aw that his master wished to dismount he sank
upon both knees. His sympathetic act touched Deerfoot, who, stepping
carefully upon the well limb, patted the neck of the steed and thanked
him.

"Deerfoot would be helpless but for Whirlwind. They must now stick
together as never before."

Hopping to the brook the youth slipped off his moccasin and removed the
stocking. The swollen ankle was as sensitive as a boil. Dipping the
stocking in the icy water he rang it almost dry and rubbed the limb,
gently at first and then more vigorously until it was in a glow. This
was soothing and gave partial relief, but much pain remained. An injury
of that nature takes a long time to subside.

Having never suffered from illness or wounds, the Shawanoe was without
any remedy at command, nor did he know aught of the many medicaments
which his race, as well as the white people, use. Had the hurt been a
simple cut or wound he would have given it no heed, but his sprain
forced itself upon his notice.

He finished rubbing the ankle and carefully drew on the stocking, with
Whirlwind sympathetically watching him, and doubtless longing for some
method of giving relief. I wonder whether the creature recalled that
day, many weeks before, when his young master rubbed his injured knee
so tenderly and ministered to him until he had fully recovered. We
cannot fathom the mysteries of the brain in animals of a high order of
intelligence, and it is not for us to deny that such might have been
the fact.

Suddenly the stallion turned toward a pile of rocks to the left and
emitted his faint, warning neigh. Deerfoot was up in a twinkling,
despite the additional suffering caused by his action, and seized his
rifle resting near. As he did so an Indian appeared from behind the
rocks and came toward him. A glance showed him to be the dwarf with
whom Deerfoot had had his singular meeting when journeying northward.

The red man of short stature took long wabbling strides, made numerous
gestures and grimaces and rapidly uttered words, not one of which was
understood by the Shawanoe. Still chattering, gesticulating and
grinning he came forward, without heeding the black steed, flung his
long bow to the ground, and kneeling down, gently lifted the foot of
Deerfoot, who had not yet drawn on his moccasin. The visitor saw that
the limb was injured and tenderly rested the foot upon his knee, the
owner thereof making no objection, gently turned down the stocking and