ThisisamelancholyaffairforpoorMabel，saidhe，blowinghisnose，andspeakingwithaslighttremor。
　　YouandI，Sergeant，areoldfellows，andusedtobeingneardeath，ifnottoactuallydying。ourtradesfitusforsuchscenes。butpoorMabel！——sheisanaffectionateandkind-heartedgirl，andIhadhopedtoseehercomfortablysettled，andamother，beforemytimecame。Well，well！
　　wemusttakethebadwiththegoodineveryv’y’ge。andtheonlyseriousobjectionthatanoldseafaringmancanwithproprietymaketosuchaneventis，thatitshouldhappenonthisbitofd——dfreshwater。
　　SergeantDunhamwasabraveman，andhadshownhisspiritinscenesthatlookedmuchmoreappallingthanthis。butonallsuchoccasionshehadbeenabletoacthisIpartagainsthisfoes，whileherehewaspresseduponbyanenemywhomhehadnomeansofresisting。Forhim-
　　selfhecaredfarlessthanforhisdaughter，feelingsomeofthatself-reliancewhichseldomdesertsamanoffirmnesswhoisinvigoroushealth，andwhohasbeenaccustomedtopersonalexertionsinmomentsofjeopardy。butasrespectsMabelhesawnomeansofescape，and，withafather’sfondness，heatoncedeterminedthat，ifeitherwasdoomedtoperish，heandhisdaughtermustperishtogether。
　　Doyouthinkthismustcometopass？heaskedofCapfirmly，butwithstrongfeeling。
　　Twentyminuteswillcarryusintothebreakers。andlookforyourself，Sergeant：whatchancewilleventhestoutestmanamongushaveinthatcaldrontoleeward？
　　Theprospectwas，indeed，littlecalculatedtoencouragehope。Bythistimethe_Scud_waswithinamileoftheshore，onwhichthegalewasblowingatrightangles，withaviolencethatforbadetheideaofshowinganyadditionalcanvaswithaviewtoclawoff。Thesmallportionofthemainsailactuallyset，andwhichmerelyservedtokeeptheheadofthe_Scud_sonearthewindastopreventthewavesfrombreakingoverher，quiveredunderthegusts，asifateachmomentthestoutthreadswhichheldthecomplicatedfabrictogetherwereabouttobetornasunder。Thedriz-
　　zlehadceased。buttheair，forahundred，feetabovethesurfaceofthelake，wasfilledwithdazzlingspray，whichhadanappearancenotunlikethatofabrilliantmist，whileaboveallthesunwasshininggloriouslyinacloud-
　　lesssky。Jasperhadnotedtheomen，andhadforetoldthatitannouncedaspeedyterminationtothegale，thoughthenexthourortwomustdecidetheirfate。Betweenthecutterandtheshoretheviewwasstillmorewildandap-
　　palling。Thebreakersextendednearlyhalfamile。whilethewaterwithintheirlinewaswhitewithfoam，theairabovethemwassofarfilledwithvaporandsprayastorenderthelandbeyondhazyandindistinct。Stillitcouldbeseenthatthelatterwashigh，——notausualthingfortheshoresofOntario，——andthatitwascoveredwiththeverdantmantleoftheinterminableforest。
　　WhiletheSergeantandCapweregazingatthissceneinsilence，Jasperandhispeoplewereactivelyengagedontheforecastle。Nosoonerhadtheyoungmanreceivedpermissiontoresumehisoldemployment，than，appealingtosomeofthesoldiersforaid，hemusteredfiveorsixas-
　　sistants，andsetaboutinearnesttheperformanceofadutywhichhadbeentoolongdelayed。Onthesenarrowwatersanchorsareneverstowedin-board，orcablesthatarein-
　　tendedforserviceunbent，andJasperwassavedmuchofthelaborthatwouldhavebeennecessaryinavesselatsea。
　　Thetwobowersweresoonreadytobeletgo，rangesofthecableswereoverhauled，andthenthepartypausedtolookaboutthem。Nochangesforthebetterhadoccurred，butthecutterwasfallingslowlyin，andeachinstantrendereditmorecertainthatshecouldnotgainaninchtowind-
　　ward。
　　Onelong，earnestsurveyofthelakeended，Jaspergavenewordersinasimilarmannertoprovehowmuchhethoughtthatthetimepressed。Twokedgesweregotondeck，andhawserswerebenttothem。theinnerendsofthehawserswerebent，intheirturns，tothecrownsoftheanchors，andeverythingwasgotreadytothrowthemover-
　　boardatthepropermoment。Thesepreparationscom-
　　pleted，Jasper’smannerchangedfromtheexcitementofexertiontoalookofcalmbutsettledconcern。Hequittedtheforecastle，wheretheseasweredashingin-boardateveryplungeofthevessel，thedutyjustmentionedhavingbeenexecutedwiththebodiesofthecrewfrequentlyburiedinthewater，andwalkedtoadrierpartofthedeck，aft。
　　HerehewasmetbythePathfinder，whowasstandingnearMabelandtheQuartermaster。Mostofthoseonboard，withtheexceptionoftheindividualswhohavealreadybeenparticularlymentioned，werebelow，someseekingre-
　　lieffromphysicalsufferingontheirpallets，andotherstardilybethinkingthemoftheirsins。Forthefirsttime，mostprobably，sinceherkeelhaddippedintothelimpidwatersofOntario，thevoiceofprayerwas，heardonboardthe_Scud_。
　　Jasper，commencedhisfriend，theguide，Ihavebeenofnousethismorning，formygiftsareoflittleaccount，asyouknow，inavessellikethis。but，shoulditpleaseGodtolettheSergeant’sdaughterreachtheshorealive，myacquaintancewiththeforestmaystillcarryherthroughinsafetytothegarrison。
　　’Tisafearfuldistancethither，Pathfinder！Mabelre-
　　joined，thepartybeingsoneartogetherthatallwhichwassaidbyonewasoverheardbytheothers。Iamafraidnoneofuscouldlivetoreachthefort。
　　Itwouldbeariskypath，Mabel，andacrookedone。
　　thoughsomeofyoursexhaveundergoneevenmorethanthatinthiswilderness。But，Jasper，eitheryouorI，orbothofus，mustmanthisbarkcanoe。Mabel’sonlyohancewilllieingettingthroughthebreakersinthat。
　　IwouldwillinglymananythingtosaveMabel，an-
　　sweredJasper，withamelancholysmile。butnohumanhand，Pathfinder，couldcarrythatcanoethroughyonderbreakersinagalelikethis。Ihavehopesfromanchoring，afterall。foroncebeforehavewesavedthe_Scud_inanextremitynearlyasgreatasthis。
　　Ifwearetoanchor，Jasper，theSergeantinquired，whynotdoitatonce？Everyfootweloseindriftingnowwouldcomeintothedistanceweshallprobablydragwhentheanchorsareletgo。
　　JasperdrewnearertotheSergeant，andtookhishand，pressingitearnestly，andinawaytodenotestrong，almostuncontrollablefeelings。
　　SergeantDunham，saidhesolemnly，youareagoodman，thoughyouhavetreatedmeharshlyinthisbusiness。
　　Youloveyourdaughter？
　　Thatyoucanuotdoubt，Eau-douce，returnedtheSer-
　　geanthuskily。
　　Willyougiveher——giveusall——theonlychanceforlifethatisleft？
　　Whatwouldyouhavemedo，boy，whatwouldyouhavemedo？Ihaveactedaccordingtomyjudgmenthitherto，-whatwouldyouhavemedo？
　　SupportmeagainstMasterCapforfiveminutes，andallthatmancandotowardssavingthe_Scud_shallbedone。
　　TheSergeanthesitated，forhewastoomuchofadis-
