the chief returned with his arms
full of vegetables, and directing Sidney and Edward where plenty of
berries could be had near the spring, he proceeded to cook them. In a
little while the trapper returned, but instead of a turkey he brought a
string of very large fish.

"Where did those come from?" they all exclaimed.

"From a river, of course," he replied laughing. "You don't suppose they
grew on bushes, do you?"

"Certainly not; but are we really near a large river?"

"Within half a mile of it," he replied.

"Then, can't we find our way out, if we follow it to where it empties?"
asked Jane.

"I should think not. Now, for supper; there come the boys laden with
fruit, and between them and our fish and vegetables, I intend to have a
feast."

"Hist!" said Jane, "I heard a noise--a bleat, I am sure; There it is
again; don't you hear it?"

"Now I do, and will soon know what it is," said the trapper, making his
way towards it, guided by the noise. About fifty rods distant he found
a goat with its leg wedged between two rocks, so as to hold it fast,
and preclude the possibility of its escaping. The goat was much
emaciated, and had probably been there two or three days. But a few
paces distant, was its kid, being about five months old, browsing with
perfect unconcern. Howe released the goat and attempted to drive her to
the camp, but she was too weak to walk, and he was compelled to take
her in his arms, and carry her, the kid following, as though it was
nothing new to have its dam carried away.

"He has found a goat," said Edward, "now we can drive it with us and
keep it for milk."

"Poor thing!" said Jane, "it is almost dead: see how parched its mouth
is? Take it to the spring and let it drink, and we will collect
something for it to eat. What a pretty thing the kid is, and so very
tame. You will not kill it, will you?"

"Not unless necessity compels us to. If we can get a little strength in
this goat, I think, myself, she will be of service to us. Now for
supper, for this mountain air gives me a voracious appetite."

"And after supper, uncle, we had better build a bough-house, for last
night the dew fell heavy and cold. I think the summer must be over and
September already here."

"The young brave is right; the harvest moon is yonder a crescent. When
it is full, comes the harvest feast; and, then, unless Whirlwind
returns, another will be chief in his place."

"If we are not there then, we have this cons