He had seen the fire afar and he knew who waited.

All was plain to him like the print of a book, and, without a word, he dropped down on the other side of the fire facing Shif'less Sol.

The two nodded, but their eyes spoke far more.

Sol held out the steak, now crisp and brown and full of savor, and Henry began to eat.
Sol quickly broiled another for himself, and joined him in the pleasant task, over which they were silent for a little while.
"I was on the Ohio," said Henry at last, "when the trapper brought me your message, but I started at once." "O' course," said Shif'less Sol, "I never doubted it for a minute.

I reckon that you've come about seven hundred miles." "Nearer eight," said Henry, "but I'm fresh and strong, and we need all our strength, Sol, because it's a great task that lies before us." "It shorely is," said Sol, "an' that's why I sent the message.