gaged in igniting
it. As the flame flared out and illuminated the cave, the Pah Utah
looked up and met the eyes of Elwood. For an instant, his black eyes
were fixed upon him, and then he placed his finger to his lips and
looked down again. The boy understood it all. _He didn't know anything
of the Pah Utah._

The fire burned vigorously and soon diffused a genial warmth throughout
the cave. It was most grateful indeed to Elwood, who approached and
subjected himself to a toasting process. The savages offered no
objection, and he soon managed to secure a pleasant warmth, and
partially to dry his damp clothes.

He could not prevent himself from continually glancing at Shasta, but he
never once caught his eye, and understanding the Indian's wishes, he
compensated for this impertinence by staring twice as long at the other
hideous visages.

After all the great want of Elwood was food. He had fasted for thirty
hours, and was faint and feeble. A month before such severe abstinence
would have left him unable to stand; but the severe deprivation and
hardship of the last week, united with its firm, buoyant constitution,
and his freedom from the degrading use of tobacco, had developed a
strength and endurance remarkable in one so young. He felt that he could
wait until the next day without a mouthful, and still be able to travel;
but the fainting, craving, hollow feeling rendered him uncomfortable and
caused more than one longing look around the cavern and in the faces of
his dusky-hued friends; but if the Indians understood his suffering they
certainly did not care enough about them to give them heed.

His hope was in the Pah Utah, but his situation was such as to deprive
him of the expression of this hope. Shasta had given him to understand
in an unmistakable manner that for the present they were to remain
strangers; and no matter what his distress might be, he dare not
disregard this command.

Yet Elwood Brandon believed, if the Indian understood his case, he would
find some means to relieve him, slight though it was. Finally he decided
upon his course of action.

Walking up to the tall Indian, who had received his previous request in
such a threatening manner, and halting when at a safe distance, he
motioned to him for something to place in his mouth. The unfeeling
fellow scrutinized the boy a moment, and then coolly turned his back
upon him, and acted as though the supplication had not been made.

He was equally unsuc