han ever, swayed slightly to
and fro, and gave a sort of wink, or rather a slap together of both
eyes. Then I understood that the wretched man was only glaring like an
owl in the sunshine, in his tremendous efforts to keep awake. He
assisted me, however, to lift Eve to a more comfortable position, and
while he was in the act of laying her fair head gently on a pillow of
moss, I observed that he sank down and instantly fell into a profound
slumber; but even in that hour of mingled danger and exhaustion, the
Indian did not neglect to hold his gun to his breast with a firm grasp.
I also had enough wit left to keep my double-barrel in my hand, and was
in the act of examining the locks, seated at Eve's feet, where my own
senses forsook me.

We lay there, perfectly silent and motionless, during the whole of that
day, for it was not until the sun was descending towards the western
horizon that we awoke. I happened to be the first to move. Rising
softly, so as not to disturb the others, I went to search for water, and
was fortunate enough to find a small pool, which, though not very clear,
was nevertheless sufficiently good to slake our thirst. Sitting down
beside the pool, I lifted my heart and voice in thanksgiving to God for
having thus far delivered and guided us.

While thus engaged a slight rustling in the bushes caused me to spring
up. It was caused by Big Otter, who had followed me.

"What does the pale-face think?" he asked, sitting down beside me.

"He thinks that the Great Master of Life has delivered us from our
enemies. He is good," said I, being still influenced by the devotional
feeling which had been broken in upon.

For a few moments the Indian did not reply, but continued to look
thoughtfully at the ground. At length he spoke.

"Was the Great Master of Life good when He let Waboose's mother die in
the midst of war and weakness? Was He good to Waboose when He left her
fatherless and motherless?"

"Yes, He was good," I answered, confidently. "He took the mother of
Waboose home to dwell with Himself and with her father Weeum. And men
and women, you know, cannot be taken to the happy land without leaving
their children behind them--fatherless and motherless."

Big Otter did not reply, but I saw by his grave look that he was not
satisfied. After a brief pause he resumed,--"Was the Great Master of
Life good to the wicked pale-faces, when He allowed the red-men to slay
them in their sins?"

"Ye