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 and read their success in the air of triumph that the youth assumed.

“‘Tis the trail!” exclaimed the scout, advancing to the spot; “the lad is quick of sight and keen of wit, for his years.”

“‘Tis extraordinary that he should have withheld his knowledge so long,” muttered Duncan, at his elbow.

“It would have been more wonderful had he spoken without a bidding! No, no; your young white, who gathers his learning from books, and can measure what he knows by the page, may conceit that his knowledge, like his legs, outruns that of his father; but where experience is the master, the scholar is made to know the value of years, and respects them accordingly.”

“See!” said Uncas, pointing north and south, at the evident marks of the broad trail on either side of him; the dark hair has gone towards the frost.”

“Hound never ran on a more beautiful scent,” responded the scout, dashing forward at once on the indicated route; “we are favoured, greatly favoured, and can