though our rocky fastness was a very likely place. And after we had eaten and emptied our canteens, the two Oneidas went out on guard to the eastern limit of the rocks; and the Sagamore and I lay on our sides, facing each other in the dark. And for a while we lay there, neither of us speaking. Finally I said under my breath:

“Then I am one of the Hidden People.”

“Yes, brother,” he replied very gently.

“Tell me why you believe this to be true. Tell me all you know.”

For a little while the Mohican lay there very silent, and I did not stir. And presently he said:

“It was in ‘57, Loskiel, when I first laid eyes on you.”