　　ciplinariantoflyinthefaceofregularorders。Hedis-
　　likedtheappearanceofvacillation，too。andthenhehadaprofoundrespectforhiskinsman’sseamanship。Whilehewasdeliberating，Capcamefromtheposthehadsometimeoccupied，whichwasatthesideofthemanatthehelm，anddrewnighthegroup。
　　MasterEau-douce，saidhe，assoonasnearenoughtobeheard，Ihavecometoinquireifyouknowanyspotnearbywherethiscuttercanbebeached？Themomenthasarrivedwhenwearedriventothishardalternative。
　　ThatinstantofindecisiononthepartofCapsecuredthetriumphofJasper。LookingattheSergeant，theyoungmanreceivedanodthatassuredhimofallheasked，andhelostnotoneofthosemomentsthatweregettingtobesoveryprecious。
　　ShallItakethehelm，heinquiredofCap，andseeifwecanreachacreekthatliestoleeward？
　　Doso，doso，saidtheother，hemmingtoclearhisthroat。forhefeltoppressedbyaresponsibilitythatweighedalltheheavieronhisshouldersonaccountofhisignorance。Doso，Eau-douce，since，tobefrankwithyou，Icanseenothingbettertobedone。Wemustbeachorswamp。
　　Jasperrequirednomore。springingaft，hesoonhadthetillerinhisownhands。Thepilotwaspreparedforwhatwastofollow。and，atasignfromhisyoungcommander，theragofsailthathadsolongbeensetwastakenin。Atthatmoment，Jasper，watchinghistime，putthehelmup。
　　theheadofastaysailwasloosenedforward，andthelightcutter，asifconsciousshewasnowunderthecontroloffamiliarhands，felloff，andwassooninthetroughofthesea。Thisperilousinstantwaspassedinsafety，andatthenextmomentthelittlevesselappearedflyingdowntowardthebreakersataratethatthreatenedinstantdestruction。
　　Thedistanceshadbecomesoshort，thatfiveorsixminutessufficedforallthatJasperwished，andheputthehelmdownagain，whenthebowsofthe_Scud_cameuptothewind，notwithstandingtheturbulenceofthewaters，asgracefullyastheduckvariesitslineofdirectionontheglassypond。AsignfromJaspersetallinmotionontheforecastle，andakedgewasthrownfromeachbow。ThefearfulnatureofthedriftwasnowapparenteventoMabel’seyes，forthetwohawsersranoutliketow-lines。Assoonastheystraightenedtoaslightstrain，bothanchorswereletgo，andcablewasgiventoeach，nearlytothebetter-
　　ends。Itwasnotadifficulttasktosnubsolightacraftwithground-tackleofaqualitybetterthancommon。andinlessthantenminutesfromthemomentwhenJasperwenttothehelm，the_Scud_wasriding，headtosea，withthetwocablesstretchedaheadinlinesthatresembledbarsofiron。
　　Thisisnotwelldone，MasterJasper！angrilyex-
　　claimedCap，assoonasheperceivedthetrickwhichhadbeenplayedhim。thisisnotwelldone，sir。Iorderyoutocut，andtobeachthecutterwithoutamoment’sdelay。
　　Noone，however，seemeddisposedtocomplywiththisorder。forsolongasEau-doucesawfittocommand，hisownpeopleweredisposedtoobey。Findingthatthemenremainedpassive，Cap，whobelievedtheywereintheut-
　　mostperil，turnedfiercelytoJasper，andrenewedhisre-
　　monstrances。
　　Youdidnotheadforyourpretendedcreek，addedhe，afterdealinginsomeobjurgatoryremarksthatwedonotdeemitnecessarytorecord，butsteeredforthatbluff，whereeverysoulonboardwouldhavebeendrowned，hadwegoneashore。
　　Andyouwishtocut，andputeverysoulashoreatthatveryspot！Jasperretorted，alittledrily。
　　Throwalead-lineoverboard，andascertainthedrift！
　　Capnowroaredtothepeopleforward。AsignfromJas-
　　persustainingthisorder，itwasinstantlyobeyed。Allondeckwatched，withnearlybreathlessinterest，theresultoftheexperiment。Theleadwasnosooneronthebottom，thanthelinetendedforward，andinabouttwominutesitwasseenthatthecutterhaddriftedherlengthdeadintowardsthebluff。Jasperlookedgravely，forhewellknewnothingwouldholdthevesseldidshegetwithinthevor-
　　texofthebreakers，thefirstlineofwhichwasappearinganddisappearingaboutacable’slengthdirectlyundertheirstern。
　　Traitor！exclaimedCap，shakingafingerattheyoungcommander，thoughpassionchokedtherest。Youmustanswerforthiswithyourlife！headdedafterashortpause。IfIwereattheheadofthisexpedition，Sergeant，Iwouldhanghimattheendofthemain-boom，lestheescapedrowning。
　　Moderateyourfeelings，brother。bemoremoderate，I
　　bcseechyou。Jasperappearstohavedoneallforthebest，andmattersmaynotbesobadasyoubelievethem。
　　Whydidhenotrunforthecreekhementioned？——whyhashebroughtushere，deadtowindwardofthatbluff，andtoaspotwhereeventhebreakersareonlyofhalftheordinarywidth，asifinahurrytodrownallonboard？
　　Iheadedforthebluff，fortheprecisereasonthatthebreakersaresonarrowatthisspot，answeredJaspermildly，thoughhisgorgehadrisenatthelanguagetheotherheld。
　　Doyoumeantotellanoldseamanlikemethatthiscuttercouldliveinthosebreakers？
　　Idonot，sir。Ithinkshewouldfillandswampifdrivenintothefirstlineofthem。Iamcertainshewouldneverreachtheshoreonherbottom，iffairlyentered。I
　　hopetokeepherclearofthemaltogether。
　　Withadriftofherlengthinaminute？
　　Thebackingoftheanchorsdoesnotyetfairlytell，nordoIevenhopethat_they_willentirelybringherup。
　　Onwhat，then，doyourely？Tomooracraft，headandstern，byfaith，hope，andcharity？
　　No，sir，Itrusttotheunder-tow。IheadedforthebluffbecauseIknewthatitwasstrongeratthatpointthanatanyother，andbecausewecouldgetnearerinwiththelandwithoutenteringthebreakers。
　　Thiswassaidwithspirit，thoughwithoutanyparticularshowofresentment。ItseffectonCapwasmarked，thefeelingthatwasuppermostbeingevidentlythatofsurprise。
　　Under-tow！herepeated。whothedevileverheardofsavingavesselfromgoingashorebytheunder-tow？
　　Thismayneverhappenontheocean，sir，Jasperan-
　　sweredmodestly。butwehaveknownittohappenhere。
　　Theladisright，brother，putintheSergeant。for，thoughIdonotwellunderstandit，Ihaveoftenheardthesailorsofthelakespeakofsuchathing。WeshalldowelltotrusttoJasperinthisstrait。
　　Capgrumbledandswore。but，astherewasnoremedy，hewascompelledtoacquiesce。Jasper，beingnowcalledontoexplainwhathemeantbytheunder-tow，gavethisaccountofthematter。Thewaterthatwasdrivenupontheshorebythegalewasnecessarilycompelledtofinditslevelbyreturningtothelakebysomesecretchannels。
　　Thiscouldnotbedoneonthesurface，wherebothwindandwaveswereconstantlyurgingittowardstheland，anditnecessarilyformedasortoflowereddy，bymeansofwhichitflowedbackagaintoitsancientandproperbed。
　　Thisinferiorcurrenthadreceivedthenameoftheunder-
