e
interrogator as the acknowledged host of the eternal wilds, and
himself as a mere guest, who might be required to produce his
testimonials of worthiness to associate with nature's most honest of
men, he replied with calmness, though with subdued emotion--

"You are right, sir--it was the latter. I had heard that you were
happy in the solitude of the mountain-shaded valley, or on the
interminable prairies that greet the horizon in the distance, where
neither the derision of the proud, the malice of the envious, nor the
deceptions of pretended love and friendship, could disturb your
peaceful meditations: and from amid the wreck of certain hopes, which
I once thought no circumstances could destroy, I rose with a
determined though saddened heart, and solemnly vowed to seek such a
wilderness, where I could pass a certain number of my days engaging in
the pursuits that might be most congenial to my disposition. Already I
imagine I experience the happy effects of my resolution. Here the
whispers of vituperating foes cannot injure, nor the smiles of those
fondly cherished deceive."

"Your hand, young man," said Boone, with an earnestness which
convinced Glenn that his tale was not imprudently divulged.

"Ho! what's the matter with _you_?" Boone continued, turning to Joe,
who had just arisen from his supper, and was stretching back his
shoulders.

"I got a licking from a bear to-night--but I don't mind it much since
I've had a snack. But if ever I come across him in the daytime, I'll
show him a thing or two," said Joe, with his fists doubled up.

"Pshaw! do you still entertain the ridiculous belief that it was
really a bear you encountered?" inquired Glenn, with an incredulous
smile.

"I'll swear to it!" replied Joe.

"Let me see your face," remarked Boone, turning him to where there was
more light.

"Hollo! don't squeeze it so hard!" cried Joe, as Boone removed some of
the coagulated blood that remained or the surface.

"There is no doubt about it--it was a bear, most certainly," said
Boone; and examining the wound more closely, continued: "Here are the
marks of his claws, plain enough: he might easily be captured
to-morrow. Who will hunt him with me?"

"I will!" burst from the lips of nearly every one present.

"Huzza--revenge! I'll have revenge, huzza!" cried Joe, throwing round
his hat.

"You will join us?" inquired Boone, turning to Glenn.

"Yes," replied Glenn; "I came hither provided with the implement