ce
as he came near enough to be seen distinctly gave the hunter the
knowledge that matters had gone amiss with the boy. True to his word,
Hank had brought no food back to camp. He had eaten his evening meal
before going thither, leaving his young friends to provide for their own
wants.

"Where's the younker?" was his question, before Jack halted.

"O Hank! I do not know what has happened; I fear we shall never see Fred
again!"

And, unable to restrain his grief that had been pent up so long, Jack
broke down and sobbed like a child. The veteran showed a delicacy that
would hardly have been expected from him. He knew it would do Jack good
to yield to his sorrow for a brief while, for he would soon become
cooler and more self-possessed. Accordingly the hunter remained silent
until the youth mastered his emotions, when he laid his hand tenderly on
his shoulder and said:

"Now, set down here beside me and let me know all about it."

Jack appreciated his consideration, and taking the seat to which he was
invited, he told, in a choking voice, the story of the incident beside
the little valley, when Fred Greenwood, in high spirits, walked away and
vanished as if the earth had opened and swallowed him. Jack did not
break down again, for he was resolved to be manly and brave. He would
not think of his young friend as wholly lost, nor allow himself to
consider the awful possibility of returning home with the message that
Fred would never be seen again. Jack felt it was time for action, not
for lamentation.

Hazletine was grave and thoughtful, but the youth had hardly finished
his narrative when he said:

"You haven't told me all."

"I do not think of anything I have omitted."

"Your story begins with the first sight of the antelope; what happened
afore that?"

"A good deal; I did not think you would care to hear it."

"I want every word."

So it was that Jack began with their departure in the morning from camp,
and made clear every occurrence down to the start for the valley where
the great misfortune overtook them. He realized, while describing the
meeting with Motoza, the important bearing that it had upon the
disappearance of Fred Greenwood.

When the story was completed the guide emitted a low whistle, followed
by an exclamation of so vigorous a character that it startled Jack. Hank
sprang excitedly to his feet and strode back and forth until able to
control his feelings. Then with a voice and expression of s