　　tow，and，asitwouldnecessarilyactonthebottomofavesselwhichdrewasmuchwaterasthe_Scud_，Jaspertrustedtotheaidofthisreactiontokeephiscablesfromparting。Inshort，theupperandlowercurrentswould，inamanner，counteracteachother。
　　Simpleandingeniousaswasthistheory，however，asyettherewaslittleevidenceofitsbeingreducedtopractice。
　　Thedriftcontinued。though，asthekedgesandhawserswithwhichtheanchorswerebackedtookthestrains，itbecamesensiblyless。Atlengththemanattheleadan-
　　nouncedthejoyfulintelligencethattheanchorshadceasedtodrag，andthatthevesselhadbroughtup！Atthispre-
　　cisemomentthefirstlineofbreakerswasaboutahundredfeetasternofthe_Scud_，evenappearingtoapproachmuchnearerasthefoamvanishedandreturnedontheragingsurges。Jaspersprangforward，and，castingaglanceoverthebows，hesmiledintriumph，ashepointedexultinglytothecables。Insteadofresemblingbarsofironinrigid-
　　ity，asbefore，theywerecurvingdownwards，andtoasea-
　　man’ssensesitwasevidentthatthecutterroseandfellontheseasastheycameinwiththeeaseofashipinatides-way，whenthepowerofthewindisrelievedbythecounteractingpressureofthewater。
　　’Tistheundertow！heexclaimedwithdelight，fairlyboundingalongthedecktosteadythehelm，inorderthatthecuttermightridestilleasier。Providencehasplacedusdirectlyinitscurrent，andthereisnolongeranydan-
　　ger。
　　Ay，ay，Providenceisagoodseaman，growledCap，andoftenhelpslubbersoutofdifficulty。Under-toworupper-tow，thegalehasabated。and，fortunatelyforusall，theanchorshavemetwithgoodholding-ground。Thenthisd——dfreshwaterhasanunnaturalwaywithit。
　　Menareseldominclinedtoquarrelwithgoodfortune，butitisindistressthattheygrowclamorousandcritical。
　　MostonboardweredisposedtobelievethattheyhadbeensavedfromshipwreckbytheskillandknowledgeofJas-
　　per，withoutregardingtheopinionsofCap，whoseremarkswerenowlittleheeded。
　　Therewashalfanhourofuncertaintyanddoubt，itistrue，duringwhichperiodtheleadwasanxiouslywatched。
　　andthenafeelingofsecuritycameoverall，andthewearysleptwithoutdreamingofinstantdeath。
　　CHAPTERXVIII。
　　Itistobeallmadeofsighsandtears。
　　Itistobeallmadeoffaithandservice。
　　Itistobeallmadeofphantasy。
　　Allmadeofpassion，andallmadeofwishes。
　　Alladoration，duty，andobservance。
　　Allhumbleness，allpatience，andimpatience。
　　Allpurity，alltrial，allobservance。
　　SHAKESPEARE。
　　Itwasnearnoonwhenthegalebroke。andthenitsforceabatedassuddenlyasitsviolencehadarisen。Inlessthantwohoursafterthewindfell，thesurfaceofthelake，thoughstillagitated，wasnolongerglitteringwithfoam。
　　andindoublethattime，theentiresheetpresentedtheor-
　　dinarysceneofdisturbedwater，thatwasunbrokenbytheviolenceofatempest。Stillthewavescamerollinginces-
　　santlytowardstheshore，andthelinesofbreakersre-
　　mained，thoughthesprayhadceasedtofly。thecombingoftheswellswasmoremoderate，andallthattherewasofviolenceproceededfromtheimpulsionofwindwhichhadabated。
　　Asitwasimpossibletomakeheadagainsttheseathatwasstillup，withthelightopposingairthatblewfromtheeastward，allthoughtsofgettingunderwaythatafternoonwereabandoned。Jasper，whohadnowquietlyre-
　　sumedthecommandofthe_Scud_，busiedhimself，however，inheaving-uptheanchors，whichwereliftedinsuccession。
　　thekedgesthatbackedthemwereweighed，andeverythingwasgotinreadinessforapromptdeparture，assoonasthestateoftheweatherwouldallow。Inthemeantime，theywhohadnoconcernwiththesedutiessoughtsuchmeansofamusementastheirpeculiarcircumstancesallowed。
　　Asiscommonwiththosewhoareunusedtotheconfine-
　　mentofavessel，Mabelcastwistfuleyestowardstheshore。
　　norwasitlongbeforesheexpressedawishthatitwerepossibletoland。ThePathfinderwasnearheratthetime，andheassuredherthatnothingwouldbeeasier，astheyhadabarkcanoeondeck，whichwasthebestpossiblemodeofconveyancetogothroughasurf。Aftertheusualdoubtsandmisgivings，theSergeantwasappealedto。hisopinionprovedtobefavorable，andpreparationstocarrythewhimintoeffectwereimmediatelymade。
　　ThepartywhichwastolandconsistedofSergeantDunham，hisdaughter，andthePathfinder。Accustomedtothecanoe，Mabeltookherseatinthecentrewithgreatsteadiness，herfatherwasplacedinthebows，whiletheguideassumedtheofficeofconductor，bysteeringinthestern。Therewaslittleneedofimpellingthecanoebymeansofthepaddle，fortherollerssentitforwardatmo-
　　mentswithaviolencethatseteveryefforttogovernitsmovementsatdefiance。Morethanonce，beforetheshorewasreached，Mabelrepentedofhertemerity，butPath-
　　finderencouragedher，andreallymanifestedsomuchself-
　　possession，coolness，andstrengthofarmhimself，thatevenafemalemighthavehesitatedaboutowningallherap-
　　prehensions。Ourheroinewasnocoward。andwhileshefeltthenoveltyofhersituation，inlandingthroughasurf，shealsoexperiencedafairproportionofitswilddelight。
　　Atmoments，indeed，herheartwasinhermouth，asthebubbleofaboatfloatedontheverycrestofafoamingbreaker，appearingtoskimthewaterlikeaswallow，andthensheflushedandlaughed，as，leftbytheglancingele-
　　ment，theyappearedtolingerbehindasifashamedofhav-
　　ingbeenoutdoneintheheadlongrace。Afewminutessufficedforthisexcitement。forthoughthedistancebe-
　　tweenthecutterandthelandconsiderablyexceededaquarterofamile，theintermediatespacewaspassedinaveryfewminutes。
　　Onlanding，theSergeantkissedhisdaughterkindly，forhewassomuchofasoldierasalwaystofeelmoreathomeon_terrafirma_thanwhenafloat。and，takinghisgun，heannouncedhisintentiontopassanhourinquestofgame。
　　Pathfinderwillremainnearyou，girl，andnodoubthewilltellyousomeofthetraditionsofthispartoftheworld，orsomeofhisownexperienceswiththeMingos。
　　Theguidelaughed，promisedtohaveacareofMabel，andinafewminutesthefatherhadascendedasteepac-
　　clivityanddisappearedintheforest。Theotherstookan-
　　otherdirection，which，afterafewminutesofasharpas-
　　centalso，broughtthemtoasmallnakedpointonthepromontory，wheretheeyeoverlookedanextensiveandverypeculiarpanorama。HereMabelseatedherselfonafragmentoffallenrocktorecoverherbreathandstrength，whilehercompanion，onwhosesinewsnopersonalexertionseemedtomakeanyimpression，stoodatherside，leaninginhisownandnotungracefulmanneronhislongrifle。
　　Severalminutespassed，andneitherspoke。Mabel，inpar-
