Part 39 (2/2)

”I don't know how it would be with me,” said Melville, ”for I am one of those, fortunate or otherwise, who are born to a fortune. I have sometimes been sorry that I had not the incentive of poverty to induce me to work.”

”Then, suppose we exchange lots,” said the artist, lightly. ”I shouldn't object to being wealthy.”

”With all my heart,” answered Melville. ”Give me your health, your literary and artistic talent, and it is a bargain.”

”I am afraid they are not transferable,” said the artist, ”but we won't prolong the discussion now. I am neglecting the rites of hospitality; I must prepare supper for my guests. You must know that here in the wilderness I am my own cook and dishwasher.”

”Let me help you?” said Melville.

”No, Mr. Melville,” said Herbert, ”it is more in my line. I have often helped mother at home, and I don't believe you have had any experience.”

”I confess I am a green hand,” said Melville, laughing, ”but, as Irish girls just imported say, 'I am very willing.'”

”On the whole, I think the boy can a.s.sist me better,” said Falkland.

”So, Mr. Melville, consider yourself an aristocratic visitor, while Herbert and myself, sons of toil, will minister to your necessities.”

”By the way, where do you get your supplies?” asked Melville.

”Eight miles away there is a mining camp and store. I ride over there once a week or oftener, and bring home what I need.”

”What is the name of the camp?”

”Deer Creek. I will point out to Herbert, before I leave you, the bridle path leading to it.”

”Thank you. It will be a great advantage to us to know just how to live.”

With Herbert's help an appetizing repast was prepared, of which all three partook with keen zest.

The next day Falkland took leave of them, and Melville and his boy companion were left to settle down in their new home.

CHAPTER x.x.x. A TERRIBLE MOMENT.

Melville's purchase comprised not only the cottage, but its contents, pictures and books included. This was fortunate, for though Herbert, who was strong, and fond of outdoor sports, such as hunting and fis.h.i.+ng, could have contented himself, Melville was easily fatigued, and spent at least half of the day in the cabin. The books, most of which were new to him, were a great and unfailing resource.

Among the articles which Falkland left behind him were two guns, of which Herbert and Melville made frequent use. Herbert had a natural taste for hunting, though, at home, having no gun of his own, he had not been able to gratify his taste as much as he desired. Often after breakfast the two sallied forth, and wandered about in the neighboring woods, gun in hand. Generally Melville returned first, leaving Herbert, not yet fatigued, to continue the sport. In this way our hero acquired a skill and precision of aim which enabled him to make a very respectable figure even among old and practiced hunters.

One morning, after Melville had returned home, Herbert was led, by the ardor of the chase, to wander farther than usual. He was aware of this, but did not fear being lost, having a compa.s.s and knowing his bearings.

All at once, as he was making his way along a wooded path, he was startled by hearing voices. He hurried forward, and the scene upon which he intruded was dramatic enough.

With arms folded, a white man, a hunter, apparently, stood erect, and facing him, at a distance of seventy-five or eighty feet, was an Indian, with gun raised, and leveled at the former.

”Why don't you shoot, you red rascal!” said the white man. ”You've got the drop on me, I allow, and I am in your power.”

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