bove yer breath, the pale-face will cleave ye to the chin."

There was something so thoroughly resolute in Dick's voice that the
Indian was cowed effectually.

The fire was soon lighted, and Dick chafed and warmed the limbs of the
old woman until he brought back the vital spark. Then he set on the
kettle to boil. While a new mess was preparing, he went into the wood,
and, with lusty blows, brought down the trees and cut them into huge
billets, which he piled upon the fire until it roared again, and the
heart of the feeble creature began to beat once more with somewhat of
its wonted vigour. This done, he arranged a couch in such a way that
she might get the full benefit of the heat without being scorched; after
which he rubbed down his good steed and cast it loose to feed. Then he
cooked and ate some food, but offered never a bit to the Indian, who
gazed at him as he performed these various actions with ever-increasing
amazement and anxiety.

Then Dick sat down beside the old woman, to feed and tend her till she
should die; and he knew the signs of death too well to suppose that his
care would long be required. All that day, and all that night, and all
the next day, did the trapper, the old woman, and the Indian, remain in
much the same position. Dick moved about a little, to give the old
woman food and drink as she required it, and to wrap the blanket more
comfortably round her, for which kind deeds the poor creature often
tried to gaze fondly in his face with her sightless eyes.

During all this time her son sat opposite, observing every look and
motion, yet unable himself to move. The pangs of hunger now began to
gnaw within him, and from his cramped position, he became so cold that
he trembled violently in every limb, despite his efforts to command
himself. But Dick paid no attention whatever to him; he knew that he
was strong, and could stand it. Once the Indian implored his jailer to
give him some food, but Dick said sternly, "I'll give ye food before ye
die, _if ye keep quiet_."

At last, about nightfall of the second day, the sands of life began to
run slowly. Dick saw that the old woman's end was approaching, so he
rose, and, going towards her son, he placed food before him. He
devoured it ravenously. Then he gave him drink, and, loosing him, led
him to the fire, where he speedily recovered his wonted heat and energy.
After that, Dick led him to his mother's side and made him kneel.

"Mother,"