　　ticular，beinglostinadmirationoftheview。
　　Thepositionthetwohadobtainedwassufficientlyele-
　　vatedtocommandawidereachofthelake，whichstretchedawaytowardsthenorth-eastinaboundlesssheet，glitter-
　　ingbeneaththeraysofanafternoon’ssun，andyetbetray-
　　ingtheremainsofthatagitationwhichithadenduredwhiletossedbythelatetempest。Thelandsetboundstoitslimitsinahugecrescent，disappearingindistanceto-
　　wardsthesouth-eastandthenorth。Farastheeyecouldreach，nothingbutforestwasvisible，notevenasolitarysignofcivilizationbreakinginupontheuniformandgrandmagnificenceofnature。Thegalehaddriventhe_Scud_beyondthelineofthosefortswithwhichtheFrenchwerethenendeavoringtogirdtheEnglishNorthAmeri-
　　canpossessions。for，followingthechannelsofcommuni-
　　cationbetweenthegreatlakes，theirpostswereonthebanksoftheNiagara，whileouradventurershadreachedapointmanyleagueswestwardofthatcelebratedstrait。
　　Thecutterrodeatsingleanchor，withoutthebreakers，re-
　　semblingsomewell-imaginedandaccurately-executedtoy，intendedratherforaglasscasethanforstruggleswiththeelementswhichshehadsolatelygonethrough，whilethecanoelayonthenarrowbeach，justoutofreachofthewavesthatcameboomingupontheland，aspeckupontheshingles。
　　Weareveryfarherefromhumanhabitations！ex-
　　claimedMabel，when，afteralongsurveyofthescene，itsprincipalpeculiaritiesforcedthemselvesonheractiveandeverbrilliantimagination。thisisindeedbeingonafrontier。
　　Havetheymoresightlyscenesthanthisnearertheseaandaroundtheirlargetowns？demandedPathfinder，withaninteresthewasapttodiscoverinsuchasubject。
　　Iwillnotsaythat：thereismoretoremindoneofhisfellow-beingstherethanhere。less，perhaps，toremindoneofGod。
　　Ay，Mabel，thatiswhatmyownfeelingssay。Iambutapoorhunter，Iknow，untaughtandunlarned。butGodisasnearme，inthismyhome，asheisnearthekinginhisroyalpalace。
　　Whocandoubtit？returnedMabel，lookingfromtheviewupintothehard-featuredbuthonestfaceofhercom-
　　panion，thoughnotwithoutsurpriseattheenergyofhismanner。OnefeelsnearertoGodinsuchaspot，Ithink，thanwhenthemindisdistractedbytheobjectsofthetowns。
　　YousayallIwishtosaymyself，Mabel，butinsomuchplainerspeech，thatyoumakemeashamedofwishingtoletothersknowwhatIfeelonsuchmatters。Ihavecoastedthislakeinsearchofskinsaforethewar，andhavebeenherealready。notatthisveryspot，forwelandedyonder，whereyoumayseetheblastedoakthatstandsabovetheclusterofhemlocks——
　　How，Pathfinder，canyourememberallthesetriflessoaccurately？
　　Theseareourstreetsandhouses，ourchurchesandpalaces。Rememberthem，indeed！Ioncemadeanap-
　　pointmentwiththeBigSarpent，tomeetattwelveo’clockatnoon，nearthefootofacertainpine，attheendofsixmonths，whenneitherofuswaswithinthreehundredmilesofthespot。Thetreestood，andstandsstill，unlessthejudgmentofProvidencehaslightedonthattoo，inthemidstoftheforest，fiftymilesfromanysettlement，butinamostextraordinaryneighborhoodforbeaver。
　　Anddidyoumeetatthatveryspotandhour？
　　Doesthesunriseandset？WhenIreachedthetree，IfoundtheSarpentleaningagainstitstrunkwithtornleggingsandmuddiedmoecassins。TheDelawarehadgotintoaswamp，anditworriedhimnotalittletofindhiswayoutofit。butasthesunwhichcomesovertheeasternhillsinthemorninggoesdownbehindthewesternatnight，sowashetruetotimeandplace。NofearofChin-
　　gachgookwhenthereiseitherafriendoranenemyinthecase。Heisequallysartainwitheach。
　　AndwhereistheDelawarenow？whyishenotwithusto-day？
　　HeisscoutingontheMingotrail，whereIoughttohavebeentoo，butforagreathumaninfirmity。
　　Youseemabove，beyond，superiortoallinfirmity，Path-
　　finder。Ineveryetmetwithamanwhoappearedtobesolittleliabletotheweaknessesofnature。
　　Ifyoumeaninthewayofhealthandstrength，Mabel，Providencehasbeenkindtome。thoughIfancytheopenair，longhunts，activescoutings，forestfare，andthesleepofagoodconscience，mayalwayskeepthedoctorsatadis-
　　tance。ButIamhumanafterall。yes，IfindI’mveryhumaninsomeofmyfeelings。
　　Mabellookedsurprised，anditwouldbenomorethandelineatingthecharacterofhersex，ifweaddedthathersweetcountenanceexpressedagooddealofcuriosity，too，thoughhertonguewasmorediscreet。
　　Thereissomethingbewitchinginthiswildlifeofyours，Pathfinder，sheexclaimed，atingeofenthusiasmmantlinghercheeks。IfindI’mfastgettingtobeafrontiergirl，andamcomingtoloveallthisgrandsilenceofthewoods。Thetownsseemtametome。and，asmyfatherwillprobablypasstheremainderofhisdayshere，wherehehasalreadylivedsolong，IbegintofeelthatI
　　shouldbehappytocontinuewithhim，andnottoreturntothesea-shore。
　　Thewoodsareneversilent，Mabel，tosuchasunder-
　　standtheirmeaning。DaysatatimehaveItravelledthemalone，withoutfeelingthewantofcompany。and，asforconversation，forsuchascancomprehendtheirlan-
　　guage，thereisnowantofrationalandinstructivedis-
　　course。
　　Ibelieveyouarehappierwhenalone，Pathfinder，thanwhenminglingwithyourfellow-creatures。
　　Iwillnotsaythat，Iwillnotsayexactlythat。IhaveseenthetimewhenIhavethoughtthatGodwassufficientformeintheforest，andthatIhavecravednomorethanHisbountyandHiscare。Butotherfeelingshavegotuppermost，andIsupposenatur’willhaveitsway。Allothercreatursmate，Mabel，anditwasintendedmanshoulddosotoo。
　　Andhaveyouneverbethoughtyouofseekingawife，Pathfinder，toshareyourfortunes？inquiredthegirl，withthedirectnessandsimplicitythatthepureofheartandtheundesigningarethemostapttomanifest，andwiththatfeelingofaffectionwhichisinbredinhersex。Tomeitseemsyouonlywantahometoreturntofromyourwanderingstorenderyourlifecompletelyhappy。WereIaman，itwouldbemydelighttoroamthroughtheseforestsatwill，ortosailoverthisbeautifullake。
　　Iunderstandyou，Mabel。andGodblessyouforthink-
　　ingofthewelfareofmenashumbleasweare。Wehaveourpleasures，itistrue，aswellasourgifts，butwemightbehappier。yes，Idothinkwemightbehappier。
　　Happier！inwhatway，Pathfinder？Inthispureair，withthesecoolandshadedforeststowanderthrough，thislovelylaketogazeatandsailupon，withclearconsciences，andabundanceforalltheirrealwants，menoughttobenothinglessthanasperfectlyhappyastheirinfirmitieswillallow。
　　Everycreatur’hasitsgifts，Mabel，andmenhavetheirs，answeredtheguide，lookingstealthilyathisbeau-
