“How has it been with all of you?” asked Henry.
“We stayed a long time on the oasis in the swamp,” replied Paul, “and then we started toward the north, hanging on to the rear of the pursuit, and trying for a chance to help you, though we never found it. At last the great cold made us seek shelter, but we were sure it would compel the warriors to abandon the chase and drive them into their villages.”
“After all, it was King Winter that intervened finally in my behalf.”
“That’s true. And while we were hovering about, hoping to help you, we left the long trail which I suppose you saw.”
“Yes, I came upon it, and it led me to you.”
“An’ now,” said Shif’less Sol, “sence all the warriors hev been drove into winter quarters, an’ none o’ us hez been killed or took, s’pose we go into them kind a’ quarters ourselves, an’ keep warm.”
“Whar?” asked Silent Tom.
“Why, our old hollow in the cliff!” exclaimed Paul. “The warriors would not think of marching against it again before next spring, if at all, and it’s the warmest, safest and finest place in all the wilderness.”
“A good choice,” said Henry.
“Right thar we’ll go,” said Shif’less Sol.