n camp had not
Dr. Swift bidden him to be quiet every time he attempted to talk. The
next morning, however, after the invalid had been bathed and had his
breakfast the Doctor said of his own accord:

"So you think you would be happier to remain here in the woods, Theo,
instead of going home."

The lad glanced up in surprise.

"Did Mr. Croyden tell you that?"

Dr. Swift nodded.

"He said you'd like to stay," he returned quickly.

"I should, very much."

"Suppose we call it settled then, and say no more about it. I am sure
I have no wish to jolt you over those miles of rough corduroy road if
it can be avoided. You seem better this morning. Your fever has gone
down, and I see no reason why you should not get on all right from now
on."

Theo smiled; then he whispered timidly:

"I just want to tell you I'm sorry I disobeyed you, Father."

His father put out his hand gently and covered the boy's two with his
own.

"You have the worst of it, son. Experience is a great teacher, they
say. Let it help you not to do such a foolish thing again."

Theo met his father's eyes gratefully. He still felt weak and shaken
and he was thankful not to have his fault rubbed in.

During the long hours of the long days that followed the lad had many
an opportunity to put his unselfish resolutions into practise. He
insisted that his father and Mr. Croyden go off on the long tramps
they had each season been accustomed to take together, and during
their absence he remained with Franz, who was very kind to him. The
Indian had a great many devices for entertaining him. Now he fashioned
for the boy's amusement a miniature birch-bark canoe; now he showed
him how to weave baskets from lithe twigs of alder. Sometimes he
whittled wonderful whistles and toys from bits of wood; sometimes made
tiny bows and arrows or snowshoes. His resources seemed never
ending.

Then when night came and Dr. Swift and Mr. Croyden returned from
fishing Theo was always carried into the living-room of the cabin, and
while he lay on the couch before the fire he would listen to the tale
of the day's adventures. This bedtime hour was the best in the whole
day.

At last there came a morning when Theo awoke to hear a storm beating
noisily down upon the roof. The wind was blowing hard and sheets of
rain drenched the windows.

"There'll be no fishing to-day," announced Dr. Swift after
breakfast. "Instead Manuel is going out over the carry for provisions,
and be