　　tifulcompanion，whosecheekshadflushedandeyesbright-
　　enedundertheardoroffeelingsexcitedbythenoveltyofherstrikingsituation。andallmustobeythem。Doyouseeyonderpigeonthatisjustalightin’onthebeach——
　　hereinalinewiththefallenchestnut？
　　Certainly。itistheonlythingstirringwithlifeinit，besidesourselves，thatistobeseeninthisvastsolitude。
　　Notso，Mabel，notso。Providencemakesnothingthatlivestolivequitealone。Hereisitsmate，justrisingonthewing。ithasbeenfeedingneartheotherbeach，butitwillnotlongbeseparatedfromitscompanion。
　　Iunderstandyou，Pathfinder，returnedMabel，smilingsweetly，thoughascalmlyasifthediscoursewaswithherfather。Butahuntermayfindamate，eveninthiswildregion。TheIndiangirlsareaffectionateandtrue，Iknow。
　　forsuchwasthewifeofArrowhead，toahusbandwhooftenerfrownedthansmiled。
　　Thatwouldneverdo，Mabel，andgoodwouldnevercomeofit。Kindmustclingtokind，andcountrytocoun-
　　try，ifonewouldfindhappiness。If，indeed，Icouldmeetwithonelikeyou，whowouldconsenttobeahunter’swife，andwhowouldnotscornmyignoranceandrudeness，then，indeed，wouldallthetoilofthepastappearlikethesport-
　　ingoftheyoungdeer，andallthefuturelikesunshine。
　　Onelikeme！Agirlofmyyearsandindiscretionwouldhardlymakeafitcompanionfortheboldestscoutandsuresthunteronthelines。
　　Ah，Mabel！IfearmethatIhavebeenimprovingared-
　　skin’sgiftswithapale-face’snatur’？SuchacharacterwouldinsureawifeinanIndianvillage。
　　Surely，surely，Pathfinder，youwouldnotthinkofchoosingonesoignorant，sofrivolous，sovain，andsoin-
　　experiencedasIforyourwife？Mabelwouldhaveadded，andasyoung。butaninstinctivefeelingofdelicacyre-
　　pressedthewords。
　　Andwhynot，Mabel？Ifyouareignorantoffrontierusages，youknowmorethanallofusofpleasantanecdotesandtowncustoms：asforfrivolous，Iknownotwhatitmeans。butifitsignifiesbeauty，ah’sme！Ifearitisnofaultinmyeyes。Vainyouarenot，asisseenbythekindmannerinwhichyoulistentoallmyidletalesaboutscoutingsandtrails。andasforexperielice，thatwillcomewithyears。Besides，Mabel，Ifearmenthinklittleofthesematterswhentheyareabouttotakewives：Ido。
　　Pathfinder，yourwords，——yourlooks：——surelyallthisismeantintrifling。youspeakinpleasantry？
　　Tomeitisalwaysagreeabletobenearyou，Mabel。andIshouldsleepsounderthisblessednightthanIhavedoneforaweekpast，couldIthinkthatyoufindsuchdiscourseaspleasantasIdo。
　　WeshallnotsaythatMabelDunhamhadnotbelievedherselfafavoritewiththeguide。Thisherquickfemi-
　　ninesagacityhadearlydiscovered。andperhapsshehadoccasionallythoughttherehadmingledwithhisregardandfriendshipsomeofthatmanlytendernesswhichtherudersexmustbecoarse，indeed，nottoshowonoccasionstothegentler。buttheideathatheseriouslysoughtherforhiswifehadneverbeforecrossedthemindofthespir-
　　itedandingenuousgirl。Now，however，agleamofsome-
　　thinglikethetruthbrokeinuponherimagination，lessinducedbythewordsofhercompanion，perhaps，thanbyhismanner。Lookingearnestlyintotherugged，honestcountenanceofthescout，Mabel’sownfeaturesbecameconcernedandgrave。andwhenshespokeagain，itwaswithagentlenessofmannerthatattractedhimtoherevenmorepowerfullythanthewordsthemselveswerecalculatedtorepel。
　　YouandIshouldunderstandeachother，Pathfinder，
　　saidshewithanearnestsincerity。norshouldtherebeanycloudbetweenus。Youaretoouprightandfranktomeetwithanythingbutsincerityandfranknessinreturn。
　　Surely，surely，allthismeansnothing，——hasnoothercon-
　　nectionwithyourfeelingsthansuchafriendshipasoneofyourwisdomandcharacterwouldnaturallyfeelforagirllikeme？
　　Ibelieveit’sallnat’ral，Mabelyes。Ido：theSergeanttellsmehehadsuchfeelingstowardsyourownmother，andIthinkI’veseensomethinglikeitintheyoungpeopleIhavefromtimetotimeguidedthroughthewilderness。
　　Yes，yes，Idaresayit’sallnat’ralenough，andthatmakesitcomesoeasy，andisagreatcomforttome。
　　Pathfinder，yourwordsmakemeuneasy。Speakplainer，orchangethesubjectforever。Youdonot，cannotmeanthat——youcannotwishmetounderstand——eventhetongueofthespiritedMabelfaltered，andsheshrank，withmaidenshame，fromaddingwhatshewishedsoearnestlytosay。Rallyinghercourage，however，anddeterminedtoknowallassoonandasplainlyaspossible，afteramo-
　　ment’shesitation，shecontinued，——Imean，Pathfinder，thatyoudonotwishmetounderstandthatyouseriouslythinkofmeasawife？
　　Ido，Mabel。that’sit，that’sjustit。andyouhaveputthematterinamuchbetterpointofviewthanIwithmyfor-
　　estgiftsandfrontierwayswouldeverbeabletodo。TheSergeantandIhaveconcludedonthematter，ifitisagree-
　　abletoyou，ashethinksislikelytobethecase。thoughI
　　doubtmyownpowertopleaseonewhodeservesthebesthusbandAmericacanproduce。
　　Mabel’scountenancechangedfromuneasinesstosur-
　　prise。andthen，byatransitionstillquicker，fromsurprisetopain。
　　Myfather！sheexclaimed，——mydearfatherhasthoughtofmybecomingyourwife，Pathfinder？
　　Yes，hehas，Mabel，hehas，indeed。Hehaseventhoughtsuchathingmightbeagreeabletoyou，andhasalmostencouragedmetofancyitmightbetrue。
　　Butyouyourself，——youcertainlycancarenothingwhetherthissingularexpectationshalleverberealizedornot？
　　Anan？
　　Imean，Pathfinder，thatyouhavetalkedofthismatchmoretoobligemyfatherthananythingelse。thatyourfeel-
　　ingsarenowayconcerned，letmyanswerbewhatitmay？
　　ThescoutlookedearnestlyintothebeautifulfaceofMabel，whichhadflushedwiththeardorandnoveltyofhersensations，anditwasnotpossibletomistakethein-
　　tenseadmirationthatbetrayeditselfineverylineamentofhisingenuouscountenance。
　　Ihaveoftenthoughtmyselfhappy，Mabel，whenrang-
　　ingthewoodsonasuccessfulhunt，breathingthepureairofthehills，andfilledwithvigorandhealth。butInowknowthatithasallbeenidlenessandvanitycomparedwiththedelightitwouldgivemetoknowthatyouthoughtbetterofmethanyouthinkofmostothers。
　　Betterofyou！——Ido，indeed，thinkbetterofyou，Path-
　　finder，thanofmostothers：IamnotcertainthatIdonotthinkbetterofyouthanofanyother。foryourtruth，hon-
　　esty，simplicity，justice，andcouragearescarcelyequalledbyanyofearth。
　　Ah，Mabel，thesearesweetandencouragingwordsfromyou！andtheSergeant，afterall，wasnotsonearwrongasIfeared。
