the
Indians, took the message, but he considered that you were not fit to be
moved, and were better off with me than you would be in the crowded
fort. To tell you the truth, you've been here six weeks or more, and
the chances are that you will remain another six weeks."

"I have much to thank you for," I answered, "the news you have given me
will restore my strength faster than anything else, and I should feel
still happier if you can tell me that mother benefited by the doctor's
visit."

"Of that I can assure you, for I way-laid him, and got him to come and
see you. He informed me that she is in a fair way of recovery."

I reiterated my thanks to my host. It was not until he was seated
before the fire, cooking some venison steaks from a deer he had just
killed, and the flame fell on his countenance, that, examining it, I
recognised the white hunter we had met so long before, on our way to
Smiling Valley. He had, however, greatly changed since then, and had
evidently been leading a wild hunter's life, his dress was of skins, and
except his rifle and hunting traps, and cooking utensils, everything in
the hut appeared to have been of his own manufacture.

"We have met before," I said, "and I had then to thank you for saving me
and my companions from the Indians. Don't you remember me?"

"I recollect the circumstance, though you have altered so much, that I
did not recognise you," he answered. He then made inquiries after the
Dominie, and expressed his satisfaction at hearing of our success at
Smiling Valley. "Indeed, I knew that some white people had settled
there from my Indian friend Kluko, who has been for a long time my firm
ally, and frequently assisted me to escape from the red-skins. He will
be here before long, as he visits me frequently."

I replied that I knew the chief, who had shown his friendly disposition
towards us, and should be happy to meet him. I then inquired whether he
had been eastward since the time of which we were speaking.

"Once, and for the last time," he answered, a shade of melancholy
passing over his countenance.

Though afraid that I might pain him if I put further questions, my
curiosity prompted me to inquire what had taken him to the settlements,
since he appeared wedded to his wild life.

"Your question arouses the recollection of circumstances I have been
endeavouring to forget. I had at one time resolved to abandon my
hunter's life and to return to civilisation. I