thought of getting Sam and Kitty to go. But thinking the
matter over, she decided that it would be better to go herself. The
Indians might not be able to explain fully the serious condition of the
Loyalists, or else the mast-cutters might not pay much attention to
what they said. She mentioned this to no one, however, preferring to
wait until Sam returned that she might talk it over with him.

There was little rest that night for the older ones. The hungry
children had cried themselves to sleep, while the helpless parents
watched and listened with heavy hearts. They were beyond tears now,
having shed so many in the past. The men were weary to the point of
exhaustion after their day's work without any food. As they huddled
there they often cast anxious glances out into the night, hoping to see
the Indian coming from the forest. They themselves had done the best
they could to provide game, but they were unused to hunting, and when
they became weakened through lack of food, they were able to do but
little. All they could do now was to trust to the Indian and await his
return.

Jean decided to watch with Kitty, as she felt sure that Sam would come
back before morning. But as the hours wore on, her eyes became heavy.
The bed of fir boughs and blankets was comfortable, so at length she
passed into a sound sleep, leaving Kitty awake and watchful.

When she opened her eyes it was daylight, and the delicious odor of
frying meat pervaded the air. Kitty was stooping before the fire,
while Sam was squatting but a short distance away. They both turned
and smiled as the girl awoke and spoke to them.

"When did you get back, Sam?" she asked.

"Short tam' go. Plenty meat now."

"Oh, I am so glad! What did you get?"

"Feesh, Injun turkey, hut-tok."

"What, a deer!" Jean exclaimed, for she knew the meaning of the Indian
word.

"A-ha-ha, hut-tok. Beeg."

"Good for you, Sam! You are a great hunter. Where is the deer?"

"White man eat'm," he replied with a smile.

"And did you haul it into camp?"

"A-ha-ha. Sam strong, beeg."

This supply of meat was a God-send to all, and there was great
rejoicing among the Loyalists. They praised the Indian for what he had
done, and he was looked upon as a hero, especially by the children.

When breakfast was over, and Sam was enjoying his pipe near the fire,
Jean spoke to him about going to the mast-cutters for assistance. The
Indian listened intently, and when the