　　Nay，Pathfinder，inthenameofallthatissacredandjsut，donotletusmisunderstandeachotherinamatterofsomuchimportance。WhileIesteem，respect，nay，reverenceyou，almostasmuchasIreverencemyowndearfather，itisimpossiblethatIshouldeverbecomeyourwife——thatI——
　　Thechangeinhercompanion’scountenancewassosud-
　　denandsogreat，thatthemomenttheeffectofwhatshehadutteredbecamevisibleinthefaceofthePathfinder，Mabelarrestedherownwords，notwithstandingherstrongdesiretobeexplicit，thereluctancewithwhichshecouldatanytimecausepainnbeingsufficientofitselftoinducethepause。Neitherspokeforsometime，theshadeofdis-
　　appointmentthatcrossedtheruggedlineamentsofthehunteramountingsonearlytoanguishastofrightenhiscompanion，whilethesensationofchokingbecamesostronginthePathfinderthathefairlygripedhisthroat，likeonewhosoughtphysicalreliefforphysicalsuffering。Theconvulsivemannerinwhichhisfingersworkedactuallystruckthealarmedgirlwithafeelingofawe。
　　Nay，Pathfinder，Mabeleagerlyadded，theinstantshecouldcommandhervoice，——ImayhavesaidmorethanI
　　mean。forallthingsofthisnaturearepossible，andwomen，theysay，areneversureoftheirownminds。WhatIwishyoutounderstandis，thatitisnotlikelythatyouandIshouldeverthinkofeachotherasmanandwifeoughttothinkofeachother。
　　Idonot——Ishallneverthinkinthatwayagain，Mabel，
　　gaspedforththePathfinder，whoappearedtoutterhiswordslikeonejustraisedabovethepressureofsomesuffo-
　　catingsubstance。No，no，Ishallneverthinkofyou，oranyoneelse，againinthatway。
　　Pathfinder，dearPathfinder，understandme。donotattachmoremeaningtomywordsthanIdomyself：amatchlikethatwouldbeunwise，unnatural，perhaps。
　　Yes，unnat’ral——ag’innatur’。andsoItoldtheSer-
　　geant，buthe_would_haveitotherwise。
　　Pathfinder！oh，thisisworsethanIcouldhaveim-
　　agined！Takemyhand，excellentPathfinder，andletmeseethatyoudonothateme。ForGod’ssake，smileuponmeagain。
　　Hateyou，Mabel！Smileuponyou！Ah’sme！
　　Nay，givemeyourhand。yourhardy，true，andmanlyhand——both，both，Pathfinder！forIshallnotbeeasyuntilIfeelcertainthatwearefriendsagain，andthatallthishasbeenamistake。
　　Mabel！saidtheguide，lookingwistfullyintothefaceofthegenerousandimpetuousgirl，assheheldhistwohardandsunburnthandsinherownprettyanddelicatefingers，andlaughinginhisownsilentandpeculiarman-
　　ner，whileanguishgleamedoverlineamentswhichseemedincapableofdeception，evenwhileagitatedwithemotionssoconflicting，——Mabel！theSergeantwaswrong。
　　Thepent-upfeeliugscouldendurenomore，andthetearsrolleddownthecheeksofthescoutlikerain。Hisfingersagainworkedconvulsivelyathisthroat。andhisbreastheaved，asifitpossessedatenantofwhichitwouldberid，byanyeffort，howeverdesperate。
　　Pathfinder！Pathfinder！Mabelalmostshrieked。
　　anythingbutthis，anythingbutthis！Speaktome，Pathfinder！Smileagain，sayonekindword，anythingtoproveyoucanforgiveme。
　　TheSergeantwaswrong！exclaimedtheguide，laugh-
　　ingamidhisagony，inawaytoterrifyhiscompanionbytheunnaturalmixtureofanguishandlight-heartedness。
　　Iknewit，Iknewit，andsaidit。yes，theSergeantwaswrongafterall。
　　Wecanbefriends，thoughwecannotbemanandwife，
　　continuedMabel，almostasmuchdisturbedashercompan-
　　ion，scarcelyknowingwhatshesaid。wecanalwaysbefriends，andalwayswill。
　　IthoughttheSergeantwasmistaken，resumedthePathfinder，whenagreatefforthadenabledhimtocom-
　　mandhimself，forIdidnotthinkmygiftsweresuchaswouldpleasethefancyofatown-bredgirl。Itwouldhavebeenbetter，Mabel，hadhenotover-presuadedmeintoadifferentnotion。anditmighthavebeenbetter，too，hadyounotbeensopleasantandconfidinglike。yes，itwould。
　　IfIthoughtanyerrorofminehadraisedfalseexpec-
　　tationsinyou，Pathfinder，howeverunintentionallyonmypart，Ishouldneverforgivemyself。for，believeme，I
　　wouldratherendurepaininmyownfeelingsthanyoushouldsuffer。
　　That’sjustit，Mabel，that’sjustit。Thesespeechesaudopinions，spokeninsosoftavoice，andinawayI’msounusedtointhewoods，havedonethemischief。ButI
　　nowseeplainly，andbegintounderstandthedifferencebetweenusbetter，andwillstrivetokeepdownthought，andtogoabroadagainasIusedtodo，lookingforthegameandtheinimy。Ah’sme，Mabel！Ihaveindeedbeenonafalsetrailsincewemet。
　　Inalittlewhileyouwillforgetallthis，andthinkofmeasafriend，whoowesyouherlife。
　　Thismaybethewayinthetowns，butIdoubtifit’snat’raltothewoods。Withus，whentheeyeseesalovelysight，itisapttokeepitlonginview，orwhenthemindtakesinanuprightandproperfeeling，itisloathtopartwithit。
　　Youwillforgetitall，whenyoucomeseriouslytorecol-
　　lectthatIamaltogetherunsuitedtobeyourwife。
　　SoItoldtheSergeant。buthewouldhaveitotherwise。
　　Iknewyouwastooyoungandbeautifulforoneofmiddleage，likemyself，andwhoneverwascomelytolookateveninyouth。andthenyourwayshavenotbeenmyways。norwouldahunter’scabinbeafittingplaceforonewhowasedicatedamongchiefs，asitwere。IfIwereyoungerandcomelierthough，likeJasperEau-douce——
　　NevermindJasperEau-douce，interruptedMabelim-
　　patiently。wecantalkofsomethingelse。
　　Jasperisaworthylad，Mabel。ay，andacomely，re-
　　turnedtheguilelessguide，lookingearnestlyatthegirl，asifhedistrustedherjudgmentinspeakingslightinglyofhisfriend。WereIonlyhalfascomelyasJasperWes-
　　tern，mymisgivingsinthisaffairwouldnothavebeensogreat，andtheymightnothavebeensotrue。
　　WewillnottalkofJasperWestern，repeatedMabel，thecolormountingtohertemples。hemaybegoodenoughinagale，oronthelake，butheisnotgoodenoughtotalkofhere。
　　Ifearme，Mabel，heisbetterthanthemanwhoislikelytobeyourhusband，thoughtheSergeantsaysthatnevercantakeplace。ButtheSergeantwaswrongonce，andhemaybewrongtwice。
　　Andwhoislikelytobemyhusband，Pathfinder！Thisisscarcelylessstrangethanwhathasjustpassedbetweenus。
　　Iknowitisnat’ralforliketoseeklike，andforthemthathaveconsortedmuchwithofficers’ladiestowishtobeofficers’ladiesthemselves。But，Mabel。Imayspeakplainlytoyou，Iknow。andIhopemywordswillnotgiveyoupain。for，nowIunderstandwhatitistobedisap-
　　pointedinsuchfeelings，Iwouldn’twishtocauseevenaMingosorrowonthishead。Buthappinessisnotalwaystobefoundinamarquee，anymorethaninatent。andthoughtheofficers’quartersmaylookmoretemptingthantherestofthebarracks，thereisoftengreatmiserybetweenhusbandandwifeinsideoftheirdoors。
