"I wait," the Indian said, with a sigh as of relief; and the boy, gun in hand, plunged into the thicket.
The result of this first hunting excursion was half a dozen plump birds, and Walter had seen such signs as told he would have but little difficulty in bagging a deer on the following morning.
During the remainder of the day Walter acted as nurse and cook; but never once did the Indian speak.
Next morning, before the sun appeared, he was out to replenish the larder, returning with the hind-quarters of a deer and, when a plentiful supply of steaks from these had been broiled over the coals, the Indian ate like one in perfect health.
"You'll do now, I reckon. It doesn't stand to reason that you feel like moving around very much, therefore, you shall stay here while I go to work."
Then he set about making the foundations for a mill that might never be completed, and when it was so dark that he could no longer see to work, he felt satisfied with the progress made.
The Indian had cooked supper, and the boy showed that he appreciated the culinary efforts, rude though they were.
"You know Jim Albert?"
This question was asked when an hour had been spent in almost perfect silence by the occupants of the lean-to, and the boy was startled both, by the name and the voice.
"Yes; I know him," Walter replied, grimly, thinking of the part played in his capture by the half-breed.