It was not for himself he grieved, nor would it be just to say that these tears were an evidence of weakness in the character of our brave young friend.
He loved the handsome Indian youth, as he might have loved a brother; but this awful loss came with the memory of his other trials, so that his emotion was a proof of his loyal heart and gentle nature.
The man or boy who is incapable of tears, it is safe to say, is also incapable of a noble feeling.
Believing that Ulna had gone down the mad river to his death, Sam, as he sat there, recalled that he owed a duty to the living.
Slinging his rifle on his back again, he retraced his steps to camp.
He found Ike, Wah Shin and the dog, all sleeping by the fire as peacefully as if they were on downy beds in the midst of civilization.
Maj leaped up barking with joy and began to fawn on his young master.
This awoke Ike and Wah Shin, the former of whom declared as usual that he had only just closed his eyes, "an' hadn't been asleep at all."
"We must make ready to start at once," said Sam. "Get the things on board and tie them securely."
"All right, sah," said Ike, and he went to work with the energy of one who had dined abundantly and slept well.