Mabelhadbeenreligiouslyeducated。equallywithoutexaggerationandwithoutself-sufficiency。HerrelianceonGodwascheerfulandfullofhope，whileitwasofthehumblestandmostdependentnature。Shehadbeenac-
　　customedfromchildhoodtoaddressherselftotheDeityinprayer。takingexamplefromtheDivinemandateofChristHimself，whocommandedHisfollowerstoabstainfromvainrepetitions，andwhohasleftbehindHimape-
　　titionwhichisunequalledforsublimity，asifexpresslytorebukethedispositionofmantosetuphisownlooseandrandomthoughtsasthemostacceptablesacrifice。Thesectinwhichshehadbeenrearedhasfurnishedtoitsfol-
　　lowerssomeofthemostbeautifulcompositionsinthelan-
　　guage，asasuitablevehicleforitsdevotionandsolicitations。
　　Accustomedtothismodeofpublicandevenprivateprayer，themindofourheroinehadnaturallyfallenintoitstrainofloftythought。hertaskhadbecomeimprovedbyitsstudy，andherlanguageelevatedandenrichedbyitsphrases。Whenshekneeledatthebedsideofherfather，theveryreverenceofherattitudeandmannerpre-
　　paredthespectatorsforwhatwastocome。andasheraffectionateheartpromptedhertongue，andmemorycameinaidofboth，thepetitionandpraisesthatsheofferedupwereofacharacterwhichmighthaveworthilyledthespiritsofangels。Althoughthewordswerenotslavishlyborrowed，theexpressionspartookofthesimpledignityoftheliturgytowhichshehadbeenaccustomed，andwasprobablyasworthyoftheBeingtowhomtheyweread-
　　dressedastheycouldwellbemadebyhumanpowers。
　　Theyproducedtheirfullimpressiononthehearers。foritisworthyofremark，that，notwithstandingtheperniciouseffectsofafalsetastewhenlongsubmittedto，realsub-
　　limityandbeautyaresocloselyalliedtonaturethattheygenerallyfindanechoineveryheart。
　　Butwhenourheroinecametotouchuponthesituationofthedyingman，shebecamethemosttrulypersuasive。
　　forthenshewasthemosttrulyzealousandnatural。Thebeautyofthelanguagewaspreserved，butitwassustainedbythesimplepoweroflove。andherwordswerewarmedbyaholyzeal，thatapproachedtothegrandeuroftrueelo-
　　quence。Wemightrecordsomeofherexpressions，butdoubttheproprietyofsubjectingsuchsacredthemestoatoofamiliaranalysis，andrefrain。
　　Theeffectofthissingularbutsolemnscenewasdiffer-
　　entonthedifferentindividualspresent。Dunhamhimselfwassoonlostinthesubjectoftheprayer。andhefeltsomesuchreliefasonewhofindshimselfstaggeringontheedgeofaprecipice，underaburthendifficulttobeborne，mightbesupposedtoexperiencewhenheunex-
　　pectedlyfeelstheweightremoved，inordertobeplacedontheshouldersofanotherbetterabletosustainit。Capwassurprised，aswellasawed。thoughtheeffectsonhismindwerenotverydeeporverylasting。Hewonderedalittleathisownsensations，andhadhisdoubtswhethertheyweresomanlyandheroicastheyoughttobe。buthewasfartoosensibleoftheinfluenceoftruth，humility，re-
　　ligioussubmission，andhumandependency，tothinkofinterposingwithanyofhiscrudeobjections。JasperkneltoppositetoMabel，coveredhisface，andfollowedherwords，withanearnestwishtoaidherprayerswithhisown。thoughitmaybequestionedifhisthoughtsdidnotdwellquiteasmuchonthesoft，gentleaccentsofthepe-
　　titionerasonthesubjectofherpetition。
　　TheeffectonPathfinderwasstrikingandvisible：visi-
　　ble，becausehestooderect，alsooppositetoMabel。andtheworkingsofhiscountenance，asusual，betrayedtheworkingsofthespiritwithin。Heleanedonhisrifle，andatmomentsthesinewyfingersgraspedthebarrelwithaforcethatseemedtocompresstheweapon。while，onceortwice，asMabel’slanguageroseinintimateassociationwithherthoughts，heliftedhiseyestothefloorabovehim，asifheexpectedtofindsomevisibleevidenceofthepresenceofthedreadBeingtowhomthewordsweread-
　　dressed。Thenagainhisfeelingsrevertedtothefaircrea-
　　turewhowasthuspouringoutherspirit，inferventbutcalmpetitions，inbehalfofadyingparent。forMabel’scheekwasnolongerpallid，butwasflushedwithaholyenthusiasm，whileherblueeyeswereupturnedinthelight，inawaytoresembleapicturebyGuido。AtthesemomentsallthehonestandmanlyattachmentofPath-
　　finderglowedinhisingenuousfeatures，andhisgazeatourheroinewassuchasthefondestparentmightfastenonthechildofhislove。
　　SergeantDunhamlaidhishandfeeblyontheheadofMabelassheceasedpraying，andburiedherfaceinhisblanket。
　　Blessyou，mybelovedchild！blessyou！heratherwhisperedthanutteredaloud。thisistrulyconsolation：
　　wouldthatItoocouldpray！
　　Father，youknowtheLord’sPrayer。youtaughtittomeyourselfwhileIwasyetaninfant。
　　TheSergeant’sfacegleamedwithasmile，forhe_did_
　　remembertohavedischargedthatportionatleastofthepaternalduty，andtheconsciousnessofitgavehimincon-
　　ceivablegratificationatthatsolemnmoment。Hewasthensilentforseveralminutes，andallpresentbelievedthathewascommuningwithGod。
　　Mabel，mychild！heatlengthuttered，inavoicewhichseemedtobereviving，——Mabel，I’mquittingyou。
　　Thespiritatitsgreatandfinalpassageappearsevertoconsiderthebodyasnothing。I’mquittingyou，mychild。whereisyourhand？
　　Here，dearestfather——hereareboth——oh，takeboth！
　　Pathfinder，addedtheSergeant，feelingontheoppo-
　　sitesideofthebed，whereJasperstillknelt，andgettingoneofthehandsoftheyoungmanbymistake，takeit-Ileaveyouasherfather——asyouandshemayplease——
　　blessyou——blessyouboth！
　　Atthatawfulinstant，noonewouldrudelyapprisetheSergeantofhismistake。andhediedaminuteortwolater，holdingJasper’sandMabel’shandscoveredbybothhisown。OurheroinewasignorantofthefactuntilanexclamationofCap’sannouncedthedeathofherfather。
　　when，raisingherface，shesawtheeyesofJasperrivetedonherown，andfeltthewarmpressureofhishand。Butasinglefeelingwaspredominantatthatinstant，andMabelwithdrewtoweep，scarcelyconsciousofwhathadoccurred。ThePathfindertookthearmofEau-douce，andhelefttheblock。
　　Thetwofriendswalkedinsilencepastthefire，alongtheglade，andnearlyreachedtheoppositeshoreoftheislandinprofoundsilence。Heretheystopped，andPath-
　　finderspoke。
　　’Tisallover，Jasper，saidhe，——’tisallover。Ah’sme！
　　PoorSergeantDunhamhasfinishedhismarch，andthat，too，bythehandofavenomousMingo。Well，weneverknowwhatistohappen，andhisluckmaybeyournormineto-morrowornextday！
　　AndMabel？WhatistobecomeofMabel，Pathfinder？
　　YouheardtheSergeant’sdyingwords。hehaslefthischildinmycare，Jasper。anditisamostsolemntrust，itis。yes，——itisamostsolemntrust。
　　It’satrust，Pathfinder，ofwhichanymanwouldbegladtorelieveyou，returnedtheyouth，withabittersmile。
　　I’veoftenthoughtithasfallenintowronghands。
　　I’mnotconsaited，Jasper。I’mnotconsaited，IdothinkI’mnot。butifMabelDunhamiswillingtooverlookallmyimperfectionsandignoranceslike，Ishouldbewrongtogainsayit，onaccountofanysartaintyImayhavemy-
　　selfaboutmyownwantofmerit。
