the crest of the dip Dick paused, and peered attentively over and
down into the little valley, which here was scarcely fifty feet
across--a mere sword-cut of beautiful worthlessness in the rich acres
around--for his nose had been greeted by a small, savoury odour of
cooking.

His eyes were as keen as his nose, and presently he made out a very
tiny spiral of blue smoke rising from among the bushes. No sooner had
he seen it than he scrambled silently, but with difficulty, over the
barricade of the stump fence, and crept cautiously round the trees to
get a clearer view.

As he half expected, an Indian lad crouched beside the tiny fire, busy
with the preparation of his wild breakfast. Dick had thought to steal
upon him unheard, but he was disappointed, for the lad's eyes sought
him out immediately and unerringly. It had grown much lighter now, and
each was able to see and take stock of the other.

Dick saw a boy of about his own age, smaller and slighter, but hardened
so by the ways of his life that he appeared older; his every movement
had the silence and precision of an animal's; and he was made up of a
shock of black hair, a smooth brown skin, sharp white teeth, and a
compact mass of light bones and untirable muscles. He was dressed in
what had originally been a respectable suit of homespun, probably
presented to him by good Mrs. Collinson, but it was patched and pieced
out with all manner of skins and rags. A scarlet blanket served to
keep out the frost. But his eyes were what attracted at once the
attention of an observer; they were not black, nor even dark, but a
very light, bright, greenish grey; this, and their utter lack of
expression, rendered them unpleasantly impressive. No one might say
whether such eyes portended good or evil, but most people would have
inclined to the latter.

Peter Many-Names glanced at Dick with a grave sort of indifference,
which was annoying and yet amusing. He saw a good-looking youngster,
strongly built and fresh coloured, who bore himself as if life owed him
something very easy and pleasant. Peter also saw that the English boy
would not go more than one mile to his own two on the trail; that while
he was probably a good shot, he lacked patience; and that he moved with
excessive noise; so Peter valued him accordingly, though his eyes gave
no sign. Dick nodded cheerfully, and Peter returned the nod with
ceremonial gravity; then he bent once more over the little fire, and