Page:Cornelia Meigs-The Pirate of Jasper Peak.djvu/86

 as to what it was—nectar and ambrosia was what it tasted like and he ate it all. Afterward he went down to the river to wash his hands and to  have a long drink of the cool, running water. Looking back at the camp he thought what a curious picture it made with the leaping fires, the shadowy teepees and the black figures moving  noiselessly to and fro.

Somebody startled him by touching his arm as he sat staring. It was the boy, Shokatan, carrying Hugh's pack which he had left beside the fire. Not a word did the Indian speak, but he motioned to a canoe that lay bottom upward on the grassy  bank, and, by a grunt, indicated that he wished  Hugh's help in lifting it. With some wonder, Hugh arose to assist him, and in a moment had set it afloat on the rippling shallows of the little  stream. The Indian produced two paddles and slipped into his place in the stern; Hugh laid his  pack in the bottom of the boat, took up a paddle  and knelt in the bow, as they launched forth  through the reeds and out into the current.