ing to Ernest, "take off your wet clothes."

Though Ernest knew that it was wise to do so, he felt bashful about
removing them in presence of the woman. But his Indian host brought from a
nail on which they hung a pair of buckskin breeches of his own and offered
them to Ernest for temporary use.

Ernest no longer hesitated, but made the substitution.

As the Indian was four or five inches taller than himself, the legs
covered his feet. He laughed as he saw how they looked, and the Indian's
serious face relaxed a little from the same cause.

"Now I will dry your clothes," he said.

He took a chair and, hanging the wet garments over the back, placed it
very near the stove. Ernest hardly liked to lose so much time, but he knew
that it would not be safe to wear the trousers in their soaked condition.

"You speak English very well," he said, turning to the Indian.

"Yes; I have spent much time with white people," was the answer.

"Do you support yourself by hunting?" went on Ernest.

"Yes, I am a hunter, but I go with rich white people from the cities and
with Englishmen who want a guide."

"And do they pay you well?" asked Ernest, not quite sure whether he was
not showing too much curiosity.

"Yes, they pay me well. I have some money in the bank."

Then Ernest remembered having seen the Indian one day at the bank. He was
told at the time that his name was John Castro, and that he had several
hundred dollars on deposit.

CHAPTER XV

JOHN CASTRO

While Ernest's clothes were drying the Indian woman was bustling about the
stove. The boy did not suspect her object till she placed on the table a
plate of Indian cakes hot from the oven and he was invited to partake.

It was the first time he had ever been a guest in an Indian family, and he
hesitated, but saw that his refusal to partake might hurt the feelings of
his new friends. He seated himself at the table, and found the cakes
really very good.

When his clothes were dry he rose to go.

"Won't you stay all night?" asked Castro.

"Thank you. I cannot spare the time. I must push on."

"Where are you going?" asked the Indian.

"To Lee's Falls."

"I will go with you a short distance."

So they set out together.

At length John Castro stopped.

"That is your way," he said. "I wish you a pleasant journey. I will not
forget what you have done for my little son. If ever you are in trouble
send for John Castro."

"I thank you."

The Indian sho