her lips.

"You right--me wrong," the white boy heard Mukoki saying. "You save
Minnetaki--kill Woonga. Very much dam'--dam'--dam'--brave man!"

Mukoki was pressed back by Wabi's sister before he could say more, and
a cool drink of spring water was placed to Roderick's lips. He felt
feverish and the water gave him new strength. He turned his face to
Minnetaki, and she smiled at him. Then he saw that the dead outlaw had
been removed from the cabin. When he made an effort to raise himself a
little the girl helped him, and rolled a blanket under his shoulders.

"You're not so badly hurt as I thought you were, Rod," she said. "That
is, you're not dangerously hurt. Mukoki has dressed your wound, and
you will be better soon." Wabigoon, coming nearer, put both arms
around his lovely little sister and kissed her again and again.

"Rod, you're a hero!" he cried softly, gripping his comrade's hand.
"God bless you!"

Rod blushed, and to restrain further effusions closed his eyes. During
the next quarter of an hour Minnetaki prepared some coffee and meat,
while both Mukoki and Wabi cared for the sledge-dogs outside.

"To-morrow, if you are stronger, we're going to take you on to
Kenegami House," the girl said to him. "Then you can tell me all about
your adventures during the winter. Wabi has told me just enough about
your battles with the Indians and about the old skeletons and the lost
gold-mine to set me wild. Oh, I wish you would take me with you on
your hunt for gold!"