and distended eyeballs, gazing fearfully at a tall,
muscular-looking Indian, who had just stepped into the cabin through the
open window.

CHAPTER XLII. AN INDIAN AT LAST.

"What's the matter?" asked Philip, rubbing his eyes, for he was hardly
able--so suddenly had he been roused from sleep--to comprehend the
situation.

Henry, as white as a sheet, could only point at the tall Indian, who,
standing motionless, was gazing as intently at the boys.

He made one step forward, and Henry thought he was about to be killed
and scalped forthwith.

"Oh, Mr. Indian Chief," he exclaimed, in tremulous accents, "don't kill
me! I--I ain't ready to die!"

The Indian looked amazed, and laughed gutturally, but did not speak. His
laugh increased Henry's dismay.

"I've got a revolver. I'll give it to you if you won't kill me,"
continued Henry.

Then the Indian spoke.

"Why should I kill white boy?" he asked in a mild tone, which ought to
have convinced Henry that he had nothing to fear.

But the boy was so frenzied with terror, and so possessed of the thought
that the Indian was just like the savage warriors of the plains, of whom
he had read so much, that he still felt his life to be in danger, and
answered the question in a way not expected.

"I suppose you want my scalp," he said; "but I am only a boy, and I
don't mean any harm. I hope you'll spare my life."

Another fit of guttural laughter from the Indian, which perplexed Henry,
and after a pause he said:

"Me no want white boy's scalp! Me good Indian!"

An immense burden seemed lifted from poor Henry's breast.

"Then you don't want to kill me?" he said.

"No!"

"Then why do you come here?"

"Me live here."

The secret was out--a secret which Philip had suspected from the first,
though Henry had not dreamed of it.

They had lain down in the Indian's cabin, appropriating his blanket, and
were simply intruders.

Philip thought it was time for him to take part in the conversation,

"I hope you'll excuse us," he said, "for coming here. We had no idea any
one lived here."

"No matter," said the Indian civilly--that being one of the phrases
which his knowledge of English included.

"Henry," said Philip, "let us get up. We are sleeping in this--this
gentleman's bed."

He felt a little at a loss how to designate the Indian, but felt that it
was best to be as polite as possible.

The two boys started up, in order to yield to the master of the house