o you ever think
of building a hut in such a spot as this, Jacques, and settling down
altogether?"

Charley's thoughts reverted to his sister Kate when he said this.

"Why, no," replied Jacques, in a pensive tone, as if the question had
aroused some sorrowful recollections; "I can't say that I'd like to
settle here _now_. There _was_ a time when I thought nothin' could be
better than to squat in the woods with one or two jolly comrades, and--"
(Jacques sighed); "but times is changed now, master, and so is my mind.
My chums are most of them dead or gone, one way or other. No; I
shouldn't care to squat alone."

Charley thought of the hut _without_ Kate, and it seemed so desolate and
dreary a dwelling, notwithstanding its beautiful situation, that he
agreed with his companion that to "squat" _alone_ would never do at all.

"No, man was not made to live alone," continued Jacques, pursuing the
subject; "even the Injins draw together. I never knew but one as didn't
like his fellows, and he's gone now, poor fellow. He cut his foot with
an axe one day, while fellin' a tree. It was a bad cut; and havin'
nobody to look after him, he half bled and half starved to death."

"By the way, Jacques," said Charley, stepping over the clear brook, and
following the track which led up the opposite bank, "what did you say to
these redskins? You made them a most eloquent speech apparently."

"Why, as to that, I can't boast much of its eloquence, but I think it
was clear enough. I told them that they were a great nation--for you
see, Mr Charles, the red men are just like the white in their fondness
for butter; so I gave them some to begin with, though, for the matter o'
that, I'm not overly fond o' givin' butter to any man, red or white.
But I holds that it's as well always to fall in with the ways and
customs o' the people a man happens to be among, so long as them ways
and customs a'n't contrary to what's right. It makes them feel more
kindly to you, an' don't raise any on-necessary ill-will. However, the
Knisteneux _are_ a brave race; and when I told them that the hearts of
their enemies trembled when they heard of them, I told nothing but the
truth; for the Chipewyans are a miserable set, and not much given to
fighting."

"Your principles on that point won't stand much sifting, I fear,"
replied Charley: "according to your own showing, you would fall into the
Chipewyans' way of glorifying themselves on account of their brave