It was no longer possible, now he was alone, to move the larger logs, and
all he could do was to hew them into shape, without an attempt to remove
the timbers to the site of the mill.
The days passed slowly and wearily. The Sabbath seemed to have in it three
times the usual number of hours. He indulged in hunting only when it
became absolutely necessary he should have food, for the supply of powder
bid fair to be exhausted before the time set for Stephen's return.
A week elapsed, and the young exile grew more cheerful. His friend must
soon come. As for Sewatis, Walter did not believe he would ever see him
again.
At the close of the eighth day, when the solitary supper had been cooked
and eaten, more as one performs an important duty than something to be
enjoyed, Walter was lying on the bed of boughs, dreaming of the time he
could return home without fear of an unjust arrest, when a shadow came
between his eyes and the fire.
Springing up in alarm, he seized the musket, which stood where it could be
reached handily, and made ready to defend himself, for it seemed certain
Sam Haines or one of his emissaries had come to carry him to jail.
Sewatis stood before him.
One would have said that the Indian had been absent but a few moments, and
was wholly at a Joss to understand the look of surprise on the boy's face.
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