“Let an Indian alone for that. You have but three fingers on your left hand, I have noticed.” “True, the little finger was accidentally cut clean off by an axe, when I was a child; but what has that to do with the question?” “Enough to settle it. Do you notice something protruding as if from under the protecting wing of the eagle of the _Totem_, there?” “Yes; and surely enough it resembles a human hand, with only three fingers.” “That is it; and you may yet, in your experiences in these rough and sometimes dangerous wilds, know the value of that gift.” “At any rate, I feel gratified at this mark of the chief’s good will; the more because I was so little expecting it, especially at this time. How could they have possibly made out who I, or indeed either of us, was, at such a distance?” “A very natural inquiry, but answered when I tell you that Fluella has a good spy-glass, that a year or two ago she brought, among other curious trinkets, from her other home in the old settlement. And she makes it often serve a good purpose, too. She has spied out, for her father’s killing, many a moose or deer that had come down to the edge or into the water of the lake round the shores to drink, eat wild-grass, or cool themselves, as well as many a flock of wild geese, lighting here on their fall or spring passages. She knew, I think, about the day we were to start, and, being on the lookout, saw the rest of our company passing off here to the west, an hour or two ago, and, not seeing us among them, expected us to be along somewhere in this direction. Now, is all explained?” “Yes, curiously but satisfactorily.” “Then, only one word more on the subject: let me advise you not to show that hunting-pouch when we join the company, nor wear it till we are off on our separate ranges. I have my reasons, but mustn’t be asked to give them.” “All this is odd, Mr. Phillips; but, taking it for granted that your reasons are good ones, I will comply with your advice.” “Very well. The whole matter being now disposed of, let us move on round the point, and into the large cove we shall find round there. We mustn’t give up about game so. No knowing what may yet be done in that line.”