"It does not appear serious," he said at length, "and I believe that with care he will speedily recover. Remain thou here with him while I continue on to the castle and notify mother of what has happened. From her I will obtain a few things that be needful, and will quickly return. Then must we try and carry him down to the hut, for in his present condition I doubt if it would be possible for us to get him up to the castle."
The old man climbed the rock ladder with marvellous agility, and so hastened his movements that in less than five minutes he had returned, bringing a flask of water, some strips of cotton cloth, and a healing salve. The water did so much toward restoring Todd to consciousness that after a little he was able, with help, to regain his feet. Then, with many encouraging words, his new-found friends half carried, half led him back down the steep trail he had so recently climbed, and along the woodland pathway to the very hut in which he had already spent so much of that eventful day. Here they laid him on the couch of skins, and while the old man looked after his comfort, the Indian lad, taking a flint, steel, and bit of tinder from a recess of the chimney quickly started a fire with which to light the little apartment. Then he disappeared, while his companion tenderly bathed and dressed the wound in Todd's head. He uttered a pitying exclamation on discovering that his patient's hand was also injured, and bound it up with a soothing dressing. While doing these things he talked constantly; but when Todd, still dazed and feeling helplessly weak, made an effort to speak, the other bade him lie perfectly quiet and not attempt to talk until he should be stronger.
"Thy looks are those of one who has suffered much and is even now wellnigh starved," he said, "but very shortly thy hunger shall be relieved, and then will I commend thee to sleep, the restorer."
As he spoke the Indian lad returned, bringing a basket of food. Among its contents was a bowl of broth, which, after it had been warmed at the fire, was given to Todd, who eagerly drained it to the last drop. Then he sank wearily but contentedly back on his couch, and in another minute was fast asleep.
For some time the white man and the young Indian watched him in silence. Then the former said, in a low tone:
"The poor lad has evidently undergone a terrible experience, however it has happened; but now he is doing well, and will pull through beyond a doubt. Whence he came, by what means he was led to this place, and how he discovered the locality of Cliff Castle, are questions that I would gladly ask him, for in all the years that we have dwelt in this valley he is our first visitor. But on no account must he be disturbed until he wakes of his own accord, since complete rest is what he needs above all else."
"Is he in reality a white boy, such as thee has so often described to me?" asked the young Indian. "And will he tarry with us, to be unto me a companion and to thee another son?"
"Truly he is a white lad of about thy own age, and that he will tarry with us is beyond question, for from this place there is but slight chance of escape. For this night I shall leave him in thy charge, while I return to mother, who is doubtless impatient to learn of the happenings of the past hour. Watch closely for his waking, and give him both food and drink if he shall call for them."
In obedience to this command the Indian lad watched his charge all night, studying his face closely in the flickering fire-light, and speculating concerning trim. Occasionally he dropped asleep, but Todd's slightest movement found him wide-awake, for he was too greatly excited over this most wonderful happening of his life for much sleep, even though he had not been charged with a duty. So the night passed, and it was broad daylight when he roused from a slight doze to find the stranger lying with wide-open eyes curiously regarding him.
"Do you speak English?" asked Todd, as the young Indian started to his feet.