ed the
seaman, who had some doubt as to whether the boy's putting Elise Morel's
name first was intentional or an accident. "As I was a-going to say,
sir, I was always fond o' changes, an' the rollin' plains come to me as
pleasant, though not quite so familiar, as the rollin' sea."

"That's a satisfactory state o' mind, anyhow," returned the Elder. "But
where away now?--to cater for the pot, I dare say."

"Well, no, not exactly--though I've no objection to do that too in the
by-goin'. But we've heard a report that a band o' Sioux are goin' to
visit the Settlement, and as there's a lot o' their enemies, the
Saulteaux, knocking about, I've bin sent to the fort by old McKay to see
if they've heard about the Sioux comin', an' if there's likely to be a
scrimmage, so as we may clear for action, d'ee see?"

"I see; and I hope there will be no need to clear for action. I'm glad
to see Archie with you too," said Sutherland, "but surprised; for I
don't remember when I saw him without Little Bill on his back or at his
side."

"O, as to that, Little Bill has forsaken me," said Archie, "or I have
forsaken him--I'm not sure which--since Dan Davidson's accident, for he
does little else but sit at Dan's bedside, readin' to him or talking
with him."

"The dear little fellow could not be better employed," remarked the
Elder.

"The dear little fellow could be _much_ better employed," retorted the
boy, with unexpected decision. "He could be rambling about the plains
or in the bush with me, getting strength to his muscles and fresh air to
his lungs, an' health to his body--to say nothing of his soul."

"Why, you are becoming jealous, lad," said Sutherland, with a laugh.

"No, I'm not _becoming_ jealous; I'm jealous already," returned the boy,
with an air that was half jocular, half serious. "However, I'll
exercise patience a little longer, but I'm determined not to let Little
Bill be sacrificed for the sake of sick-nursing."

With this announcement of his unalterable resolve to stand to his guns,
and a "Brayvo, youngster!" from Jenkins, they parted and went on their
several ways.

It was found, when Fort Garry was reached, that the rumour of a visit
from the Sioux Indians was correct, and that some preparation was being
made for their reception, as well as precautions against any mischief
that might be contemplated, though there was not much to be apprehended
on that score, for the Sioux were believed to be among the braves