Ethan had no idea that the youth was outside, and he blushed like a girl as he thought the boy might have heard all he said.
Eben Pike was an orphan, and was not generally liked by the people of the district, simply because he was unlike the general run of boys.
He was very effeminate, and with his hair worn long, looked more like a girl than a boy of sixteen.
He was soft and gentle in his dealings with everyone. He had often shuddered as he saw a sheep killed by the butcher, and refused to hunt because it was cruel.
It was a strange freak for him to take, when he expressed his wish to join the mountain boys, and Ethan could not understand it.
"Well, Eben, I hear that you are ambitious."
"No, Master Allen, not ambitious, but I want only to be of some use."
"Can you fight?"
"I do not want to do so, but if we have to—well, I'd do my best."
"None of us could do more. Why do you wish to join the boys?"