Roy soon perceived that he would be unable to get an explanation from the boy in the usual way, and resolved to acquire the desired information by the intricate means of signs.
Again he bent over David and this time he spoke in Chipewyan.
“Now, David,” he said, speaking slowly, “I see that you are unable to talk, but you can hear me speak and by doing what I desire, you will make yourself understood just as well. If you wish to answer ‘yes’ close both your eyes, if ‘no’ keep them open. You understand me, don’t you?”
The boy’s bright eyes shut instantly.
“That’s right!” said Roy. “Now, was Kasba walking ‘before’ the dogs when you last saw her?” Those bright eyes shut again.
“Good! You were coming to the Fort and were somewhere near the ‘little hill’?”
The boy’s eyes closed quickly.
“You were on this side of the ‘hill’?”
David stared at him.
“You were on the other side?”