ever having seen the shrub growing, and was certain it was not found in
Ohio or Kentucky.

One potent factor in the rapid recovery of the Shawanoe must not be
overlooked; that was his own superb health and condition. You need not
be reminded that when anything goes amiss with us physically, nature
sets to work at once to right it, and the most that medical skill can
do is to sit by and watch for contingencies and give assistance as
opportunity offers, which is less frequent than many think. A system
that has not been weakened by dissipation or the violation of the laws
of health will do wonders in the way of repairing disease or injury.

It was not yet noon when Deerfoot became so hopeful and curious that he
suddenly slipped from the back of his horse without checking his walk.
Whirlwind must have been startled, for he instantly stopped and turned
his head to learn what it meant.

"Don't worry," said his master with his familiar chuckle. "Deerfoot is
almost well and will soon be himself again."

He ventured to bear a part of his weight on the weak leg. It caused a
twinge, and he instantly shifted to the other foot, but with the
transference of weight the pain departed, which was one of the best of
signs.

The days of miracles passed long ago, and with all the virtues that may
linger in the Thomsonian system of medicine, no possibility existed of
the Shawanoe regaining the full use of his limb for several days to
come. None the less, his recovery was astonishingly rapid, for, as I
have said, his perfect vigor and healthfulness of body greatly aided in
such recovery. Added to this was the intelligence he used. While he
frequently tested and experimented with the injury, he did not venture
too far. Now and then he carefully shifted a part of his weight to his
left limb, then he hobbled a few steps, but stopped immediately at the
first warning twinge. It may be said he encouraged the ankle to do its
best to get well.

It was a little past meridian when he reached a place which showed a
considerable growth of grass, and letting himself down to the ground,
he told Whirlwind to attend to his own dinner. As for himself, he
preferred to wait until nightfall, or the next day. At present all his
attention was given to his hurt.

He decided, after inspecting the bandage, to replace it with a new one.
He therefore flung the old one aside and mashed the berries and applied
them as the dwarf had done. But the injured limb ha