s strength and energies to releasing him.

The wretch was so nearly dead as to be unable to render any assistance
to his would-be rescuer, and at least half an hour elapsed before
Walter could drag him from beneath the heavy weight which had so nearly
deprived him of life.

When this work was accomplished, it seemed to have been in vain, so far
as saving life was concerned; but, fortunately, Walter did not cease
his efforts. Dragging the apparently lifeless body to the river, he
applied such restoratives as were at hand, and after a short time had
the satisfaction of seeing the red man open his eyes.

"Better not try," he said, as the Indian attempted to speak. "You have
had such a squeezing as would discourage a bear, and it will take some
time to get over it. Luckily I haven't much of anything to do except
take care of you, and I'll warrant we shall soon have you around as
well as ever. So far as I can make out, no bones have been broken,
though I doubt if you could go through the same experience again and
come out anywhere near whole."

There was nothing more he could do to relieve the sufferer, and after
cautioning him to remain quiet, Walter set about putting up some kind
of a shelter against the elements.

A "lean-to" of brush was soon erected, and in one corner the boy made a
bed of fir boughs, upon which he placed the sufferer, who, after the
first attempt, made no effort to speak.

Walter divided with the Indian his store of bread and cheese, and had
the satisfaction of seeing the latter eat heartily.

"I reckon you're all right if you can get away with as much food as a
well person, and it's time I did something toward laying in a stock of
provisions. Will you stay here while I go after game? There are
partridges enough, even though deer should be shy."

"I wait," the Indian said, with a sigh as of relief; and the boy, gun
in hand, plunged into the thicket.

The result of this first hunting excursion was half a dozen plump
birds, and Walter had seen such signs as told he would have but little
difficulty in bagging a deer on the following morning.

During the remainder of the day Walter acted as nurse and cook; but
never once did the Indian speak.

Next morning, before the sun appeared, he was out to replenish the
larder, returning with the hind-quarters of a deer and, when a
plentiful supply of steaks from these had been broiled over the coals,
the Indian ate like one in perfect health.

"You'll