that way. Mr. Jones had mingled much with the
settlers,--for an entirely _new_ country had special charms for
him,--and his knowledge of all matters most needful to the pioneer
made him a welcome acquaintance. He had become a great favorite with
the inhabitants. The Indians were numerous and bold, but entertained a
wholesome dread of the squatter's rifle and personal courage; and the
whites, although they did not anticipate serious trouble with the
savages, felt so much safer when he was with them, that they offered
him a comfortable cabin, and promised other advantages if he would
dwell among them. Among the Indians Mr. Jones went by the name of
_Long Rifle_, and they expressed great admiration of his marksmanship.
Occasions not unfrequently happened for him to show his superior
qualities in that line. For example, the squatter happened in one day
at a cabin, and found some half dozen Indians there, who had busied
themselves, in the absence of the men, in rummaging the house for
plunder, greatly to the terror of the women and children. As Mr. Jones
appeared, they seated themselves with Indian gravity, refusing to
answer a word, while their faces wore an angry and sullen look. Among
these were some famous for their skill with the rifle, and, knowing
their passion for target-shooting, he proposed at once a trial of
skill. This was eagerly accepted; but the squatter triumphed in the
contest, and the Indians went away much impressed with the result.

When Mr. Jones returned to his family, and mentioned his decision to
remove, the mother heard his account with a foreboding heart, but
made no objection, only saying,--

"We mustn't take Tom away from his studies."

To this the father assented, for he really felt grateful to the
missionary for the interest he took in his son, and proud of the
progress the lad was making in his books.

"Tom," said he, "has a good chance, and it isn't in me to discourage
him."

It was, however, more difficult to persuade Tom to remain behind, than
for his parents to give him up,--hard as it was for them. He had so
long been the staff of his mother, that it seemed like selfish
desertion for him to stay with the missionary, while she went farther
off on the frontier.

"It is your _duty_ to remain, Tom," urged the mother. "God has opened
the way for you to cultivate your mind, and fit yourself for
usefulness; and we shall not be so far away but that you can come to
us at any time, if we ne