go on a long journey, perhaps
fifteen suns, perhaps one moon. At the end of six suns more Jibibanisi
may rise. His leg must be slung, thus. Never must he touch the foot to
the ground, even for an instant. You must see to it. I will tell him,
also. Each day he must sit in the sun. He must do something. When snow
falls we will again take the long trail. Prepare all things for it. Give
Eagle-eye materials to work with."

To Dick he spoke with like directness.

"I'm off again, Dick," said he. "There's no help for it; you've got to
lay up there for a week yet. Then the girl will show you how to tie your
leg out of the way, and you can move on crutches. If you rest any weight
on that foot before I get back, you'll be stiff for life. I shouldn't
advise you to take any chances. Suit yourself; but I should try to do
no more than get out in the sun. You won't be good for much before snow.
You can get things organised. She'll bring you the stuff to work on, and
will help. So long."

"Good-by," muttered Dick. He breathed hard, fully occupied with the
thought of his helplessness, with blind, unappeasable rage against the
chance that had crippled him, with bitter and useless questionings as to
why such a moment should have been selected for the one accident of his
young life. Outside he could hear the crackle of the little fire, the
unusual sound of the Indian girl's voice as she talked low to the dog,
the animal's whine of appreciation and content. Suddenly he felt the
need of companionship, the weariness of his own unending, revolving
thoughts.

"Hi!" he called aloud.

May-may-gwan almost instantly appeared in the entrance, a scarcely
concealed hope shining in her eyes. This was the first time she had been
summoned.

"Ninny-moosh--the dog," commanded Dick, coldly.

She turned to whistle the beast. He came at once, already friends with
this human being, who understood him.

"Come here, old fellow," coaxed Dick, holding out his hand.

But the half-wild animal was in doubt. He required assurance of this
man's intentions. Dick gave himself to the task of supplying it. For the
first time in a month his face cleared of its discontent. The old,
winning boyishness returned. May-may-gwan, standing forgotten, in the
entrance, watched in silence. Dick coaxed knowingly, leading, by the
very force of persuasion, until the dog finally permitted a single pat
of his sharp nose. The young man smoothly and cautiously persisted, his
face