dian had detected the approach of Jack before he spoke and before
Fred knew of his coming. He raised his head like a flash, and the dark,
threatening expression vanished, succeeded by the grin that was there
when he first appeared to the younger lad.

"Howdy, brother?" he said, extending his hand, which was taken rather
gingerly by the surprised youth, who recognized him as Motoza, the
vagrant Sioux, with whom he had had the singular experience some nights
before, when encamped in the grove on the prairie.

"Why, I didn't suspect it was _you_," added Jack, hardly knowing how to
address him.

Motoza would have lacked ordinary perception had he failed to see that
the boys were friends. What impulse led him to do what he did it would
be hard to explain, but without making any response to the remark of
Jack he drew his knife, stooped over the carcass, and dextrously cut two
large pieces from the haunches. Straightening up, he handed one to Jack
and the other to Fred, with the words:

"Take, brothers."

"Thank you very much," replied Fred, accepting the "peace offering,"
while his friend made similar acknowledgment.

"Brothers want more?"

"That is plenty. We are obliged, and hope you will pardon our hasty
words."

With the chronic grin on his painted face Motoza stood silent, as if the
business was closed between them.

"That gives us our supper, Fred, and we may as well go back to camp.
Good-by, Motoza."

The Sioux slightly nodded, but did not speak. Each boy, carrying his
food, turned his back upon him and moved away in the direction of the
camp. When they had gone a slight distance, Jack looked back and saw the
Indian bent over the carcass of the buck and busy with his knife in
securing a meal for himself. A few minutes later the parties were out of
sight of each other.

At the first water they reached the lads carefully washed and dressed
the venison and resumed their return to camp.

"What do you make of it, Jack?" asked Fred.

"I don't know enough about Indians to judge them correctly, but I think
their nature must be similar to our own. Motoza formed a respect for me
because of the manner in which I handled him the other night."

"That is my belief; and it is not only respect, but friendship. He likes
you, and will never do you harm."

"What about _you_?"

"I am not so clear there. He and I were quarrelling when you came up. I
thought it was I who killed the buck, but he proved it was himself, an