.

"If my uncle can spare me, I will assist you," I said; "for I doubt very
much whether you will be able to carry it all the way."

Reuben, however, had made up his mind to fulfil his promise. I saw a
twinkle in the old man's eyes when he trudged off trying to look as if
he did not feel the weight. My uncle told me I might go too, so we set
off. Kepenau and Samson led the way, talking together. Reuben, as I
expected, dropped alongside Ashatea; and I followed. The other Indians
brought up the rear, carrying Kepenau's packs.

Before long, I saw that Reuben was walking with difficulty, and putting
his hands behind his back to try and lift the pack off his shoulders. I
ranged up to him.

"You had better let me carry that a little way for you," I said. "Or
suppose we sling it on our sticks! we shall then get along more easily,
and neither of us will feel the weight too much."

Still Reuben declared that he could carry it.

Ashatea looked at him, evidently understanding the matter as well as I
did. "You better let your friend do as he says," she observed.

At length Reuben, who was getting very hot, and had stumbled more than
once, said, "Well, I do think it will be the best way. I am much
obliged to you, Roger."

We soon had the pack slung to the sticks, and poor Reuben stepped along
much more easily than before.

We soon reached Uncle Stephen's house, when the old trapper turned round
to Reuben. "You are a brave lad," he said; "I like your pluck. In a
few years, when