The Indian had cooked supper, and the boy showed that he appreciated the
culinary efforts, rude though they were.
"You know Jim Albert?"
This question was asked when an hour had been spent in almost perfect
silence by the occupants of the lean-to, and the boy was startled both, by
the name and the voice.
"Yes; I know him," Walter replied, grimly, thinking of the part played in
his capture by the half-breed.
"Big rascal!"
"You're right. I know it isn't just the thing to give way to revengeful
thoughts, but some day that scoundrel shall answer to me for what has been
done. If he and Sam Haines had remained where they belonged, I wouldn't be
here hiding as if I really was a thief."
The Indian did not continue the conversation, although Walter gave him
every encouragement, and at an early hour the tired boy sought the repose
to be found in slumber.
When he set out for work next morning the Indian accompanied him, and
during the day laboured faithfully hewing trees, or gathering rocks which
were to form the foundation of the proposed mill.
"I didn't fancy having an Indian for a companion at first, but it begins
to look as if finding him under that tree would be a fortunate thing for
me. We are getting this place into shape very fast, and when it is
possible for me to raise the money, it won't be necessary to spend very
much time making ready for the more serious portion of the work.
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