ken aback by this unexpected
interference that he seemed dazed for a moment. Then his hand went
again to his belt, as though he would turn his baffled fury upon Ben.
But evidently a wiser second thought prevailed, and choking down his
wrath, he growled out contemptuously,--

"Don't be in such a stew. I'm not going to hurt your baby. I was only
teaching him manners, and not to meddle with other people's belongings
without first asking their leave."

This speech drew Ben's attention to the pistol Eric still held in his
hand.

"Ah," said he, "you've got one of Evil-Eye's pets there, have you?
Well, put it back in its place, and don't touch it again."

Feeling very confused, Eric replaced the pistols carefully, their owner
watching him with a malign glare which boded him no good. Its meaning
was not lost upon observant Ben.

"Come, my lad," said he; "a bit of an airing will do you good. Put on
your cap, and come out with me."

Only too glad to obey, Eric picked up his cap, and calling to Prince,
followed Ben out into the open air, leaving Evil-Eye alone in the hut.

The sun was shining brightly, the sky was almost cloudless, and the
wind blew as softly and innocently from the south as though it had not
raged with fatal fury but a few hours before. Eric's spirits, which
had been wofully depressed by the events of the past two days, began to
rise a little, and he looked about him with much interest as he trudged
along through the deep sand.

Ben appeared to be in no mood for talking, and stalked on ahead in
moody silence, puffing hard at the short black pipe which was hardly
ever away from his mouth except at meal-time and when he was sleeping.
Eric therefore did not bother him with questions, and found
companionship in Prince, who showed lively satisfaction in being
out-of-doors, frisking about and barking loudly in the exuberance of
his glee. One good night's rest and plenty to eat had been sufficient
to completely restore his strength. He looked and felt quite equal to
anything that might be required of him, and was an inexpressible
comfort to Eric, to whom he seemed much more than a mere dog--a
protector and friend, who could be trusted to the uttermost.

Half-an-hour's walking brought Ben to the highest point of a
sand-ridge, where he threw himself, waiting for Eric, who had lagged
behind a little, to come up.

"Sit ye down, lad," said he, when the boy reached him. "You're feeling
tired, no doubt."