"It wuz an accident, nuthin' but an accident, or else I've been talkin' too much." "That's what you're always doin', Sol Hyde--talkin' too much." "Then we'll jest try it over ag'in, an' I'll show you what it is to play ag'inst a real smart man." They were deep in a fresh game a few moments later, and Paul went outside.
He was glad to see them so interested, because he knew that otherwise the curse of dullness might fall upon them.
The air was raw and chill, and, although the snow and ice were gone, the lake and the hills beyond looked singularly cold.

But Paul was neither uncomfortable nor unhappy.

He was clothed warmly, and he had food in abundance and variety.

Trusty comrades, too, surrounded him.

Life at present seemed very pleasant.
He strolled up the island toward the trees that contained the Indian bodies, and after a while returned toward the home in the hollow.