　　Noonewillblameyou，Pathfinder，formarryingMabelDunham，anymorethantheywillblameyouforwearingapreciousjewelinyourbosomthatafriendhadfreelygivenyou。
　　Doyouthinkthey’llblameMabel，lad？I’vehadmymisgivingsaboutthat，too。forallpersonsmaynotbesodisposedtolookatmewiththesameeyesasyouandtheSergeant’sdaughter。
　　JasperEau-doucestartedasamanflinchesatsuddenbodilypain。butheotherwisemaintainedhisself-com-
　　mand。Andmankindisenviousandill-natured，moreparticularlyinandaboutthegarrisons。Isometimeswish，Jasper，thatMabelcouldhavetakenafancytoyou，——I
　　do。andthatyouhadtakenafancytoher。foritoftenseemstomethatonelikeyou，afterall，mightmakeherhappierthanIevercan。
　　Wewillnottalkaboutthis，Pathfinder，interruptedJasperhoarselyandimpatiently。youwillbeMabel’shusband，anditisnotrighttospeakofanyoneelseinthatcharacter。Asforme，IshalltakeMasterCap’sadvice，andtryandmakeamanofmyselfbyseeingwhatistobedoneonthesaltwater。
　　You，JasperWestern！——youquitthelakes，theforests，andthelines。andthis，too，forthetownsandwastywaysofthesettlements，andalittledifferenceinthetasteofthewater。Haven’twethesalt-licks，ifsaltisnecessarytoyou？andoughtn’tmantobesatisfiedwithwhatcon-
　　tentstheothercreatursofGod？Icountedonyou，Jas-
　　per，Icountedonyou，Idid。andthought，nowthatMabelandIintendtodwellinacabinofourown，thatsomedayyoumightbetemptedtochooseacompaniontoo，andcomeandsettleinourneighborhood。Thereisabeauti-
　　fulspot，aboutfiftymileswestofthegarrison，thatIhadchoseninmymindformyownplaceofabode。andthereisanexcellentharborabouttenleaguesthissideofitwhereyoucouldruninandoutwiththecutteratanyleisureminute。andI’devenfanciedyouandyourwifeinpossessionoftheoneplace，andMabelandIinpossessionoft’other。Weshouldbejustahealthyhuntapart。andiftheLordeverintendsanyofHiscreaturstobehappyon’arth，nonecouldbehappierthanwefour。
　　Youforget，myfriend，answeredJasper，takingtheguide’shandandforcingafriendlysmile，thatIhavenofourthpersontoloveandcherish。andImuchdoubtifIevershallloveanyotherasIloveyouandMabel。
　　Thank’e，boy。Ithankyouwithallmyheart。butwhatyoucallloveforMabelisonlyfriendshiplike，andaverydifferentthingfromwhatIfeel。Now，insteadofsleepingassoundasnatur’atmidnight，asIusedtocould，IdreamnightlyofMabelDunham。Theyoungdoessportbeforeme。andwhenIraiseKilldeer，inordertotakealittlevenison，theanimalslookback，anditseemsasiftheyallhadMabel’ssweetcountenance，laughinginmyface，andlookingasiftheysaid，’Shootmeifyoudare！’
　　ThenIhearhersoftvoicecallingoutamongthebirdsastheysing。andnolaterthanthelastnapItook，Ibe-
　　thoughtme，infancy，ofgoingovertheNiagara，holdingMabelinmyarms，ratherthanpartfromher。Thebit-
　　terestmomentsI’veeverknownweretheminwhichthedevil，orsomeMingoconjuror，perhaps，hasjustputintomyheadtofancyindreamsthatMabelislosttomebysomeunaccountablecalamity——eitherbychangefulnessorbyviolence。
　　Oh，Pathfinder！ifyouthinkthissobitterinadream，whatmustitbetoonewhofeelsitsreality，andknowsitalltobetrue，true，true？Sotrueastoleavenohope。toleavenothingbutdespair！
　　ThesewordsburstfromJasperasafluidpoursfromthevesselthathasbeensuddenlybroken。Theywereutteredinvoluntarily，almostunconsciously，butwithatruthandfeelingthatcarriedwiththemtheinstantconvictionoftheirdeepsincerity。Pathfinderstarted，gazedathisfriendforfullaminutelikeonebewildered，andthenitwasthat，indespiteofallhissimplicity，thetruthgleameduponhim。Allknowhowcorroboratingproofscrowduponthemindassoonasitcatchesadirectcluetoanyhithertounsuspectedfact。howrapidlythethoughtsflowandpre-
　　misestendtotheirjustconclusionsundersuchcircum-
　　stances。Ourherowassoconfidingbynature，sojust，andsomuchdisposedtoimaginethatallhisfriendswishedhimthesamehappinessashewishedthem，that，untilthisunfortunatemoment，asuspicionofJasper’sattachmentforMabelhadneverbeenawakenedinhisbosom。Hewas，however，nowtooexperiencedintheemotionswhichcharacterizethepassion。andtheburstoffeelinginhiscompanionwastooviolentandtoonaturaltoleaveanyfurtherdoubtonthesubject。Thefeelingthatfirstfol-
　　lowedthischangeofopinionwasoneofdeephumilityandexquisitepain。HebethoughthimofJasper’syouth，hishigherclaimstopersonalappearance，andallthegeneralprobabilitiesthatsuchasuitorwouldbemoreagreeabletoMabelthanhecouldpossiblybehimself。Thenthenoblerectitudeofmind，forwhichthemanwassodistinguished，asserteditspower。itwassustainedbyhisrebukedman-
　　nerofthinkingofhimself，andallthathabitualdeferencefortherightsandfeelingsofotherswhichappearedtobeinbredinhisverynature。TakingthearmofJasper，heledhimtoalog，wherehecompelledtheyoungmantoseathimselfbyasortofirresistibleexerciseofhisironmuscles，andwhereheplacedhimselfathisside。
　　Theinstanthisfeelingshadfoundvent，Eau-doucewasbothalarmedat，andashamedof，theirviolence。Hewouldhavegivenallhepossessedonearthcouldthelastthreeminutesberecalled。buthewastoofrankbydispo-
　　sitionandtoomuchaccustomedtodealingenuouslybyhisfriendtothinkamomentofattemptingfurthercon-
　　cealment，orofanyevasionoftheexplanationthatheknewwasabouttobedemanded。Evenwhilehetrembledinanticipationofwhatwasabouttofollow，henevercon-
　　templatedequivocation。
　　Jasper，Pathfindercommenced，inatonesosolemnastothrilloneverynerveinhislistener’sbody，this_has_
　　surprisedme！YouhavekinderfeelingstowardsMabelthanIhadthought。and，unlessmyownmistakenvanityandconsaithavecruellydeceivedme，Ipityyou，boy，frommysoulIdo！Yes，IthinkIknowhowtopityanyonewhohassethisheartonacreaturelikeMabel，unlessheseesaprospectofherregardinghimasheregardsher。Thismattermustbeclearedup，Eau-douce，astheDelawaressay，untilthereshallnotbeacloud’atweenus。
　　Whatclearingupcanitwant，Pathfinder？IloveMabelDunham，andMabelDunhamdoesnotloveme。
　　sheprefersyouforahusband。andthewisestthingIcandoistogooffatoncetothesaltwater，andtrytoforgetyouboth。
　　Forgetme，Jasper！thatwouldbeapunishmentI
　　don’tdesarve。ButhowdoyouknowthatMabelprefars_me_？howdoyouknowit，lad？Tomeitseemsimpossiblelike！
　　Isshenottomarryyou，andwouldMabelmarryamanshedoesnotlove？
　　ShehasbeenhardurgedbytheSergeant，shehas。
　　andadutifulchildmayhavefounditdifficulttowith-
　　standthewishesofadyingparent。HaveyouevertoldMabelthatyouprefarredher，Jasper——thatyouboreherthesefeelings？
　　Never，Pathfinder。Iwouldnotdoyouthatwrong。
　　Ibelieveyou，lad，Idobelieveyou。andIthinkyouwouldnowgoofftothesaltwater，andletthescentdiewithyou。Butthismustnotbe。Mabelshallhearall，andsheshallhaveherownway，ifmyheartbreaksinthetrial，sheshall。Nowordshaveeverpassed’atweenyou，then，Jasper？
