"More than you think. This fellow was brought up in an Indian tribe; his life has been spent more or less in the desert. He has friends everywhere with trappers, with white and half-caste hunters; speaks all the most difficult redskin dialects, and despite his youth—he is not more than three-and-twenty—enjoys a great reputation on the prairie. He is called Keen-hand, because of his prodigious dexterity."
"An excellent servant," said Samuel.
"And a capital companion—always gay and contented; whichever way things go, he is always so philosophical I cannot but admire him. He is a perfect study. As an instance, he declared some time ago no squatter would ever see this place and go further."
"He was not far wrong. He is a sharp youth."
"You are right; but you shall judge for yourself."
"Then he has told you all about this country?" asked Samuel.
"In what way?" said George.
"I suppose he described the situation of the valley—its distance from all habitations?"
"Don't you know?" cried George.
"I know nothing. We have been travelling in the dark, and should all be glad of information."