While he laughed at this supposition, yet he played with it.

He was in a mood to think the loss of the trail of the expedition no great matter.

The woods were full of game, the waters of fish; he and Juba had only to keep their faces to the eastward, and a fortnight at most would bring them to the settlements.

But the valleys folded among the hills were many; what if the one he sought should still elude him?
What if the cabin, the sugar-tree, the crystal stream, had sunk from sight, like the city in one of Monsieur Gralland's fantastic tales?
Perhaps they had done so,--the spot had all the air of a bit of fairyland,--and the woodland maid was gone to walk with the elves.
Well, perchance for her it would be better so.

And yet it would be pleasant if she should climb the hillside now and sit beside him, with her shy dark eyes and floating hair.