ou know that I came down in a canoe?" I asked.

"I have not been so long in the country, and accustomed to Indian ways,
not to have seen that you had launched a canoe from the bank; besides
which I had another proof, if any had been wanting, but I'll tell you
all about it presently," he answered.

"And how did you find Pat?" asked Alick.

"And who is that boy in the Indian dress?" inquired Martin.

"If you put one question at a time, young gentlemen, I'll tell you how
it all happened," said Sandy. "But if you have no objection, we'll go
into the fort and have some supper first; for as we have pushed on to
get here before nightfall, we have had no opportunity of satisfying our
hunger since noon."

The horses of the party being taken by the other men, we entered the
fort together, Martin regarding the young stranger with a look of
curiosity. He appeared to be somewhat abashed at finding himself among
so many white people, though it was very evident from his features and
complexion that he was himself a white. Martin, who was always
kind-hearted, seeing the unwillingness of the boy to advance, went
towards him, and taking his hand said, "Come along; we want to hear all
about you."

The boy opened his large blue eyes, but made no answer, though he
understood Martin's signs, and accompanied him willingly. Martin then
led him up to Rose and Letty.

"Perhaps he can understand you, but he makes no reply to anything I say
to him," said Martin.

Rose spoke to him first, and then Letty exclaimed, "Surely you can speak
English?"

The boy shook his head, though he tried to say something, but was unable
to pronounce the words.

"You understand what we say, though," remarked Letty; "I am sure you do
by your looks!"

The boy nodded, and a smile for a moment irradiated his features, though
they quickly again assumed their former startled look.

"He has spoken English, and I am very sure will be able to speak it
again," said Martin. "He has evidently been living a long time among
Indians, and it's my belief he has made his escape from them.--Is that
the case, boy?"

The young stranger considered for a moment, endeavouring to understand
what Martin had said, and then he again nodded.

"I knew it was so," exclaimed Martin. "We shall soon find out all about
him, and in a few days he will be able to speak English as well as any
of us.--Come along, boy; you are hungry, I'm sure, after your long ride,
and we are all g