　　Nothingofaccount，nothingdirect。Still，Iwillownallmyfoolishness，Pathfinder。forIoughttoownittoagenerousfriendlikeyou，andtherewillbeanendofit。
　　Youknowhowyoungpeopleunderstandeachother，orthinktheyunderstandeachother，withoutalwaysspeak-
　　ingoutinplainspeech，andgettoknoweachother’sthoughts，ortothinktheyknowthem，bymeansofahun-
　　dredlittleways。
　　NotI，Jasper，notI，trulyansweredtheguide。for，soothtosay，hisadvanceshadneverbeenmetwithanyofthatsweetandpreciousencouragementwhichsilentlymarksthecourseofsympathyunitedtopassion。NotI，Jasper。Iknownothingofallthis。Mabelhasalwaystreatedmefairly，andsaidwhatshehashadtosayinspeechasplainastonguecouldtellit。
　　Youhavehadthepleasureofhearinghersaythatshelovedyou，Pathfinder？
　　Why，no，Jasper，notjustthatinwords。Shehastoldmethatwenevercould，neveroughttobemarried。that_she_wasnotgoodenoughfor_me_，thoughshe_did_saythatshehonoredmeandrespectedme。ButthentheSergeantsaiditwasalwayssowiththeyouthfulandtimid。thathermotherdidsoandsaidsoaforeher。andthatIoughttobesatisfiedifshewouldconsentonanytermstomarryme，andthereforeIhaveconcludedthatallwasright，I
　　have。
　　Inspiteofallhisfriendshipforthesuccessfulwooer，inspiteofallhishonest，sincerewishedforhishappiness，weshouldbeunfaithfulchroniclersdidwenotownthatJasperfelthisheartboundwithanuncontrollablefeelingofdelightatthisadmission。Itwasnotthathesaworfeltanyhopeconnectedwiththecircumstance。butitwasgratefultothejealouscovetousnessofunlimitedlovethustolearnthatnootherearshadheardthesweetconfessionsthatweredenieditsown。
　　Tellmemoreofthismanneroftalkingwithouttheuseofthetongue，continuedPathfinder，whosecounte-
　　nancewasbecominggrave，andwhonowquestionedhiscompanionlikeonewhoseemedtoanticipateevilinthereply。IcanandhaveconversedwithChingachgook，andwithhissonUncastoo，inthatmode，aforethelatterfell。butIdidn’tknowthatyounggirlspractysedthisart，and，leastofall，MabelDunham。
　　’Tisnothing，Pathfinder。Imeanonlyalook，orasmile，oraglanceoftheeye，orthetremblingofanarmorahandwhentheyoungwomanhashadoccasiontotouchme。andbecauseIhavebeenweakenoughtotrem-
　　bleevenatMabel’sbreath，orherbrushingmewithherclothes，myvainthoughtshavemisledme。IneverspokeplainlytoMabelmyself，andnowthereisnouseforit，sincethereisclearlynohope。
　　Jasper，returnedPathfindersimply，butwithadig-
　　nitythatprecludedfurtherremarksatthemoment，wewilltalkoftheSergeant’sfuneralandofourowndepar-
　　turefromthisisland。Afterthesethingsaredisposedof，itwillbetimeenoughtosaymoreoftheSergeant’sdaughter。Thismattermustbelookedinto，forthefatherleftmethecareofhischild。
　　Jasperwasgladenoughtochangethesubject，andthefriendsseparated，eachchargedwiththedutymostpecu-
　　liartohisownstationandhabits。
　　Thatafternoonallthedeadwereinterred，thegraveofSergeantDunhambeingduginthecentreoftheglade，beneaththeshadeofahugeelm。Mabelweptbitterlyattheceremony，andshefoundreliefinthusdisburtheninghersorrow。Thenightpassedtranquilly，asdidthewholeofthefollowingday，Jasperdeclaringthatthegalewastooseveretoventureonthelake。Thiscircumstancede-
　　tainedCaptainSanglieralso，whodidnotquittheislanduntilthemorningofthethirddayafterthedeathofDun-
　　ham，whentheweatherhadmoderated，andthewindhadbecomefair。Then，indeed，hedeparted，aftertakingleaveofthePathfinder，inthemannerofonewhobelievedhewasincompanyofadistinguishedcharacterforthelasttime。Thetwoseparatedlikethosewhorespectoneanother，whileeachfeltthattheotherwasallenigmatohimself。
　　CHAPTERXXIX。
　　Playfulsheturn’dthathemightseeThepassingsmilehercheekputon。
　　ButwhenshemarkedhowmournfullyHiseyesmethers，thatsmilewasgone。
　　_LallaRookh。_
　　Theoccurrencesofthelastfewdayshadbeentooex-
　　citing，andhadmadetoomanydemandsonthefortitudeofourheroine，toleaveherinthehelplessnessofgrief。
　　Shemournedforherfather，andsheoccasionallyshud-
　　deredassherecalledthesuddendeathofJennie，andallthehorriblescenesshehadwitnessed。butonthewholeshehadarousedherself，andwasnolongerinthedeepdepressionwhichusuallyaccompaniesgrief。Perhapstheoverwhelming，almoststupefyingsorrowthatcrushedpoorJune，andleftherfornearlytwenty-fourhoursinastateofstupor，assistedMabelinconqueringherownfeelings，forshehadfeltcalledontoadministerconsolationtotheyoungIndianwoman。Thisshehaddoneinthequiet，soothing，insinuatingwayinwhichhersexusuallyexertsitsinfluenceonsuchoccasions。
　　Themorningofthethirddaywassetforthatonwhichthe_Scud_wastosail。Jasperhadmadeallhisprepara-
　　tions。thedifferenteffectswereembarked，andMabelhadtakenleaveofJune，apainfulandaffectionateparting。Inaword，allwasready，andeverysoulhadlefttheislandbuttheIndianwoman，Pathfinder，Jasper，andourhero-
　　ine。Theformerhadgoneintoathickettoweep，andthethreelastwereapproachingthespotwherethreecanoeslay，oneofwhichwasthepropertyofJune，andtheothertwowereinwaitingtocarrytheothersofftothe_Scud_。
　　Pathfinderledtheway，but，whenhedrewneartheshore，insteadoftakingthedirectiontotheboats，hemotionedtohiscompanionstofollow，andproceededtoafallentreewhichlayonthemarginofthegladeandoutofviewofthoseinthecutter。Seatinghimselfonthetrunk，hesignedtoMabeltotakeherplaceononesideofhimandtoJaspertooccupytheother。
　　SitdownhereMabel。sitdownthere，Eau-douce，hecommenced，assoonashehadtakenhisownseat。I’vesomethingthatliesheavyonmymind，andnowisthetimetotakeitoff，ifit’severtobedone。Sitdown，Mabel，andletmelightenmyheart，ifnotmyconscience，whileI’vethestrengthtodoit。
　　Thepausethatsucceededlastedtwoorthreeminutes，andboththeyoungpeoplewonderedwhatwastocomenext。
　　theideathatPathfindercouldhaveanyweightonhiscon-
　　scienceseemingequallyimprobabletoeach。
　　Mabel，ourheroatlengthresumed，wemusttalkplainlytoeachotheraforewejoinyouruncleinthecut-
　　ter，wheretheSaltwaterhasslepteverynightsincethelastrally，forhesaysit’stheonlyplaceinwhichamancanbesureofkeepingthehaironhishead，hedoes。Ah’sme！whathaveItodowiththesefolliesandsayingsnow？
　　Itrytobepleasant，andtofeellight-hearted，butthepowerofmancan’tmakewaterrunupstream。Mabel，youknowthattheSergeant，aforeheleftus，hadsettledit’atweenustwothatweweretobecomemanandwife，andthatweweretolivetogetherandtoloveoneanotheraslongastheLordwaspleasedtokeepusbothon’arth。yes，andafterwardstoo？
　　Mabel’scheekshadregainedalittleoftheirancientbloominthefreshairofthemorning。butatthisun-
　　looked-foraddresstheyblanchedagain，nearlytothepal-
　　lidhuewhichgriefhadimprintedthere。Still，shelookedkindly，thoughseriously，atPathfinderandevenendeav-
　　oredtoforceasmile。
