sweep with her hand towards the forest
looked him full in the face.

The Indian allowed the faintest possible smile to curl his lips for a
moment and then with a slight inclination of his head, but without
uttering a word, turned abruptly and went off at a long swinging pace
into the woods.

"'Pon my word, Flo," said McLeod, "your pantomime has been most
effective, but I have doubts as to whether he understands you to have
invited him to be our hunter, or commanded him to go about his
business."

"I think we've seen the last of him," said Kenneth, somewhat gloomily.

"He will return," said Flora, with decision.

"Well, time will show," rejoined McLeod, "meanwhile we will delay the
trip to Jenkins Creek for a day, and I'll go have a talk with Roderick
about that lucky insurance business."

Time did settle the matter of the Indian's intentions almost sooner than
had been expected, for that same evening he returned with a further
supply of fresh meat and laid it down at Flora's feet. Nothing,
however, would prevail on him to remain and sup with the party. Having
received a small supply of powder and shot in payment, he at once turned
away and re-entered his native wilderness.

Thus day by day for about a week the silent man made his appearance
every evening with fresh supplies, and, we might almost say, disappeared
after delivering them. One day Kenneth determined to offer to accompany
him on his next appearance. Accordingly he prepared his gun, rolled up
his blanket and strapped it on his shoulders, and when the Indian
arrived in the evening as usual, he presented himself equipped for the
chase.

The Indian expressed some surprise in his looks, and at first seemed to
object to Kenneth's companionship, but at length gave in and they
entered the forest together.

It seemed at first as if the red man wished to test the physical powers
of his white brother, for he led him over hill and dale, through swamp
and brake, during the greater part of that night. Fortunately there was
bright moonlight. But Kenneth was stout of frame and enduring in
spirit; he proved to be quite a match for the redskin.

At last they encamped under a tall pine, and, after a hearty supper, sat
staring at each other and smoking in silence until sleep induced them to
lie down. Next morning by daybreak Kenneth was roused by his companion,
who, after a hasty meal, led him another long march through a wild but
beautiful country, where se