rtain that the one could not understand a word the
other uttered.

"We maan no harrum," said the Irishman, raising his hands and letting
them fall at his side, to show that he carried no weapons, and held good
will toward the stranger. The boys judged it best to imitate their
comrade; and after standing a few moments, the three walked quietly up
to the fire. The startled Indian instantly rose to his feet and placed
his hand upon the haft of a large knife at his waist.

"None of that, ye spalpeen, or I'll smash you to smithereens!" said Tim,
who, although his words were of such dire portent, spoke as gently as if
he were seeking to quiet an infant.

They now noticed that the Indian was very old. His face was scarred and
wrinkled, his body bent, and his limbs tottered as if scarcely able to
bear his weight; but his eye was as keen and defiant as the eagle's, and
he stood ready to defend himself if harm were offered him.

Tim did the most prudent thing possible. He advanced straight to the
savage and offered his hand. This means of salutation was understood by
the latter, who, after some tottering hesitation, raised his right hand
from the knife and returned the pressure. Dropping it, he looked toward
Elwood and Howard, who saluted him in the same manner, and the parties
were now satisfied regarding the feelings of each other.

"Ask him for something to eat!" said Elwood; "I am beginning to feel
faint for the want of food."

"What good will the same do? He hasn't anything to give."

"He must live some way himself, and what will support such an old man as
he is, is surely good for us."

The signs that Tim now made were unmistakable in their import. He opened
his huge mouth until the cavern was fearful to contemplate; then he
snapped his teeth together like a dog that has failed to catch a piece
of meat thrown to him; after which he carried his hand back and forth to
his mouth, and opened and shut it again.

The Indian watched these manuevers a moment, and then gave an
exclamation intended solely for his own benefit--and which, therefore,
it is not necessary to give, if we could, and we can't--and turning his
back, commenced moving away with the feeble, uncertain gait of old age.

"What does that mean?" inquired Howard.

The savage, seeing they did not follow, paused and looked back.

"That is an invitation," said Tim; "do yees foller."

"But where will he lead us?"

"How can I tell?"

"But it may be into d