　　Verytrue，myexcellentfriend，sheanswered。thiswasmypoorfather’swish，andIfeelcertainthatawholelifedevotedtoyourwelfareandcomfortscouldscarcelyrepayyouforallyouhavedoneforus。
　　Ifearme，Mabel，thatmanandwifeneedsbeboundtogetherbyastrongertiethansuchfeelings，Ido。Youhavedonenothingforme，ornothingofanyaccount，andyetmyveryheartyearnstowardsyou，itdoes。andthere-
　　foreitseemslikelythatthesefeelingscomefromsome-
　　thingbesidessavingscalpsandguidingthroughwoods。
　　Mabel’scheekhadbeguntoglowagain。andthoughshestruggledhardtosmile，hervoicetrembledalittleassheanswered。
　　Hadwenotbetterpostponethisconversation，Path-
　　finder？shesaid。wearenotalone。andnothingissounpleasanttoalistener，theysay，asfamilymattersinwhichhefeelsnointerest。
　　It’sbecausewearenotalone，Mabel，orratherbecauseJasperiswithus，thatIwishtotalkofthismatter。TheSergeantbelievedImightmakeasuitablecompanionforyou，and，thoughIhadmisgivingsaboutit，——yes，Ihadmanymisgivings，——hefinallypersuadedmeintotheidee，andthingscameround’atweenus，asyouknow。But，whenyoupromisedyourfathertomarryme，Mabel，andgavemeyourhandsomodestly，butsoprettily，therewasonecircumstance，asyourunclecalledit，thatyoudidn’tknow。andI’vethoughtitrighttotellyouwhatitis，beforemattersarefinallysettled。I’veoftentakenapoordeerformydinnerwhengoodvenisonwasnottobefound。butit’sasnat’ralnottotakeupwiththeworstwhenthebestmaybehad。
　　Youspeakinaway，Pathfinder，thatisdifficulttobeunderstood。Ifthisconversationisreallynecessary，I
　　trustyouwillbemoreplain。
　　Wellthen，Mabel，I’vebeenthinkingitwasquitelikely，whenyougaveintotheSergeant’swishes，thatyoudidnotknowthenatur’ofJasperWestern’sfeelingstowardsyou？
　　Pathfinder！andMabel’scheeknowpaledtothelividhueofdeath。thenitflushedtothetintofcrimson。andherwholeframeshuddered。Pathfinder，however，wastoointentonhisownobjecttonoticethisagitation。andEau-
　　doucehadhiddenhisfaceinhishandsintimetoshutoutitsview。
　　I’vebeentalkingwiththelad。and，oncomparinghisdreamswithmydreams，hisfeelingswithmyfeelings，andhiswisheswithmywishes，Ifearwethinktoomuchalikeconsarningyouforbothofustobeveryhappy。
　　Pathfinder，youforget。youshouldrememberthatwearebetrothed！saidMabelhastily，andinavoicesolowthatitrequiredacuteattentioninthelistenerstocatchthesyllables。Indeedthelastwordwasnotquiteintel-
　　ligibletotheguide，andheconfessedhisignorancebytheusual，——
　　Anan？
　　Youforgetthatwearetobemarried。andsuchallu-
　　sionsareimproperaswellaspainful。
　　Everythingisproperthatisright，Mabel。andevery-
　　thingisrightthatleadstojusticeandfairdealing。thoughit_ispainful_enough，asyousay，asIfindontrial，Ido。
　　Now，Mabel，hadyouknownthatEau-doucethinksofyouinthisway，maybeyouneverwouldhaveconsentedtobemarriedtooneasoldandasuncomelyasIam。
　　Whythiscrueltrial，Pathfinder？Towhatcanallthislead？JasperWesternthinksnosuchthing：hesaysnothinghefeelsnothing。
　　Mabel！burstfromoutoftheyoungman’slips，inawaytobetraytheuncontrollablenatureofhisemotions，thoughheutterednotanothersyllable。
　　Mabelburiedherfaceinbothherhands。andthetwosatlikeapairofguiltybeings，suddenlydetectedinthecommissionofsomecrimewhichinvolvedthehappinessofacommonpatron。Atthatinstant，perhaps，Jasperhimselfwasinclinedtodenyhispassion，throughanex-
　　tremeunwillingnesstogrievehisfriend。whileMabel，onwhomthispositiveannouncementofafactthatshehadratherunconsciouslyhopedthanbelieved，camesounex-
　　pectedly，felthermindmomentarilybewildered。andshescarcelyknewwhethertoweeportorejoice。Stillshewasthefirsttospeak。sinceEau-doucecouldutternaughtthatwouldbedisingenuous，orthatwouldpainhisfriend。
　　Pathfinder，saidshe，youtalkwildly。Whymentionthisatall？
　　Well，Mabel，ifItalkwildly，I_am_halfwild，youknow，bynatur’，Ifear，aswellasbyhabit。Ashesaidthis，heendeavoredtolaughinhisusualnoiselessway，buttheeffectproducedastrangeanddiscordantsound。anditappearednearlytochokehim。Yes，I_must_bewild。I’llnotattempttodenyit。
　　DearestPathfinder！mybest，almostmyonlyfriend！
　　you_cannot，donot_thinkIintendedtosaythat！inter-
　　ruptedMabel，almostbreathlessinherhastetorelievehismortification。Ifcourage，truth，noblenessofsoulandconduct，unyieldingprinciples，andahundredotherexcel-
　　lentqualitiescanrenderanymanrespectable，esteemed，orbeloved，yourclaimsareinferiortothoseofnootherhumanbeing。
　　Whattenderandbewitchingvoicestheyhave，Jasper！
　　resumedtheguide，nowlaughingfreelyandnaturally。
　　Yes，natur’seemstohavemadethemonpurposetosinginourears，whenthemusicofthewoodsissilent。Butwemustcometoarightunderstanding，wemust。Iaskyouagain，Mabel，ifyouhadknownthatJasperWesternlovesyouaswellasIdo，orbetterperhaps，thoughthatisscarcelypossible。thatinhisdreamsheseesyourfaceinthewaterofthelake。thathetalkstoyou，andofyou，inhissleep。fanciesallthatisbeautifullikeMabelDunham，andallthatisgoodandvirtuous。believesheneverknowedhappinessuntilheknowedyou。couldkissthegroundonwhichyouhavetrod，andforgetsallthejoysofhiscall-
　　ingtothinkofyouandthedelightofgazingatyourbeautyandinlisteningtoyourvoice，wouldyouthenhaveconsentedtomarryme？
　　Mabelcouldnothaveansweredthisquestionifshewould。but，thoughherfacewasburiedinherhands，thetintoftherushingbloodwasvisiblebetweentheopen-
　　ings，andthesuffusionseemedtoimpartitselftoherveryfingers。Stillnatureassertedherpower，fortherewasasingleinstantwhentheastonished，almostterrifiedgirlstoleaglanceatJasper，asifdistrustingPathfinder’shis-
　　toryofhisfeelings，readthetruthofallhesaidinthatfurtivelook，andinstantlyconcealedherfaceagain，asifshewouldhideitfromobservationforever。
　　Taketimetothink，Mabel，theguidecontinued，foritisasolemnthingtoacceptonemanforahusbandwhilethethoughtsandwishesleadtoanother。JasperandI
　　havetalkedthismatterover，freelyandlikeoldfriends，and，thoughIalwaysknowedthatweviewedmostthingsprettymuchalike，Icouldn’thavethoughtthatwere-
　　gardedanyparticularobjectwiththeverysameeyes，asitmightbe，untilweopenedourmindstoeachotheraboutyou。NowJasperownsthattheveryfirsttimehebeheldyou，hethoughtyouthesweetestandwinningestestcrea-
　　tur’hehadevermet。thatyourvoicesoundedlikemur-
　　muringwaterinhisears。thathefanciedhissailswereyourgarmentsflutteringinthewind。thatyourlaughhauntedhiminhissleep。andthatag’inandag’inhashestartedupaffrighted，becausehehasfanciedsomeonewantedtoforceyououtofthe_Scud_，whereheimaginedyouhadtakenupyourabode。Nay，theladhasevenacknowledgedthatheoftenweepsatthethoughtthatyouarelikelytospendyourdayswithanother，andnotwithhim。
　　Jasper！
