Something in the action and the expression of his white face as he came near enough to be seen distinctly gave the hunter the knowledge that matters had gone amiss with the boy.

True to his word, Hank had brought no food back to camp.

He had eaten his evening meal before going thither, leaving his young friends to provide for their own wants.
"Where's the younker ?" was his question, before Jack halted.
"O Hank! I do not know what has happened; I fear we shall never see Fred again!" And, unable to restrain his grief that had been pent up so long, Jack broke down and sobbed like a child.

The veteran showed a delicacy that would hardly have been expected from him.

He knew it would do Jack good to yield to his sorrow for a brief while, for he would soon become cooler and more self-possessed.