The horses of the party being taken by the other men, we entered the fort together, Martin regarding the young stranger with a look of curiosity. He appeared to be somewhat abashed at finding himself among so many white people, though it was very evident from his features and complexion that he was himself a white. Martin, who was always kind-hearted, seeing the unwillingness of the boy to advance, went towards him, and taking his hand said, “Come along; we want to hear all about you.”
The boy opened his large blue eyes, but made no answer, though he understood Martin’s signs, and accompanied him willingly. Martin then led him up to Rose and Letty.
“Perhaps he can understand you, but he makes no reply to anything I say to him,” said Martin.
Rose spoke to him first, and then Letty exclaimed, “Surely you can speak English?”
The boy shook his head, though he tried to say something, but was unable to pronounce the words.
“You understand what we say, though,” remarked Letty; “I am sure you do by your looks!”
The boy nodded, and a smile for a moment irradiated his features, though they quickly again assumed their former startled look.
“He has spoken English, and I am very sure will be able to speak it again,” said Martin. “He has evidently been living a long time among Indians, and it’s my belief he has made his escape from them.—Is that the case, boy?”
The young stranger considered for a moment, endeavouring to understand what Martin had said, and then he again nodded.
“I knew it was so,” exclaimed Martin. “We shall soon find out all about him, and in a few days he will be able to speak English as well as any of us.—Come along, boy; you are hungry, I’m sure, after your long ride, and we are all going in to supper.”