"There's one thing about it," the boy said once, when the Indian had refused to leave him, "while you are here I feel as if I could learn at any time how matters are at home. It wouldn't be much of a task for you to go into Portsmouth?" Sewatis made a gesture which signified that such a journey would be as nothing. "I think you had better go and see my mother presently. Of course she won't be worrying about me, for she knows I am able to take care of myself; but at the same time it will give her some satisfaction to know what I am doing. You could find my mother?" Sewatis nodded. "And it wouldn't be too hard work for you to tell her what we have done." Another nod, and something very like a smile on the silent Indian's lips. "If you don't open your mouth to her any oftener than you do to me, you might stay on the farm a year without her knowing what we have been doing." "I tell all; make heap much talk." "Then we'll start you off about day after to-morrow. How long would you want for the journey?" "Go to-day, back to-morrow." "Of course you understand it wouldn't do to say a word about me to Jim Albert, or anyone whom, he knows?" "Jim Albert, rascal!--I fix him." "But you mustn't get into trouble while you are there, Sewatis, or I shouldn't see you back again very soon. The white men wouldn't allow any fighting in town, and there is no reason why you should settle with Jim Albert on my account." "I fix him," Sewatis repeated; and Walter began to fancy it might not be prudent to send the Indian into the town, however eager he was to learn what Master McCleary had done in his behalf. He argued the matter for some time with his companion, receiving; only the same reply, and then abandoned the attempt. "It is certain Sewatis won't tell many secrets, whoever he may meet, or whatever trouble he may get into, therefore I need feel no anxiety on that score. Perhaps it will be as well to let him go, and take the chances of his not meeting the half-breed." The next day was the Sabbath, and the two remained in camp, doing nothing save to prepare the meals. Next morning Walter set about hewing timber, and Sewatis was sent into the forest after game, for the larder was not as well filled as it should be. The Indian was absent the greater portion of the day, and when he returned, Walter was half a mile from the camp, up the river. "What's the matter?" the boy asked, as the Indian approached suddenly, looking disturbed. "White man come; down shore, huntin' for trail!" Walter dropped his axe in dismay. He could think of but one reason why any person should seek him, and that was to arrest him for stealing Samuel Haines's horse. "They mustn't see me," he muttered. "Go back to the camp, that they may think it is you who has been doing this work, and I win strike off into the forest." Sewatis handed Walter the gun, and silently turned to retrace his steps. CHAPTER V STEPHEN KIDDER