is noddle and we'll make him faal
aisy."

Elwood carefully raised his head, and the trembling sufferer eagerly
reached forward for the cooling fluid. It was placed to his parched lips
and swallowed hastily, when he immediately motioned for more.

"Will it do to give it?" asked Howard. "Will it not injure him?"

"Niver a bit," replied Tim, hurrying away for another supply.

In a moment it was brought and swallowed with the same avidity. He then
lay his head back upon the blanket of the boys, which had been folded
into a pillow by Howard. His great black eyes looked the thanks which
his tongue was unable to express.

"Now he will slaap," said Tim. "Lave him alone."

He was relinquished to slumber while our friends retired a short
distance to consult.

"How providential that we landed here," said Howard. "He was too feeble
to help himself, and might have died in great distress."

"Yes, I am glad that we found him, for if he does die we may be the
means of robbing his last moments of great suffering."

"Boys," said Tim, hitching up his pantaloons and scratching his head,
"me mind is made up to one thing."

The boys looked inquiringly at him.

"I stays here till that poor copper-skin gets well or dies."

This decision pleased his companions, who declared their resolve of
doing all they could for the sufferer.

"How much more pleasant than shooting at him," said Elwood. "I never
felt better in my life than when I found I was able to do something for
this Indian."

What a happiness it is indeed to minister to the wants of the suffering
and distressed! What purer joy than to wipe away the damp from the brow
of the dying and to speak words of consolation in their ears? That last
agony must come to us all sooner or later, and oh how deeply we shall
then appreciate the kindness of the friend who stands beside us,
ministering to our wants and doing all possible to cheer and soothe our
suffering! True, we must go alone through the Dark Valley, but others
may lead us down to the border, and their cheering words may yet linger
with us as the day closes and we step into that awful gloom through
which we must pass before we can enter into the eternal day beyond.
Though we know that He stands waiting to take our hand in His and lead
us through the solemn darkness, yet the soul, hovering in its flight,
longs for the companionship of the dear ones, until the final adieu must
come! Oh, loving Father, whose sympathizing arms