person, and it's time I did something toward laying in a stock of
provisions. Will you stay here while I go after game? There are partridges
enough, even though deer should be shy."

"I wait," the Indian said, with a sigh as of relief; and the boy, gun in
hand, plunged into the thicket.

The result of this first hunting excursion was half a dozen plump birds,
and Walter had seen such signs as told he would have but little difficulty
in bagging a deer on the following morning.

During the remainder of the day Walter acted as nurse and cook; but never
once did the Indian speak.

Next morning, before the sun appeared, he was out to replenish the larder,
returning with the hind-quarters of a deer and, when a plentiful supply of
steaks from these had been broiled over the coals, the Indian ate like one
in perfect health.

"You'll do now, I reckon. It doesn't stand to reason that you feel like
moving around very much, therefore, you shall stay here while I go to
work."

Then he set about making the foundations for a mill that might never be
completed, and when it was so dark that he could no longer see to work, he
felt satisfied with the progress made.

The Indian had cooked supper, and the boy showed that he appreciated the
culinary efforts, rude though they were.