aught. Ah! think not, reader, that
although we have treated this subject in a slight vein of pleasantry,
because it ended well, that therefore our tale is pure fiction. Not
only are Indians glad to satisfy the urgent cravings of hunger with raw
flesh, but many civilised men and delicately nurtured, have done the
same--ay, and doubtless, will do the same again, as long as enterprising
and fearless men shall go forth to dare the dangers of flood and field
in the wild places of our wonderful world!

Crusoe had finished his share of the feast before Dick returned from the
pool. Then master and dog lay down together side by side and fell into
a long, deep, peaceful slumber.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN.

HEALTH AND HAPPINESS RETURN--INCIDENTS OF THE JOURNEY--A BUFFALO SHOT--A
WILD HORSE "CREASED"--DICK'S BATTLE WITH A MUSTANG.

Dick Varley's fears and troubles, in the meantime, were ended. On the
day following he awoke refreshed and happy--so happy and light at heart,
as he felt the glow of returning health coursing through his veins, that
he fancied he must have dreamed it all. In fact, he was so certain that
his muscles were strong that he endeavoured to leap up, but was
powerfully convinced of his true condition by the miserable stagger that
resulted from the effort.

However, he knew he was recovering, so he rose, and thanking God for his
recovery and for the new hope that was raised in his heart, he went down
to the pool and drank deeply of its water. Then he returned, and,
sitting down beside his dog, opened the Bible and read long--and, for
the first time, _earnestly_--the story of Christ's love for sinful man.
He at last fell asleep over the book, and when he awakened felt so much
refreshed in body and mind that he determined to attempt to pursue his
journey.

He had not proceeded far when he came upon a colony of prairie-dogs.
Upon this occasion he was little inclined to take a humorous view of the
vagaries of these curious little creatures, but he shot one, and, as
before, ate part of it raw. These creatures are so active that they are
difficult to shoot, and even when killed generally fall into their holes
and disappear. Crusoe, however, soon unearthed the dead animal on this
occasion. That night the travellers came to a stream of fresh water,
and Dick killed a turkey, so that he determined to spend a couple of
days there to recruit. At the end of that time he again set out, but
was able only to advance f