"You have not yet asked me any question," said the young man, gently. The American looked at him with considerable anger in his glance; then his muscles relaxing, he burst out laughing. "Forgive me, George," he said, offering his hand. "I am an old fool. I am trying to get up a quarrel with you, instead of thanking you for your kindness. In truth, I believe you have saved my life." "You exaggerate, Mr. Samuel," replied the other. "Between you and me, I don't think so. What would have become of me, fainting in the desert?" "Chance brought me here." "Oh, yes! Chance has very broad shoulders," answered the American: "I suppose it brought you out here." The young man held down his head and blushed. "Well, well, I won't tease you, George," cried Samuel; "you are a noble and generous fellow, and I loved your father." "As you do his son," responded the other. "I suppose it is so. But this being understood, let us talk like two old friends." "I am at your command." "Always the same eternal chorus. Now I do not want to dive into your secrets, but without going beyond the limits of politeness, allow me to ask you one simple question," said Samuel. "Ask; and if it be in my power, I will answer truthfully," replied the other. "Hem! You are confoundedly close. First let us sit down. I am all aches and pains." The young man gently led him to a soft mound of turf, helped him to be seated, and followed his example. "Now I am good for an hour. Let us chat." "I am your most obedient servant to command." "How is it, Mr. George Clinton," began the old man, with a sly look, "that three months ago I left you at Boston at the head of a large house of business, and that I now find you dressed like a runner of the woods, hundreds of miles from the nearest settlement, just ready to save my life." "If my journey served me no other purpose, I am thankful--still I own there is another motive." "I am glad to hear you say so. May I ask its nature?" "Well, Master Samuel," began Clinton, "I am young, vigorous, and passionately fond of field sports; I am a good shot, and very much inclined for a free and independent life. Many times while at Boston chance brought me in contact with persons who have accomplished wonderful journeys into the almost unknown interior of our vast continent, and who brought back astounding accounts of what they saw; my curiosity was aroused, and I felt within myself a strong desire to attempt one of these expeditions in search of the unknown." "Or the ideal," smiled the American. "If you like it. As long as my father was alive I kept my ideas to myself, but as soon as my actions were quite free my old ideas were revived. An opportunity presented itself which I eagerly embraced. Confiding my house of business to a trustworthy partner, I started." "You had a definite object, I suppose?" "No; I went wherever chance or my feelings urged me," the other answered.