"Speak," she said.
"You belong," the trapper resumed, "I perceive now, to that party of strangers who, for some days past, have been exploring the prairies in every direction. Do you not?"
"Yes."
"Among you is a sort of madman, who wears blue spectacles and a white wig, and who amuses himself—for what purpose I cannot tell—with making a provision of herbs and stones, instead of trying, like a brave hunter, to trap a beaver, or knock over a deer."
"I know the man you speak of; he, as you suppose, forms part of our troop; he is a very learned physician."
"I know he is; he told me so himself. He often comes this way. We are very good friends. By means of a powder, which he persuaded me to take, he completely checked a fever which had tormented me two months, and of which I could not get rid."
"Indeed! I am happy to hear of such a result."
"I should like to do something for you, to show my gratitude for that service."
"I thank you, my friend, but I cannot see anything in which you can be useful to me, unless it be in showing me the beavers."
The trapper shook his head.