"Why not?" asked Dick; "the pup's quiet and peaceable."

"I doubt it not; but he will betray our presence to

the Indians, which might be inconvenient."

"I have travelled more than a thousand miles through

prairie and forest, among game an' among Injuns, an'

the pup never betrayed me yet," said Dick, with suppressed

vehemence. "He has saved my life more than

once though."

"You seem to have perfect confidence in your dog,

but as this is a serious matter you must not expect me