Seen now in the light of open day, the young man presented a strange contrast to his father. Of small stature, effeminate countenance, restless, shifting eyes, and a vacillating expression of mouth, he did not look like the son of the hard, rugged man who stood beside him. He was neatly, almost foppishly dressed, and had a self-sufficient air not altogether pleasant. He seemed like one who would rather pass through the world with oily smoothness than assert himself with confidence of power and honesty of purpose. By one of those strange mental impressions impossible to account for, both Cris and the "governor" felt that Warren had been a listener. If so, he did not betray any sign of annoyance at what he had heard, but stood smilingly tapping his boot with a handsome riding-whip. "Ah, father, you here? Have you come to see the invalid, or to say `good bye' to the hunter, who tells me he is off to the wilderness to-morrow?" His father did not answer him, but, turning to Carrol, said-- "The matter I intended to have spoken to you about will do at another time; but I'm still much obliged to you for your _good_ advice." This was spoken with as much cutting politeness as could be well pressed into the speech. As he turned to leave, he said aside to his son, "Be home early, Warren. I have something particular to say to you." Warren nodded, and his father passed out of the house, not at all pleased with the interview between himself and the backwoodsman. Nothing disconcerts scheming men more than blunt honesty. As soon as the governor was gone, Carrol commenced humming a song. His new visitor waited for several moments before speaking to him. "How is Nelatu?" he at length asked. "Will he be strong enough to travel to-morrow?" "Not quite," said Carrol, pausing in the chorus part of his ditty; "he'd best remain here till his people come. They won't be long now, and the stay will give him time to get right smart." "What was it that vexed my father, Cris?" "Well, I don't know 'cept he's took somethin' that's disagreed with him. He _do_ seem riled considerable." "But, Cris, are you really off to-morrow?" "By sunrise," answered Carrol. "Which way are you going?" Cris looked slily at his questioner before answering. "I don't know for sure whether it'll be along the bay, or across the big swamp. The deer are gettin' scarce near the settlement, and I have to go further to find 'em. That's all along of civilisation." "If you go by the swamp you might do me a service," said Warren. "Might I?" Then, after a thoughtful pause, the back woodsman continued--"Well, you see, Warren, it won't be by the swamp. I've made my mind up now, and I'm goin' along the bay." Warren said, "All right; no matter." Then, with a word of explanation, parted from Cris, and proceeded to find Nelatu.