　　It’ssolemntruth，Mabel，andit’srightyoushouldknowit。Nowstandup，andchoose’atweenus。IdobelieveEau-doucelovesyouaswellasIdomyself。hehastriedtopersuademethathelovesyoubetter，butthatIwillnotallow，forIdonotthinkitpossible。butIwillowntheboylovesyou，heartandsoul，andhehasagoodrighttobeheard。TheSergeantleftmeyourprotector，andnotyourtyrant。ItoldhimthatIwouldbeafathertoyouaswellasahusband，anditseemstomenofeelingfatherwoulddenyhischildthissmallprivilege。Standup，Mabel，therefore，andspeakyourthoughtsasfreelyasifIweretheSergeanthimself，seekingyourgood，andnothingelse。
　　Mabeldroppedherhands，arose，andstoodfacetofacewithhertwosuitors，thoughtheflushthatwasonhercheekswasfeverish，theevidenceofexcitementratherthanofshame。
　　Whatwouldyouhave，Pathfinder？sheasked。haveInotalreadypromisedmypoorfathertodoallyoude-
　　sire？
　　ThenIdesirethis。HereIstand，amanoftheforestandoflittlelarning，thoughIfearwithanambitionbe-
　　yondmydesarts，andI’lldomyendivorstodojusticetobothsides。Inthefirstplace，itisallowedthat，sofarasfeelingsinyourbehalfareconsarned，weloveyoujustthesame。Jasperthinkshisfeelings_must_bethestrongest，butthisIcannotsayinhonesty，foritdoesn’tseemtomethatit_can_betrue，elseIwouldfranklyandfreelyconfessit，Iwould。Sointhisparticular，Mabel，weareherebeforeyouonequaltarms。Asformyself，beingtheoldest，I’llfirstsaywhatlittlecanbeproducedinmyfavor，aswellasag’init。Asahunter，Idothinkthereisnomannearthelinesthatcanoutdome。Ifvenison，orbear’smeat，orevenbirdsandfish，shouldeverbescarceinourcabin，itwouldbemorelikelytobeowingtonatur’andProvi-
　　dencethantoanyfaultofmine。Inshort，itdoesseemtomethatthewomanwhodependedonmewouldneverbelikelytowantforfood。ButI’mfearfulignorant！It’strueIspeakseveraltongues，suchastheybe，whileI’mveryfarfrombeingexpartatmyown。Then，myyearsaregreaterthanyourown，Mabel。andthecircumstancethatIwassolongtheSergeant’scomradecanbenogreatmeritinyoureyes。Iwish，too，Iwasmorecomely，Ido。butweareallasnatur’madeus，andthelastthingthatamanoughttolament，exceptonveryspecialoccasions，ishislooks。Whenallisremembered，age，looks，learning，andhabits，Mabel，consciencetellsmeIoughttoconfessthatI’maltogetherunfitforyou，ifnotdownrightunworthy。
　　andIwouldgiveupthehopethisminute，Iwould，ifI
　　didn’tfeelsomethingpullingatmyheart-stringswhichseemshardtoundo。
　　Pathfinder！noble，generousPathfinder！criedourheroine，seizinghishandandkissingitwithaspeciesofholyreverence。youdoyourselfinjustice——youforgetmypoorfatherandyourpromise——youdonotknow_me_！
　　Now，here’sJasper，continuedtheguide，withoutal-
　　lowingthegirl’scaressestowinhimfromhispurpose，with_him_thecaseisdifferent。Inthewayofproviding，asinthatofloving，there’snotmuchtochoose’atweenus。fortheladisfrugal，industrious，andcareful。Thenheisquiteascholar，knowsthetongueoftheFrenchers，readsmanybooks，andsome，Iknow，thatyouliketoreadyourself，canunderstandyouatalltimes，which，perhaps，ismorethanIcansayformyself。
　　Whatofallthis？interruptedMabalimpatiently。
　　whyspeakofitnow——whyspeakofitatall？
　　Thentheladhasamanneroflettinghisthoughtsbeknown，thatIfearIcanneverequal。Ifthere’sanythingon’arththatwouldmakemytongueboldandpersuading，Mabel，Idothinkit’syourself。andyetinourlateconver-
　　sationsJasperhasoutdoneme，evenonthispoint，inawaytomakemeashamedofmyself。Hehastoldmehowsimpleyouwere，andhowtrue-hearted，andkind-hearted。
　　andhowyoulookeddownuponvanities，forthoughyoumightbethewifeofmorethanoneofficer，ashethinks，thatyouclingtofeeling，andwouldratherbetruetoyourselfandnatur’thanacolonel’slady。Hefairlymademybloodwarm，hedid，whenhespokeofyourhavingbeautywithoutseemingevertohavelookeduponit，andthemannerinwhichyoumovedaboutlikeayoungfa’n，sonat’ralandgracefullike，withoutknowingit。andthetruthandjusticeofyouridees，andthewarmthandgener-
　　osityofyourheart——
　　Jasper！interruptedMabel，givingwaytofeelingsthathadgatheredanungovernableforcebybeingsolongpent，andfallingintotheyoungman’swillingarms，weep-
　　inglikeachild，andalmostashelpless。Jasper！Jasper！
　　whyhaveyoukeptthisfromme？
　　TheanswerofEau-doucewasnotveryintelligible，norwasthemurmureddialoguethatfollowedremarkableforcoherency。Butthelanguageofaffectioniseasilyunder-
　　stood。Thehourthatsucceededpassedlikeaveryfewminutesofordinarylife，sofarasacomputationoftimewasconcerned。andwhenMabelrecollectedherself，andbethoughtheroftheexistenceofothers，herunclewaspac-
　　ingthecutter’sdeckingreatimpatience，andwonderingwhyJaspershouldbelosingsomuchofafavorablewind。
　　Herfirstthoughtwasofhim，whowassolikelytofeeltherecentbetrayalofherrealemotions。
　　Oh，Jasper，sheexclaimed，likeonesuddenlyself-
　　convicted，thePathfinder！
　　Eau-doucefairlytrembled，notwithunmanlyapprehen-
　　sion，butwiththepainfulconvictionofthepanghehadgivenhisfriend。andhelookedinalldirectionsintheexpectationofseeinghisperson。ButPathfinderhadwithdrawn，withatactandadelicacythatmighthavedonecredittothesensibilityandbreedingofacourtier。
　　Forseveralminutesthetwoloverssat，silentlywaitinghisreturn，uncertainwhatproprietyrequiredofthemundercircumstancessomarkedandsopeculiar。Atlengththeybeheldtheirfriendadvancingslowlytowardsthem，withathoughtfulandevenpensiveair。
　　Inowunderstandwhatyoumeant，Jasper，byspeakingwithoutatongueandhearingwithoutanear，hesaidwhencloseenoughtothetreetobeheard。Yes，Iun-
　　derstanditnow，Ido。andaverypleasantsortofdiscourseitis，whenonecanholditwithMabelDunham。Ah’sme！
　　ItoldtheSergeantIwasn’tfitforher。thatIwastooold，tooignorant，andtoowildlike。buthe_would_haveitotherwise。
　　JasperandMabelsat，resemblingMilton’spictureofourfirstparents，whentheconsciousnessofsinfirstlaiditsleadenweightontheirsouls。Neitherspoke，neitherevenmoved。thoughbothatthatmomentfanciedtheycouldpartwiththeirnew-foundhappinessinordertore-
　　storetheirfriendtohispeaceofmind。Jasperwaspaleasdeath，but，inMabel，maidenmodestyhadcausedthebloodtomantleonhercheeks，untiltheirbloomwasheightenedtoarichnessthatwasscarcelyequalledinherhoursoflight-heartedbuoyancyandjoy。Asthefeelingwhich，inhersex，alwaysaccompaniesthesecurityoflovereturned，threwitssoftnessandtendernessoverhercoun-
　　tenance，shewassingularlybeautiful。Pathfindergazedatherwithanintentnesshedidnotendeavortoconceal，andthenhefairlylaughedinhisownway，andwithasortofwildexultation，asmenthatareuntutoredarewonttoexpresstheirdelight。Thismomentaryindulgence，how-
　　ever，wasexpiatedbythepangwhichfollowedthesuddenconsciousnessthatthisgloriousyoungcreaturewaslosttohimforever。Itrequiredafullminuteforthissimple-
　　mindedbeingtorecoverfromtheshockofthisconviction。
　　andthenherecoveredhisdignityofmanner，speakingwithgravity，almostwithsolemnity。
