with you, that you are so willing to take with others? Whence do you
come, and where is your home?"

"Softly, softly; when I have done with my catechism, it will be time
to begin with yours. What sport is this, you follow by moonlight? You
are not dodging the buffaloes at such an hour!"

"I am, as you see, going from an encampment of travellers, which lies
over yonder swell in the land, to my own wigwam; in doing so, I wrong
no man."

"All fair and true. And you got this young woman to show you the way,
because she knows it so well and you know so little about it
yourself!"

"I met her, as I have met you, by accident. For ten tiresome years
have I dwelt on these open fields, and never, before to-night, have I
found human beings with white skins on them, at this hour. If my
presence here gives offence, I am sorry; and will go my way. It is
more than likely that when your young friend has told her story, you
will be better given to believe mine.

"Friend!" said the youth, lifting a cap of skins from his head, and
running his fingers leisurely through a dense mass of black and shaggy
locks, "if I have ever laid eyes on the girl before to-night, may I--"

"You've said enough, Paul," interrupted the female, laying her hand on
his mouth, with a familiarity that gave something very like the lie
direct, to his intended asseveration. "Our secret will be safe, with
this honest old man. I know it by his looks, and kind words."