their own tale as she walked by her bridegroom's side into the
hall which had been so gaily fitted up, but was now a blackened and
partially burned room.

While the hunter's wound was being examined every one, save the pastor
and the women, was sent from the hall to aid in extinguishing the fire,
which had been nearly subdued. MacFearsome was somewhat expert as an
amateur doctor, and so was the Reverend William Tucker. Their united
opinion was that the hunter's case was a very grave one. They did all
that could be done to stop the bleeding and sustain the strength of the
wounded man, whose consciousness returned after a short time.

"Is it all over with me, father?" asked Reuben, in a faint voice,
addressing The MacFearsome for the first time by that endearing title.

"I fear it is, my son," replied the Chief. "You know it is not my habit
to mince matters at any time, and I don't think you are such a baby as
to fear death when it is sent to you. However, I will not say that your
case is hopeless till I have tried my medicine on you--so keep up your
heart, Reuben."

"Father," said Reuben, "will you allow me to be alone with Loo, for a
little?"

"Certainly, my dear boy, but you must have your medicine first."

Reuben replied with a smile and a nod.

After taking the physic he was left alone with Loo. For some time
neither could speak. At last Loo said, "Oh, Reuben dear! you are not
going to die?"

"I hope not, dearest, but when the Lord's time comes we must be ready to
answer to our names. If I am to go now I would spend the few hours that
remain to me listening to your sweet voice reading the Master's Word."

"Reuben," said Loo, with sudden animation, "will you grant me a favour?"

"You know I will, whatever it be," replied the hunter, with a languid
smile; "what is it?"

"That we may be married to-night--within this hour," said Loo, with
decision.

"Why? Of what use to wed a dying man?"

"Because I want to nurse you as your wife, to the end, if it be His will
that you shall go, and I wish to be for ever after called by your dear
name."

"It is a strange notion--a sweet one to me, dearest Loo. It shall be as
you wish. Call father."

At first the Highlander strongly objected to the wish of his child, but
Loo knew how to overcome her father's objections! In the course of
half-an-hour Reuben sent for Mr Tucker. The MacFearsome's medicine,
whatever it was, was potent as well as patent. Reube