　　Ihavealwaysknown，MabelDunham，thatmenhavetheirgifts，saidhe。butI’dforgottenthatitdidnotbelongtominetopleasetheyoung，thebeautiful，andl’arned。Ihopethemistakehasbeennoveryheavysin。
　　andifitwas，I’vebeenheavilypunishedforit，Ihave。
　　Nay，Mabel，Iknowwhatyou’dsay，butit’sunnecessary。
　　I_feel_itall，andthatisasgoodasifI_heard_itall。I’vehadabitterhour，Mabel。I’vehadaverybitterhour，lad。
　　Hour！echoedMabel，astheotherfirstusedtheword。thetell-taleblood，whichhadbeguntoebbtowardsherheart，rushingagaintumultuouslytoherverytem-
　　ples。surelynotanhour，Pathfinder？
　　Hour！exclaimedJasperatthesameinstant。no，no，myworthyfriend，itisnottenminutessinceyouleftus！
　　Well，itmaybeso。thoughtomeithasseemedtobeday。Ibegintothink，however，thatthehappycounttimebyminutes，andthemiserablecountitbymonths。
　　Butwewilltalknomoreofthis。itisallovernow，andmanywordsaboutitwillmakeyounohappier，whiletheywillonlytellmewhatI’velost。andquitelikelyhowmuchIdesarvedtoloseher。No，no，Mabel，’tisuselesstoin-
　　terruptme。Iadmititall，andyourgainsayingit，thoughitbesowellmeant，cannotchangemymind。Well，Jas-
　　per，sheisyours。and，thoughit’shardtothinkit，Idobelieveyou’llmakeherhappierthanIcould，foryourgiftsarebettersuitedtodoso，thoughIwouldhavestrivedhardtodoasmuch，ifIknowmyself，Iwould。IoughttohaveknownbetterthantobelievetheSergeant。andI
　　oughttohaveputfaithinwhatMabeltoldmeattheheadofthelake，forreasonandjudgmentmighthaveshownmeitstruth。butitissopleasanttothinkwhatwewish，andmankindsoeasilyover-persuadeus，whenweover-per-
　　suadeourselves。Butwhat’stheuseintalkingofit，asI
　　saidafore？It’strue，Mabelseemedtobeconsenting，thoughitallcamefromawishtopleaseherfather，andfrombeingskearyaboutthesavages——
　　Pathfinder！
　　Iunderstandyou，Mabel，andhavenohardfeelings，I
　　haven’t。IsometimesthinkIshouldliketoliveinyourneighborhood，thatImightlookatyourhappiness。but，onthewhole，it’sbetterIshouldquitthe55thaltogether，andgobacktothe60th，whichismynatyverigiment，asitmightbe。Itwouldhavebeenbetter，perhaps，hadI
　　neverleftit，thoughmysarvicesweremuchwantedinthisquarter，andI’dbeenwithsomeofthe55thyearsagone。SergeantDunham，forinstance，whenhewasinanothercorps。Still，Jasper，IdonotregretthatI’veknownyou——
　　Andme，Pathfinder！impetuouslyinterruptedMabel。
　　doyouregrethavingknown_me_？CouldIthinkso，I
　　shouldneverbeatpeacewithmyself。
　　You，Mabel！returnedtheguide，takingthehandofourheroineandlookingupintohercountenancewithguilelesssimplicity，butearnestaffection。howcouldI
　　besorrythatarayofthesuncameacrossthegloomofacheerlessday——thatlighthasbrokeninupondarkness，thoughitremainedsoshortatime？Idonotflattermyselfwithbeingabletomarchquitesolight-heartedasIonceusedtocould，ortosleepassound，forsometimetocome。butIshallalwaysrememberhownearIwastobeingundeservedlyhappy，Ishall。Sofarfromblamingyou，Mabel，IonlyblamemyselfforbeingsovainastothinkitpossibleIcouldpleasesuchacreatur’。forsar-
　　tainlyyoutoldmehowitwas，whenwetalkeditoveronthemountain，andIoughttohavebelievedyouthen。forIdosupposeit’snat’ralthatyoungwomenshouldknowtheirownmindsbetterthantheirfathers。Ah’sme！It’ssettlednow，andnothingremainsbutformetotakeleaveofyou，thatyoumaydepart。IfeelthatMasterCapmustbeimpatient，andthereisdangerofhiscomingonshoretolookforusall。
　　Totakeleave！exclaimedMabel。
　　Leave！echoedJasper。youdonotmeantoquitus，myfriend？
　　’Tisbest，Mabel，’tisaltogetherbest，Eau-douce。andit’swisest。Icouldliveanddieinyourcompany，ifIonlyfollowedfeeling。but，ifIfollowreason，Ishallquityouhere。YouwillgobacktoOswego，andbecomemanandwifeassoonasyouarrive，——forallthatisdeterminedwithMasterCap，whohankersaftertheseaagain，andwhoknowswhatistohappen，——whileIshallreturntothewil-
　　dernessandmyMaker。Come，Mabel，continuedPath-
　　finder，risinganddrawingnearertoourheroine，withgravedecorum，kissme。Jasperwillnotgrudgemeonekiss。
　　thenwe’llpart。
　　Oh，Pathfinder！exclaimedMabel，fallingintothearmsoftheguide，andkissinghischeeksagainandagain，withafreedomandwarmthshehadbeenfarfrommani-
　　festingwhileheldtothebosomofJasper。Godblessyou，dearestPathfinder！You’llcometoushereafter。Weshallseeyouagain。Whenold，youwillcometoourdwelling，andletmebeadaughtertoyou？
　　Yes，that’sit，returnedtheguide，almostgaspingforbreath。I’lltrytothinkofitinthatway。You’remorebefittingtobemydaughterthantobemywife，youare。
　　Farewell，Jasper。Nowwe’llgotothecanoe。it’stimeyouwereonboard。
　　ThemannerinwhichPathfinderledthewaytotheshorewassolemnandcalm。Assoonashereachedthecanoe，heagaintookMabelbythehands，heldheratthelengthofhisownarms，andgazedwistfullyintoherface，untiltheunbiddentearsrolledoutofthefountainsoffeelingandtrickleddownhisruggedcheeksinstreams。
　　Blessme，Pathfinder，saidMabel，kneelingreverentlyathisfeet。Oh，atleastblessmebeforewepart！
　　Thatuntutoredbutnoble-mindedbeingdidasshede-
　　sired。and，aidinghertoenterthecanoe，seemedtotearhimselfawayasonesnapsastrongandobstinatecord。
　　Beforeheretired，however，hetookJasperbythearmandledhimalittleaside，whenhespokeasfollows：——
　　You’rekindofheartandgentlebynatur’，Jasper。butwearebothroughandwildincomparisonwiththatdearcreatur’。Becarefulofher，andnevershowtheroughnessofman’snatur’tohersoftdisposition。You’llgettoun-
　　derstandherintime。andtheLord，whogovernsthelakeandtheforestalike，wholooksuponvirtuewithasmileanduponvicewithafrown，keepyouhappyandworthytobeso！
　　Pathfindermadeasignforhisfriendtodepart，andhestoodleaningonhisrifleuntilthecanoehadreachedthesideofthe_Scud_。Mabelweptasifherheartwouldbreak。
　　nordidhereyesonceturnfromtheopenspotintheglade，wheretheformofthePathfinderwastobeseen，untilthecutterhadpassedapointthatcompletelyshutouttheisland。Whenlastinview，thesinewyframeofthisextra-
　　ordinarymanwasasmotionlessasifitwereastatuesetupinthatsolitaryplacetocommemoratethescenesofwhichithadsolatelybeenthewitness。
　　CHAPTERXXX。
　　Oh！letmeonlybreathetheair，Theblessedairthat’sbreath’dbythee。
　　And，whetheronitswingsitbearHealingordeath，’tissweettome！
　　MOORE。
　　Pathfinderwasaccustomedtosolitude。but，whenthe_Scud_hadactuallydisappeared，hewasalmostovercomewithasenseofhisloneliness。Neverbeforehadhebeenconsciousofhisisolatedconditionintheworld。forhisfeelingshadgraduallybeenaccustomingthemselvestotheblandishmentsandwantsofsociallife。particularlyasthelastwereconnectedwiththedomesticaffections。Now，allhadvanished，asitmightbe，inonemoment。andhewasleftequallywithoutcompanionsandwithouthope。EvenChingachgookhadlefthim，thoughitwasbuttemporarily。
