ouch and a wall, shutting out further cold from the earth and
from the outside air, and with the greatcoat between, he would be warm
enough. He would have nothing to fear except snow, and the skies gave
no promise of that danger.

He found the leaves in a suitable hollow, and disposed them according
to his plan, the whole making a comfortable place for a seasoned
forester, and, while he ate his supper, he watched the sun set over
the wilderness. Long after it was gone he saw the stars come out and
then he looked at the particular one on which Tododaho, Tayoga's
patron saint, had been living more than four hundred years. It was
glittering in uncommon splendor, save for a slight mist across its
face, which must be the snakes in the hair of the great Onondaga
chieftain who he felt was watching over him, because he was the friend
of Tayoga.

Then he fell asleep, sleeping soundly, all through the night, and
although he was a little stiff in the morning a few minutes of
exercise relieved him of it and he ate his breakfast. His journey
toward the north was resumed, and in an hour he emerged into a little
valley, to come almost face to face with the captain and the two
sailors. They were sitting on a log, apparently weary and at a loss,
but they rose quickly at his coming and the captain's hand slid down
to his pistol. Robert's slid to his, making about the same
speed. Although his heart pounded a moment or two at first he was
surprised to find how soon he became calm. It was perhaps because he
had been through so many dangers that one more did not count for much.

"You see, captain," he said, "that neither has the advantage of the
other. I did not expect to meet you here, or in truth, anywhere
else. I left you in command of the schooner, and you have deserted
your post. When I held that position I remained true to my duty."

The captain, who was heavily armed, carrying a cutlass as well as
pistols, smiled sourly.

"You're a lad of spirit, Peter," he said. "I've always given you
credit for that. In my way I like you, and I think I'll have you to go
along with us again."

"I couldn't think of it. We must part company forever. We did it once,
but perhaps the second time will count."

"No, my crew is now reduced to two--the ocean has all the others--and
I need your help. It would be better anyway for you to come along with
us. This Acadia is a desolate coast."

There was a log opposite the one upon which they had been si