　　Idonotdoubtitintheleast，Pathfinder。and，diditrestwithmetodecide，Iwouldsoonerfollowyoutosomecabininthewoods，andshareyourfortune，whetheritmightbebetterorworse，thangoinsidethedoorofanyofficerIknow，withanintentionofremainingthereasitsmaster’swife。
　　Mabel，thisisnotwhatLundiehopes，orLundiethinks。
　　Andwhat，careIforLundie？Heismajorofthe55th，andmaycommandhismentowheelandmarchaboutashepleases。buthecannotcompelmetowedthegreatestorthemeanestofhismess。Besides，whatcanyouknowofLundie’swishesonsuchasubject？
　　FromLundie’sownmouth。TheSergeanthadtoldhimthathewishedmeforason-in-law。andtheMajor，beinganoldandatruefriend，conversedwithmeonthesubject。Heputittomeplainly，whetheritwouldnotbemoreginerousinmetoletanofficersucceed，thantostrivetomakeyoushareahunter’sfortune。Iownedthetruth，Idid。andthatwas，thatIthoughtitmight。butwhenhetoldmethattheQuartermasterwouldbehischoice，Iwouldnotabidebytheconditions。No，no，Mabel。IknowDavyMuirwell，andthoughhemaymakeyoualady，becannevermakeyouahappywoman，orhimselfagentleman。
　　Myfatherhasbeenverywrongifhehassaidordoneaughttocauseyousorrow，Pathfinder。andsogreatismyrespectforyou，sosinceremyfriendship，thatwereitnotforone——ImeanthatnopersonneedfearLieutenantMuir’sinfluencewithme——IwouldratherremainasIamtomydyingdaythanbecomealadyatthecostofbeinghiswife。
　　Idonotthinkyouwouldsaythatwhichyoudonotfeel，Mabel，returnedPathfinderearnestly。
　　Notatsuchamoment，onsuchasubject，andleastofalltoyou。No。LieutenantMuirmayfindwiveswherehecan——mynameshallneverbeonhiscatalogue。
　　Thankyou，thankyouforthat，Mabel，for，thoughthereisnolongeranyhopeforme，IcouldneverbehappywereyoutotaketotheQuartermaster。Ifearedthecom-
　　missionmightcountforsomething，Idid。andIknowtheman。Itisnotjealousythatmakesmespeakinthismanner，buttruth，forIknowtheman。Now，wereyoutofancyadesarvingyouth，onelikeJasperWestern，forinstance——
　　WhyalwaysmentionJasperEau-douce，Pathfinder？
　　hecanhavenoconcernwithourfriendship。letustalkofyourself，andofthemannerinwhichyouintendtopassthewinter。
　　Ah’sme！——I’mlittleworthatthebest，Mabel，unlessitmaybeonatrailorwiththerifle。andlessworthnowthatIhavediscoveredtheSergeant’smistake。Thereisnoneed，therefore，oftalkingofme。Ithasbeenverypleasanttometobenearyousolong，andeventofancythattheSergeantwasright。butthatisallovernow。IshallgodownthelakewithJasper，andthentherewillbebusinesstooccupyus，andthatwillkeepuselessthoughtsoutofthemind。
　　Andyouwillforgetthis——forgetme——no，notforgetme，either，Pathfinder。butyouwillresumeyouroldpur-
　　suits，andceasetothinkagirlofsufficientimportancetodisturbyourpeace？
　　Ineverknoweditafore，Mabel。butgirlsareofmoreaccountinthislifethanIcouldhavebelieved。Now，aforeIknowedyou，thenew-bornbabedidnotsleepmoresweetlythanIused。myheadwasnosoonerontheroot，orthestone，ormayhapontheskin，thanallwaslosttothesenses，unlessitmightbetogooverinthenightthebusinessofthedayinadreamlike。andthereIlaytillthemomentcametobestirring，andtheswallowswerenotmorecertaintobeonthewingwiththelight，thanI
　　tobeafootatthemomentIwishedtobe。Allthisseemedagift，andmightbecalculatedoneveninthemidstofaMingocamp。forI’vebeenoutlyinginmytime，intheveryvillagesofthevagabonds。
　　Andallthiswillreturntoyou，Pathfinder，foronesouprightandsincerewillneverwastehishappinessonamerefancy。Youwilldreamagainofyourhunts，ofthedeeryouhaveslain，andofthebeaveryouhavetaken。
　　Ah’sme，Mabel，Iwishnevertodreamagain！Beforewemet，Ihadasortofpleasureinfollowingupthehounds，infancy，asitmightbe。andeveninstrikingatrailoftheIroquois——nay，I’vebeeninskrimmagesaudambushments，inthoughtlike，andfoundsatisfactioninit，accordingtomygifts。butallthosethingshavelosttheircharmssinceI’vemadeacquaintancewithyou。Now，Ithinknolongerofanythingrudeinmydreams。buttheverylastnightwestayedinthegarrisonIimaginedIhadacabininagroveofsugarmaples，andattherootofeverytreewasaMabelDunham，whilethebirdsamongthebranchessangballadsinsteadofthenotesthatnatur’gave，andeventhedeerstoppedtolisten。Itriedtoshootafa’n，butKill-
　　deermissedfire，andthecreatur’laughedinmyface，aspleasantlyasayounggirllaughsinhermerriment，andthenitboundedaway，lookingbackasifexpectingmefollow。
　　Nomoreofthis，Pathfinder。we’lltalknomoreofthesethings，saidMabel，dashingthetearsfromhereyes：
　　forthesimple，earnestmannerinwhichthishardywoods-
　　manbetrayedthedeepholdshehadtakenofhisfeelingsnearlyprovedtoomuchforherowngenerousheart。
　　Now，letuslookformyfather。hecannotbedistant，asIheardhisgunquitenear。
　　TheSergeantwaswrong——yes，hewaswrong，andit’sofnoavailtoattempttomakethedoveconsortwiththewolf。
　　Herecomesmydearfather，interruptedMabel。Letuslookcheerfulandhappy，Pathfinder，assuchgoodfriendsoughttolook，andkeepeachother’ssecrets。
　　Apausesucceeded。theSergeant’sfootwasheardcrush-
　　ingthedriedtwigshardby，andthenhisformappearedshovingasidethebushesofacopsejustnear。Asheissuedintotheopenground，theoldsoldierscrutinizedhisdaughterandhercompanion，andspeakinggood-naturedly，hesaid，Mabel，child，youareyoungaudlightoffoot——
　　lookforabirdthatI’veshotthatfelljustbeyondthethicketofyounghemlocksontheshore。and，asJasperisshowingsignsofanintentionofgettingunderway，youneednottakethetroubletoclamberupthishillagain，butwewillmeetyouonthebeachinafewminutes。
　　Mabelobeyed，boundingdownthehillwiththeelasticstepofyouthandhealth。But，notwithstandingthelight-
　　nessofhersteps，theheartofthegirlwasheavy，andnosoonerwasshehidfromobservationbythethicket，thanshethrewherselfontherootofatreeandweptasifherheartwouldbreak。TheSergeantwatchedheruntilshedisappeared，withafather’spride，andthenturnedtohiscompanionwithasmileaskindandasfamiliarashishabitswouldallowhimtousetowardsany。
　　Shehashermother’slightnessandactivity，myfriend，withsomewhatofherfather’sforce，saidhe。Hermotherwasnotquitesohandsome，Ithinkmyself。buttheDunhamswerealwaysthoughtcomely，whethermenorwomen。Well，Pathfinder，Itakeitforgrantedyou’venotoverlookedtheopportunity，buthavespokenplainlytothegirl？womenlikefranknessinmattersofthissort。
　　IbelieveMabelandIunderstandeachotheratlast，Sergeant，returnedtheother，lookinganotherwaytoavoidthesoldier’sface。