　　stillhispresencewasmissedatthepreciseinstantwhichmightbetermedthemostcriticalinourhero’slife。
　　Pathfinderstoodleaningonhisrifle，intheattitudedescribedinthelastchapter，alongtimeafterthe_Scud_
　　haddisappeared。Therigidityofhislimbsseemedper-
　　manent。andnonebutamanaccustomedtoputhismus-
　　clestotheseverestproofcouldhavemaintainedthatpos-
　　ture，withitsmarble-likeinflexibility，forsogreatalengthoftime。Atlengthhemovedawayfromthespot。themotionofthebodybeingprecededbyasighthatseemedtoheaveupfromtheverydepthsofhisbosom。
　　Itwasapeculiarityofthisextraordinarybeingthathissensesandhislimbs，forallpracticalpurposes，wereneveratfault，letthemindbepreoccupiedwithotherinterestsasmuchasitmight。Onthepresentoccasionneitherofthesegreatauxiliariesfailedhim。but，thoughhisthoughtswereexclusivelyoccupiedwithMabel，herbeauty，herpref-
　　erenceofJasper，hertears，andherdeparture，hemovedinadirectlinetothespotwhereJunestillremained，whichwasthegraveofherhusband。TheconversationthatfollowedpassedinthelanguageoftheTuscaroras，whichPathfinderspokefluently。but，asthattongueisunderstoodonlybytheextremelylearned，weshalltrans-
　　lateitfreelyintotheEnglish。preserving，asfaraspossi-
　　ble，thetoneofthoughtofeachinterlocutor，aswellasthepeculiaritiesofmanner。Junehadsufferedherhairtofallaboutherface，hadtakenaseatonastonewhichhadbeendugfromtheexcavationmadebythegrave，andwashang-
　　ingoverthespotwhichcontainedthebodyofArrowhead，unconsciousofthepresenceofanyother。Shebelieved，indeed，thatallhadlefttheislandbutherself，andthetreadoftheguide’smoccassinedfootwastoonoiselessrudelytoundeceiveher。
　　Pathfinderstoodgazingatthewomanforseveralmin-
　　utesinmuteattention。Thecontemplationofhergrief，therecollectionofherirreparableloss，andtheviewofherdesolationproducedahealthfulinfluenceonhisownfeel-
　　ings。hisreasontellinghimhowmuchdeeperlaythesourcesofgriefinayoungwife，whowassuddenlyandviolentlydeprivedofherhusband，thaninhimself。
　　Dew-of-June，hesaidsolemnly，butwithanearnest-
　　nesswhichdenotedthestrengthofhissympathy，youarenotaloneinyoursorrow。Turn，andletyoureyeslookuponafriend。
　　Junehasnolongeranyfriend！thewomananswered。
　　Arrowheadhasgonetothehappyhunting-grounds，andthereisnoonelefttocareforJune。TheTuscaroraswouldchaseherfromtheirwigwams。theIroquoisarehatefulinhereyes，andshecouldnotlookatthem。No！
　　leaveJunetostarveoverthegraveofherhusband。
　　Thiswillneverdo——thiswillneverdo。’Tisag’inrea-
　　sonandright。YoubelieveintheManitou，June？
　　HehashidhisfacefromJunebecauseheisangry。
　　Hehasleftheralonetodie。
　　Listentoonewhohashadalongacquaintancewithrednatur’，thoughhehasawhitebirthandwhitegifts。
　　WhentheManitouofapale-facewishestoproducegoodinapale-faceheartHestrikesitwithgrief。foritisinoursorrows，June，thatwelookwiththetruesteyesintoourselves，andwiththefarthest-sightedeyestoo，asre-
　　spectsright。TheGreatSpiritwishesyouwell，andHehastakenawaythechief，lestyoushouldbeledastraybyhiswilytongue，andgettobeaMingoinyourdisposition，asyouwerealreadyinyourcompany。
　　Arrowheadwasagreatchief，returnedthewomanproudly。
　　Hehadhismerits，hehad。andhehadhisdemerits，too。ButJuneyouarenotdesarted，norwillyoubesoon。
　　Letyou。griefout——letitout，accordiugtonatur’，andwhenthepropertimecomesIshallhavemoretosaytoyou。
　　Pathfindernowwenttohisowncanoe，andhelefttheisland。InthecourseofthedayJuneheardthecrackofhisrifleonceortwice。andasthesunwassettinghere-
　　appeared，bringingherbirdsreadycooked，andofadeli-
　　cacyandflavorthatmighthavetemptedtheappititeofanepicure。Thisspeciesofintercourselastedamonth，Juneobstinatelyrefusingtoabandonthegraveofherhus-
　　bandallthattime，thoughshestillacceptedthefriendlyofferingsofherprotector。Occasionallytheymetandcon-
　　versed，Pathfindersoundingthestateofthewoman’sfeel-
　　ings。buttheinterviewswereshort，andfarfromfrequent。
　　Junesleptinoneofthehuts，andshelaiddownherheadinsecurity，forshewasconsciousoftheprotectionofafriend，thoughPathfinderinvariablyretiredatnighttoanadjacentisland，wherehehadbuilthimselfahut。
　　Attheendofthemonth，however，theseasonwasgettingtobetoofaradvancedtorenderhersituationpleasanttoJune。Thetreeshadlosttheirleaves，andthenightswerebecomingcoldandwintry。Itwastimetodepart。
　　AtthismomentChingachgookreappeared。Hehadalongandconfidentialinterviewontheislandwithhisfriend。Junewitnessedtheirmovements，andshesawthatherguardianwasdistressed。Stealingtohisside，sheen-
　　deavoredtosoothehissorrowwithawoman’sgentlenessandwithawoman’sinstinct。
　　Thankyou，June，thankyou！hesaid。’tiswellmeant，thoughit’suseless。Butitistimetoquitthisplace。To-morrowweshalldepart。Youwillgowithus，fornowyou’vegottofeelreason。
　　JuneassentedinthemeekmannerofanIndianwoman，andshewithdrewtopasstheremainderofhertimenearthegraveofArrowhead。Regardlessofthehourandtheseason，theyoungwidowdidnotpillowherheadduringthewholeofthatautumnalnight。Shesatnearthespotthatheldtheremainsofherhusband，andprayed，inthemannerofherpeople，forhissuccessontheendlesspathonwhichhehadsolatelygone，andfortheirreunioninthelandofthejust。Humbleanddegradedasshewouldhaveseemedintheeyesofthesophisticatedandunreflect-
　　ing，theimageofGodwasonhersoul，anditvindicateditsdivineoriginbyaspirationsandfeelingsthatwouldhavesurprisedthosewho，feigningmore，feelless。
　　Inthemorningthethreedeparted，Pathfinderearnestandintelligentinallhedid，theGreatSerpentsilentandimitative，andJunemeek，resigned，butsorrowful。Theywentintwocanoes，thatofthewomanbeingabandoned：
　　Chingachgookledtheway，andPathfinderfollowed，thecoursebeingupstream。Twodaystheypaddledwestward，andasmanynightstheyencampedonislands。Fortu-
　　natelytheweatherbecamemild，andwhentheyreachedthelakeitwasfoundsmoothandglassyasapond。ItwastheIndiansummer，andthecalms，andalmostthebland-
　　nessofJune，sleptinthehazyatmosphere。
　　OnthemorningofthethirddaytheypassedthemouthoftheOswego，wherethefortandthesleepingensignin-
　　vitedtheminvaintoenter。Withoutcastingalookaside，Chingachgookpaddledpastthedarkwatersoftheriver，andPathfinderstillfollowedinsilentindustry。Therampartswerecrowdedwithspectators。butLundie，whoknewthepersonsofhisoldfriends，refusedtoallowthemtobeevenhailed。
　　ItwasnoonwhenChingachgookenteredalittlebaywherethe_Scud_layatanchor，inasortofroadstead。A
　　smallancientclearingwasontheshore。andnearthemarginofthelakewasalogdwelling，recentlyandcom-
　　pletely，thoughrudelyfittedup。Therewasanairoffron-
