When Cabot came to the end of his own story, he
said:
"Now, sir, won't you please tell us how you happened to find us out and
come to our rescue just in the nick of time? I should also very much
like to know how you managed to tumble down that precipice unharmed, as
well as how you produced those flashes of light that scared the savages
so badly--me too, for that matter."
For answer the stranger only smiled gravely, pointed to his lips, and
shook his head.
"Oh!" exclaimed both Cabot and White, shocked by this intimation, and
the former said:
"I beg your pardon, sir. While I noticed that you didn't do much
talking, it never occurred to me that you were dumb. I am awfully
sorry, and it must be a terrible trial. At the same time, I am glad
you can hear me say how very grateful we are to you for getting us out
of a nasty fix in the splendid way you did. Now, I move we adjourn to
the cabin of the schooner, where we can make some hot tea and be rather
more comfortable than out here. That is, if you think those Indians
won't come back."
The stranger smiled again, and shook his head so reassuringly that the
lads had no longer a doubt as to the expediency of returning to the
cabin. There they started a fire in the stove, boiled water, made tea,
and prepared a meal, of which the stranger ate so heartily, and with
such evident appreciation, that it was a pleasure to watch him.
Pages:
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162