How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
All at once he stooped, darted his spear with one quick stroke, and came up with a glittering fish. He studied it for a moment. "Too small," he decided. To Matt's astonishment he spoke to the fish quite solemnly, a few incomprehensible words, then tossed it back into the stream. (10.11)
When it comes to nature, Attean doesn't just kill it—he respects it.
Quote #2
"Easy make new hook," Attean said. "Make many hooks."
Of course. Looking down at the simple thing in his hand, Matt realized that he never again need worry about losing a hook. He could make a new one wherever he happened to be. […] Grudgingly he had to admit that Attean had proved to him once again that he didn't always have to depend on white man's tools. (10.29-30)
Survive off the land? What? Even in the 18th century, many people depended on professionally-crafted tools to do things that they could totally do themselves if they knew how. Attean is teaching Matt the art of self-reliance.
Quote #3
Following after him, Matt began to feel uneasy. If Attean should take himself off suddenly, as he had a way of doing, Matt was not sure he could find his way back to the cabin. (11.21)
Nature is fun and all, but not when you're lost and alone and hungry. And did we mention lost? No wonder Matt's got the willies.