us and Cabot. My father used to say
that many of the written sagas were believed to exist among the
colonists of Iceland. I know not. It is long since my thoughts ceased
to be troubled by such matters, but what you tell me has opened up the
flood-gates of old memories that I had thought were dead and buried for
ever."

All that day the strange hunter accompanied them, and encamped with them
at night. Next morning he resumed with ever-increasing interest the
conversation which had been interrupted by the necessity of taking rest.
It was evident that his heart was powerfully stirred; not so much by
the news which he received, as by the old thoughts and feelings that had
been revived. He was very sociable, and, among other things, showed his
new friends how to slice and dry their venison, so as to keep it fresh
and make it convenient for carriage.

"But you won't require to carry much with you," he explained, "for the
country swarms with living creatures at all times--especially just now."

On this head he gave them so much information, particularly as to the
habits and characteristics of birds, beasts, and fishes, that Paul's
natural-historic enthusiasm was aroused; and Oliver, who had hitherto
concerned himself exclusively with the uses to which wild animals might
be applied--in the way of bone-points for arrows, twisted sinews for
bowstrings, flesh for the pot, and furs for garments--began to feel
considerable curiosity as to what the creatures did when at home, and
why they did it.

"If we could only find out what they think about," he remarked to the
hunter, "we might become quite sociable together."

What it was in this not very remarkable speech that interested their new
friend we cannot tell, but certain it is that from the time it was
uttered he took greater interest in the boy, and addressed many of his
remarks and explanations to him.

There was a species of dignity about this strange being which prevented
undue familiarity either with or by him; hence, he always addressed the
boy by his full name, and never condescended to "Olly!" The name by
which he himself chose to be called was Hendrick, but whether that was a
real or assumed name of course they had no means of knowing.

Continuing to advance through a most beautiful country, the party came
at last to a river of considerable size and depth, up the banks of which
they travelled for several days. Hendrick had by tacit agreement
assumed the lead