en he had sufficiently
recovered to sit on horseback, the chief, covering him with a thick
cloak of furs, set out with a party of his people towards the fort.
Even although they formed a strong party, as it was possible that bands
of Sioux might attack them, scouts were sent out in all directions to
feel their way as they advanced.

In what a wretched state is man who knows not God, and loves not the
Saviour! Instead of peace, goodwill, and friendly intercourse existing
in that savage land, every man's hand is against his neighbour, and in
each stranger he expects to find a foe.

The party, however, reached the neighbourhood of the fort without
meeting any enemies. Laurence had left his friends, proud of his
recovered strength, and fancying that he was about to enjoy the liberty
of a savage life. He was now returning sick and weak, and a feeling of
shame and doubt of the reception he might meet with stole over him. He
kept behind the chief and his party, and hung down his head as they drew
near the gates. They were recognised from the fort, and several of the
garrison came out to give them a friendly greeting.

The old chief related how his sons had found and rescued the white-skin
boy, and Laurence was brought forward just as Mr Ramsay, followed by
his wife and daughter, appeared from their house. Jeanie recognised him
in a moment, and running forward, took his hand, exclaiming, "Oh,
Laurence, is it you? I am so glad you have come back. We all thought
harm would befall you among those savage Sioux. You look pale and ill.
Oh papa! mamma! it is Laurence," she added, looking towards her parents,
who were advancing.

Laurence was silent. It was so long since he had spoken English that he
could not for some seconds find words to express himself. Mr Ramsay
warmly shook him by the hand, and his wife welcomed him with the same
cordiality, while not a syllable of reproach did they utter.

"He does indeed look ill," said Mrs Ramsay. "Come to the house, my
poor boy," she said. "Your old room shall be prepared for you, and you
can tell us all that has happened by-and-by."

Laurence burst into tears. The reception he met with was so different
from what he had expected that it overcame him. He had borne up during
the journey, but his strength now gave way; and he required almost the
same attention and care that he had before received.

"I was indeed wicked and foolish in choosing to go and live with my old
sav