　　tiercomfortandoffrontierabundancearoundtheplace，thoughitwasnecessarilywildandsolitary。Jasperstoodontheshore。andwhenPathfinderlanded，hewasthefirsttotakehimbythehand。Themeetingwassimple，butverycordial。Noquestionswereasked，itbeingap-
　　parentthatChingachgookhadmadethenecessaryexpla-
　　nantions。Pathfinderneversqueezedhisfriend’shandmorecordiallythaninthisinterview。andheevenlaughedcordiallyinhisfaceashetoldhimhowhappyandwellheappeared。
　　Whereisshe，Jasper？whereisshe？theguideatlengthwhispered，foratfirsthehadseemedtobeafraidtotrusthimselfwiththequestion。
　　Sheiswaitingforusinthehouse，mydearfriend，whereyouseethatJunehasalreadyhastenedbeforeus。
　　JunemayusealightersteptomeetMabel，butshecan-
　　notcarryalighterheart。Andso，lad，youfoundthechap-
　　lainatthegarrison，andallwassoonsettled？
　　Weweremarriedwithinaweekafterweleftyou，andMasterCapdepartednextday。Youhaveforgottentoin-
　　quireaboutyourfriendSaltwater。
　　NotI，notI。theSarpenthastoldmeallthat：andthenIlovetohearsomuchofMabelandherhappiness，Ido。Didthechildsmileordidsheweepwhenthecere-
　　monywasover？
　　Shedidboth，myfriend。but——
　　Yes，that’stheirnatur’，tearfulandcheerful。Ah’sme！theyareverypleasanttousofthewoods。andIdobelieveIshouldthinkallright，whateverMabelmightdo。
　　Anddoyouthink，Jasper，thatshethoughtofmeatallonthatjoyfuloccasion？
　　Iknowshedid，Pathfinder。andshethinksofyouandtalksofyoudaily，almosthourly。Noneloveyouaswedo。
　　Iknowfewlovemebetterthanyourself，Jasper：
　　Chingachgookisperhaps，now，theonlycreatur’ofwhomIcansaythat。Well，there’snouseinputtingitoffanylonger。itmustbedone，andmayaswellbedoneatonce。
　　so，Jasper，leadtheway，andI’llendivortolookuponhersweetcountenanceoncemore。
　　Jasperdidleadtheway，andtheyweresooninthepres-
　　enceofMabel。Thelattermetherlatesuitorwithabrightblush，andherlimbstrembledso，shecouldhardlystand。
　　stillhermannerwasaffectionateandfrank。DuringthehourofPathfinder’svisitforitlastednolonger，thoughheateinthedwellingofhisfriends，onewhowasexpertintracingtheworkingofthehumanmindmighthaveseenafaithfulindextothefeelingsofMabelinhermannertoPathfinderandherhusband。Withthelattershestillhadalittleofthereservethatusuallyaccompaniesyoungwed-
　　lock。butthetonesofhervoicewerekindereventhancommon。theglanceofhereyewastender，andshesel-
　　domlookedathimwithouttheglowthattingedhercheeksbetrayingtheexistenceoffeelingsthathabitandtimehadnotyetsoothedintoabsolutetranquillity。WithPath-
　　finder，allwasearnest，sincere，evenanxious。butthetonesnevertrembled，theeyeneverfell。andifthecheekflushed，itwaswiththeemotionsthatareconnectedwithconcern。
　　AtlengththemomentcamewhenPathfindermustgohisway。Chingachgookhadalreadyabandonedthecanoes，andwaspostedonthemarginofthewoods，whereapathledintotheforest。Herehecalmlywaitedtobejoinedbyhisfriend。Assoonasthelatterwasawareofthisfact，heroseinasolemnmannerandtookhisleave。
　　I’vesometimesthoughtthatmyownfatehasbeenalittlehard，hesaid。butthatofthiswoman，Mabel，hasshamedmeintoreason。
　　Juneremains，andliveswithme，eagerlyinterruptedourheroine。
　　SoIcomprehendit。Ifanybodycanbringherbackfromhergrief，andmakeherwishtolive，youcandoit，Mabel。thoughI’vemisgivingsaboutevenyoursuccess。
　　Thepoorcreatur’iswithoutatribe，aswellaswithoutahusband，andit’snoteasytoreconcilethefeelingstobothlosses。Ah’sme！——whathaveItodowithotherpeople’smiseriesandmarriages，asifIhadn’tafflictionenoughofmyown？Don’tspeaktome，Mabel，——don’tspeaktome，Jasper，——letmegomywayinpeace，andlikeaman。I’veseenyourhappiness，andthatisagreatdeal，andIshallbeabletobearmyownsorrowallthebetterforit。No，-I’llneverkissyouag’in，Mabel，I’llneverkissyouag’in。
　　Here’smyhand，Jasper，——squeezeit，boy，squeezeit。nofearofitsgivingway，forit’sthehandofaman——andnow，Mabel，doyoutakeit，——nay，youmustnotdothis，-
　　preventingMabelfromkissingitandbathingitinhertears，——youmustnotdothis——
　　Pathfinder，askedMabel，whenshallweseeyouagain？
　　I’vethoughtofthat，too。yes，I’vethoughtofthat，I
　　have。IfthetimeshouldevercomewhenIcanlookuponyoualtogetherasasister，Mabel，orachild，——itmightbebettertosayachild，sinceyou’reyoungenoughtobemydaughter，——dependonitI’llcomeback。foritwouldlightenmyveryhearttowitnessyourgladness。ButifI
　　cannot，——farewell——farewell，——theSergeantwaswrong，——
　　yes，theSergeantwaswrong！
　　ThiswasthelastthePathfindereverutteredtotheearsofJasperWesternandMabelDunham。Heturnedaway，asifthewordschokedhim，andwasquicklyatthesideofhisfriend。Assoonasthelattersawhimapproach，heshoulderedhisownburthen，andglidedinamongthetrees，withoutwaitingtobespokento。Mabel，herhus-
　　band，andJuneallwatchedtheformofthePathfinder，inthehopeofreceivingapartinggesture，orastolenglanceoftheeye。buthedidnotlookback。Onceortwicetheythoughttheysawhisheadshake，asonetremblesinbitter-
　　nessofspirit。andatossofthehandwasgiven，asifheknewthathewaswatched。butatread，whosevigornosorrowcouldenfeeble，soonborehimoutofview，andwaslostinthedepthsoftheforest。
　　NeitherJaspernorhiswifeeverbeheldthePathfinderagain。TheyremainedforanotheryearonthebanksofOntario。andthenthepressingsolicitationsofCapin-
　　ducedthemtojoinhiminNewYork，whereJaspereven-
　　tuallybecameasuccessfulandrespectedmerchant。ThriceMabelreceivedvaluablepresentsoffursatintervalsofyears。andherfeelingstoldherwhencetheycame，thoughnonameaccompaniedthegift。Laterinlifestill，whenthemotherofseveralyouths，shehadoccasiontovisittheinterior。andfoundherselfonthebanksoftheMo-
　　hawk，accompaniedbyhersons，theeldestofwhomwascapableofbeingherprotector。Onthatoccasionsheob-
　　servedamaninasingularguise，watchingherinthedis-
　　tance，withanintentnessthatinducedhertoinquireintohispursuitsandcharacter。ShewastoldhewasthemostrenownedhunterofthatportionoftheState，——itwasaftertheRevolution，——abeingofgreatpurityofcharacterandofasmarkedpeculiarities。andtbathewasknowninthatregionofcountrybythenameoftheLeather-stocking。
　　FurtherthanthisMrs。Westerncouldnotascertain。
　　thoughthedistantglimpseandsingulardeportmentofthisunknownhuntergaveherasleeplessnight，andcastashadeofmelancholyoverherstilllovelyface，thatlastedmanyaday。
　　AsforJune，thedoublelossofhusbandandtribepro-
　　ducedtheeffectthatPathfinderhadforeseen。ShediedinthecottageofMabel，ontheshoresofthelake。andJasperconveyedherbodytotheisland，whereheinterreditbythesideofthatofArrowhead。
　　Lundielivedtomaryhisancientlove，andretiredawar-wornandbatteredveteran。buthisnamehasbeenrenderedillustriousinourowntimebythedeedsofayoungerbrother，whosucceededtohisterritorialtitle，which，however，wasshortlyaftermergedinoneearnedbyhisvalorontheocean。
　　End