dly--

"Do you, sir--does Mr. Colleton go with this party?"

"I do; the circumstance are all so novel, and I am curious to see as
much of manners and events foreign to those to which I have been
accustomed, as may be practicable."

"I fear, sir, that those which you may behold on occasions such as
these, and in this country, though they may enlighten you, will do
little toward your gratification. You have friends, sir, who might not
be willing that you should indulge in unnecessary exposure, for the
satisfaction of a curiosity so unpromising."

Her manner was dignified, and though as she spoke a something of rebuke
came mingled with the caution which her language conveyed, yet there was
evidently such an interest in his fortunes embodied in what she said,
that the listener whom she addressed could not feel hurt at the words
themselves, or the accompanying expression.

"I shall be a mere looker-on, Miss Munro, and dare to disregard the
caution which you bestow, though duly sensible of the kindness which
gives it utterance. Perhaps, too, I may be of service in the way of
peace-making. I have neither interest nor wish which could prompt me to
any other course."

"There is every need for caution among young travellers, sir; and though
no astrologer, it seems to me your planet is full of unfavorable
auguries. If you will be headstrong, see that you have your eyes about
you. You have need of them both."

This was all in by-play. The group had passed on, and a single nod of
the head and a doubtful smile, on her part, concluded the brief dialogue
we have just narrated. The youth was puzzled to understand the
significant warnings, which, from time to time, she had given him. He
felt unconscious of any foe in particular, and though at that time
sojourning with a people in whom he could repose but little confidence,
he yet saw no reason to apprehend any danger. If her manner and words
had reference simply to the general lawlessness of the settlement, the
precaution evidently conveyed no compliment to his own capacities for
observation. Whatever might have been her motive, the youth felt its
kindness; and she rose not a little in his esteem, when he reflected
with how much dignity and ladylike propriety she had given, to a
comparative stranger, the counsel which she evidently thought necessary
to his well-being. With a free rein he soon overtook Forrester, and with
him took his place in the rear of the now rapidly advancing