e lamps, and thus the lights
from the bright fireplace had full play upon him. This seemed to add to
the effect of the scene, as frequently Kinesasis, in his intense
earnestness and few but strong movements, stood in the bright light or
turned into a shadowy place. As the story was light and shadowy itself,
so also seemed in appearance this dramatic old Indian so eloquent with
his theme. He had deeply stirred and excited the boys as he had moved
along in his story; and not only this, but he had changed their ideas
concerning him. This complete revulsion of feeling had come at the
close, when the old Indian, whom they had thought was so cold and
destitute of sentiment, had stooped down and kissed his wife, as he had
also done before during the recital of the story. It was done in a way
that was so real and genuine that it completely broke them down. They
declared that morning that they would not quickly judge anyone again.
They had thought him phlegmatic and unlovable, and now here had come out
from the heart of this Indian, of such a rugged exterior, a story and an
exhibition of love and devotion more genuine and beautiful than any that
had ever been revealed to them in song or story.

"And for very many years," said Mrs Ross, "he has been kind and true to
that quiet, industrious little wife, who as a young maiden was so true
to him and would undoubtedly have died rather than marry that chief."

"What about his pack of furs?" said Frank. "And did they find out the
thief and put the conjurers after him?"

"I am glad you have mentioned it," said Mr Ross. "I have heard
Kinesasis tell the story of their recovery, and will give you his
version of it. As regards the actual transgressors, they must have been
the old chief who was killed and the young Indian whom Shakoona had
refused. When the old chief was killed the young fellow disappeared and
was never heard of afterward. When the leather wigwam that had been cut
into was carefully examined it was found that the knife had been used on
the inside, and that the great pack of furs had been handed out, so
there must have been at least two persons engaged in the robbery. Weeks
later some women out snaring rabbits in a dense swampy place found the
pack cached up among the branches of a great spruce tree. It was so
completely hidden in the close branches that it was a wonder that they
ever discovered it. The only clue they had was that a great wolverine
came tumbli