"But he isn't. I proposed it to him, for I was sure I could arrange with you; but he refused."
"I suppose," said Tom slyly, "he thought I couldn't fill your place. You are a brave, resolute man, and I am only a boy."
"Tom—I—I don't mind telling you; but I am afraid I am not brave."
"Oh, nonsense, Mr. Peabody! that is only your modesty."
"But I assure you," said the young Bostonian earnestly, "I am speaking the truth. If I should see an Indian crawling near the camp I'm really afraid I should faint."
"You won't know how brave you are till you are put to the test."
"But do you think there is any chance of my being put to the test? Do you think there are any Indians near?" asked Lawrence Peabody, wiping the damp perspiration from his brow.
"Of course there must be," said Tom. "We are passing through their hunting-grounds, you know."
"Why did I ever leave Boston?" said Mr. Peabody sadly.
"You came, as I did, to make your fortune, Mr. Peabody."