a contrast, in all respects, to his Indian companion,
Hawkswing, who, although about as tall, was not nearly so massive or
powerful. Like most North American Indians, he was grave and taciturn
in disposition; in other respects there was nothing striking about him.
He was clad, like his comrades, in a trapper's hunting-shirt and
leggings; but he scorned to use a cap of any kind, conceiving that his
thick, straight, black hair was a sufficient covering, as undoubtedly it
was. He was as courageous as most men; a fair average shot, and, when
occasion required, as lithe and agile as a panther; but he was not a
hero--few savages are. He possessed one good quality, however, beyond
his kinsmen--he preferred mercy to revenge, and did not gloat over the
idea of tearing the scalps off his enemies, and fringing his coat and
leggings therewith.

"'Tis a sweet spot," said Redhand to his comrades, who stood or reclined
in various attitudes around him. "Such a place as I've often thought of
casting anchor in for life."

"An' why don't ye, then?" inquired Waller. "If I was thinkin' o'
locating down anywhar', I guess I'd jine ye, old man. But I'm too fond
o' rovin' for that yet. I calc'late it'll be some years afore I come to
that pint. Why don't ye build a log hut, and enjoy yerself?"

"'Cause I've not just come to that point either," replied the old man
with a smile.

Redhand had passed his best days many years before. His form was spare,
and his silvery locks were thin; but his figure was still tall and
straight as a poplar, and the fire of youth still lingered in his
dark-blue eye. The most striking and attractive point about Redhand was
the extreme kindliness that beamed in his countenance. A long life in
the wilderness had wrinkled it; but every wrinkle tended, somehow, to
bring out the great characteristic of the man. Even his frown had
something kindly in it. The prevailing aspect was that of calm
serenity. Redhand spoke little, but he was an attentive listener, and,
although he never laughed loudly, he laughed often and heartily, in his
own way, at the sallies of his younger comrades. In youth he must have
been a strikingly handsome man. Even in old age he was a strong one.

"I'll tell ye what's my opinion now, boys, in regard to settlin' down,"
said Bounce, who, having filled and lighted his pipe, now found himself
in a position to state his views comfortably. "Ye see, settlin' down
may, in a gin'ral way,