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

Walter's first impulse was to bury himself in the depths of the forest,
and he had already started toward the denser portion when the thought
occurred to him that he was reasonably safe in the vicinity of the
camp, where he would be able to learn when the newcomer retraced his
steps.

"If it is a white man I'll guarantee to keep out of his way, and yet
remain near enough to hear what may be said," he muttered to himself,
as he halted suddenly, and then moved cautiously toward the lean-to.

After ten minutes had elapsed he could distinguish the sound of voices,