from the
depredations of other Indians, and at the same time kept them supplied
with meat and fish in abundance, cleared the path when obstructed, and
daily rendered invaluable service to the emigrants. On reaching the
Sierra, they were shown another pass by some Indians they met with,
which was less dangerous, although farther over, and quite as toilsome
in crossing.

Chapter Twenty-Third.

The Curate has become much attached to the Wanderers. Arrival of Mr.
and Mrs. Duncan's family, accompanied by a number of Arapahoes.
Whirlwind demands Jane in marriage. Duncan's feeling in the matter.
Jane refuses and the Indians take their departure. The curate gives an
account of the discoveries he made of a singular road, city, pyramid.
The marriage of Jane and Sidney. Prosperous condition of Mr. Duncan's
family. The lapse of twelve years. Change of their condition. Age
whitens their locks. Conclusion.

We will go back again to the Pacific valley. The good curate had formed
a strong attachment to our wanderers who had been so unceremoniously
thrown upon his hospitality, and he held out such strong inducements
for them to settle permanently there that Howe had taken some land, and
by the aid of Indians whom the curate had partially civilized and
taught to labor, cleared a few acres and built thereon a neat and
convenient house for the reception of Mr. Duncan, whose arrival he was
expecting daily.

Not long after this was completed, as they were all assembled on the
porch, a troop of wild looking horsemen emerged from the forest, and
galloped towards the house.

"It is a party out on a hunt," said the curate, "we have nothing to
fear from them. They will no doubt give us a call, and then hasten away
to the forest again."

Howe had been looking intently towards them from the first moment they
came in sight, as if in doubts as to who and what they were. The
approaching Indian's vision was keener than Howe's, for recognizing the
trapper, Whirlwind's joyous shout rang in the air in a prolonged "_tu
tu-la-la-lah_!"

"The chief! it is the chief!" cried Howe, recognizing the sound, "he
has come to bring us joyful tidings."

"May it be so for your sakes," returned the curate, with apparent joy.

Approaching with their panting horses, the Indians were dismounted the
next moment, and shaking hands with the little group; but, when the
chief came to Jane, he caught her in his arms and gazed wistfully in
her clear blue eyes