　　Somuchthebetter。Somepeoplefancythatalittledoubtanduncertaintymakesloveallthelivelier。butI
　　amoneofthosewhothinktheplainerthetonguespeakstheeasierthemindwillcomprehend。WasMabelsur-
　　prised？
　　Ifearshewas，Sergeant。Ifearshewastakenquitebysurprise——yes，Ido。
　　Well，well，surprisesinlovearelikeanambushinwar，andquiteaslawful。thoughitisnotsoeasytotellwhenawomanissurprised，astotellwhenithappenstoanen-
　　emy。Mabeldidnotrunaway，myworthyfriend，didshe？
　　No，Sergeant，Mabeldidnottrytoescape。_that_Icansaywithaclearconscience。
　　Ihopethegirlwastoowilling，neither！Hermotherwasshyandcoyforamonth，atleast。butfrank-
　　ness，afterall，isarecommendationinamanorwoman。
　　Thatitis，thatitis。andjudgment，too。
　　Youarenottolookfortoomuchjudgmentinayoungcreatureoftwenty，Pathfinder，butitwillcomewithex-
　　perience。Amistakeinyouorme，forinstance，mightnotbesoeasilyoverlooked。butinagirlofMabel’syears，oneisnottostrainatagnatlesttheyswallowacamel。
　　ThereaderwillrememberthatSergeantDunhamwasnotaHebrewscholar。
　　Themusclesofthelistener’sfacetwitchedastheSer-
　　geantwasthusdeliveringhissentiments，thoughthefor-
　　merhadnowrecoveredaportionofthatstoicismwhichformedsolargeapartofhischaracter，andwhichhehadprobablyimbibedfromlongassociationwiththeIndians。
　　Hiseyesroseandfell，andonceagleamshotathwarthishardfeaturesasifhewereabouttoindulgeinhispeculiarlaugh。butthejoyousfeeling，ifitreallyexisted，wasasquicklylostinalookalliedtoanguish。Itwasthisun-
　　usualmixtureofwildandkeenmentalagonywithnative，simplejoyousness，whichhadmoststruckMabel，who，intheinterviewjustrelated，hadadozentimesbeenonthepointofbelievingthathersuitor’sheartwasonlylightlytouched，asimagesofhappinessandhumorgleamedoveramindthatwasalmostinfantineinitssimplicityandnature。animpression，however，whichwassoondrivenawaybythediscoveryofemotionssopainfulandsodeep，thattheyseemedtoharrowtheverysoul。
　　Yousaytrue，Sergeant，Pathfinderanswered。amis-
　　takeinonelikeyouisamoreseriousmatter。
　　YouwillfindMabelsincereandhonestintheend。
　　giveherbutalittletime。
　　Ah’sme，Sergeant！
　　Amanofyourmeritswouldmakeanimpressiononarock，givehimtime，Pathfinder。
　　SergeantDunham，weareoldfellow-campaigners——
　　thatis，ascampaignsarecarriedonhereinthewilderness。
　　andwehavedonesomanykindactstoeachotherthatwecanaffordtobecandid——whathascausedyoutobelievethatagirllikeMabelcouldeverfancyonesorudeasI
　　am？
　　What？——why，avarietyofreasons，andgoodreasonstoo，myfriend。Thosesameactsofkindness，perhaps，andthecampaignsyoumention。moreover，youaremyswornandtriedcomrade。
　　Allthissoundswell，sofarasyouandIareconsarned。
　　buttheydonottouchthecaseofyourprettydaughter。
　　ShemaythinktheseverycampaignshavedestroyedthelittlecomelinessImayoncehavehad。andIamnotquitesartainthatbeinganoldfriendofherfatherwouldleadanyyoungmaiden’smindintoaparticularaffectionforasuitor。Likeloveslike，Itellyou，Sergeant。andmygiftsarenotaltogetherthegiftsofMabelDunham。
　　Thesearesomeofyouroldmodestqualms，Pathfinder，andwilldoyounocreditwiththegirl。Womendistrustmenwhodistrustthemselves，andtaketomenwhodis-
　　trustnothing。Modestyisacapitalthinginarecruit，I
　　grantyou。orinayoungsubalternwhohasjustjoined，foritpreventshisrailingatthenon-commissionedofficersbeforeheknowswhattorailat。I’mnotsureitisoutofplaceinacommissaryoraparson，butit’sthedevilandallwhenitgetspossessionofarealsoldieroralover。
　　Haveaslittletodowithitaspossible，ifyouwouldwinawoman’sheart。Asforyourdoctrinethatlikeloveslike，itisaswrongaspossibleinmattersofthissort。Iflikelovedlike，womenwouldloveoneanother，andmenalso。
　　No，no，likelovesdislike，——theSergeantwasmerelyascholarofthecamp，——andyouhavenothingtofearfromMabelonthatscore。LookatLieutenantMuir。themanhashadfivewivesalready，theytellme，andthereisnomoremodestyinhimthanthereisinacat-o’-nine-tails。
　　LieutenantMuirwillneverbethehusbandofMabelDunham，lethimrufflehisfeathersasmuchashemay。
　　Thatisasensibleremarkofyours，Pathfinder。formymindismadeupthatyoushallbemyson-in-law。IfI
　　wereanofficermyself，Mr。Muirmighthavesomechance。
　　buttimehasplacedonedoorbetweenmychildandmyself，andIdon’tintendthereshallbethatofamarqueealso。
　　Sergeant，wemustletMabelfollowherownfancy。sheisyoungandlightofheart，andGodforbidthatanywishofmineshouldlaytheweightofafeatheronamindthatisallgaietynow，ortakeonenoteofhappinessfromherlaughter！
　　Haveyouconversedfreelywiththegirl？theSergeantdemandedquickly，andwithsomeasperityofmanner。
　　Pathfinderwastoohonesttodenyatruthplainasthatwhichtheanswerrequired，andyettoohonorabletobetrayMabel，andexposehertotheresentmentofonewhomhewellknewtobesterninhisanger。
　　Wehavelaidopenourminds，hesaid。andthoughMabel’sisonethatanymanmightlovetolookat，Ifindlittlethere，Sergeant，tomakemethinkanybetterofmy-
　　self。
　　Thegirlhasnotdaredtorefuseyou——torefuseherfather’sbestfriend？
　　Pathfinderturnedhisfaceawaytoconcealthelookofanguishthatconsciousnesstoldhimwaspassingathwartit，buthecontinuedthediscourseinhisownquiet，manlytones。
　　Mabelistookindtorefuseanything，ortoutterharshwordstoadog。Ihavenotputthequestioninawaytobedownrightrefused，Sergeant。
　　Anddidyouexpectmydaughtertojumpintoyourarmsbeforeyouaskedher？Shewouldnothavebeenhermother’schildhadshedoneanysuchthing，nordoIthinkshewouldhavebeenmine。TheDunhamslikeplaindealingaswellastheking’smajesty。buttheyarenojumpers。Leavemetomanagethismatterforyou，Path-
　　finder，andthereshallbenounnecessarydelay。I’llspeaktoMabelmyselfthisveryevening，usingyournameasprincipalintheaffair。
　　I’drathernot，I’drathernot，Sergeant。LeavethemattertoMabelandme，andIthinkallwillcomerightintheind。Younggirlsareliketimorsomebirds。theydonotover-relishbeinghurriedorspokenharshlytonither。
　　LeavethemattertoMabelandme。
　　OnoneconditionIwill，myfriend。andthatis，thatyouwillpromiseme，onthehonorofascout，thatyouwillputthematterplainlytoMabelthefirstsuitableoppor-
　　tunity，andnomincingofwords。
　　Iwillaskher，Sergeant，onconditionthatyoupromisenottomeddleintheaffair——yes，IwillpromisetoaskMabelwhethershewillmarryme，eventhoughshelaughinmyfaceatmydoingso，onthatcondition。