o fearful. Besides this, the
Pony Club have lately committed several desperate offences, which have
already attracted the notice of the legislature. This very guard had
been ordered to disperse them; and this affair will bring down a
sufficient force to overrun all our settlements, and they may even
penetrate the nation itself, where we might otherwise find shelter.
There will be no safety for me."

The despondence of the woodman increased as he spoke; and the young
girl, as if unconscious of all spectators, in the confiding innocence of
her heart, exclaimed, while her head sunk up in his shoulder:--

"And why, Mark, may we not all fly together? There will be no reason now
to remain here, since the miners are all to be dispersed."

"Well said, Kate--well said--" responded a voice at the entrance of the
apartment, at the sound of which the person addressed started with a
visible trepidation, which destroyed all her previous energy of manner;
"it is well thought on Kate; there will, sure enough, be very little
reason now for any of us to remain, since this ugly business; and the
only question is as to what quarter we shall go. There is, however just
as little reason for our flight in company with Mark Forrester."

It was the father of the maiden who spoke--one who was the arbiter of
her destinies, and so much the dictator in his household and over his
family, that from his decision and authority there was suffered no
appeal. Without pausing for a reply, he proceeded:--

"Our course, Mark must now lie separate. You will take your route, and I
mine; we can not take them together. As for my daughter, she can not
take up with you, seeing your present condition. Your affairs are not as
they were when I consented to your engagement; therefore, the least said
and thought about past matters, the better."

"But--" was the beginning of a reply from the sad and discarded lover,
in which he was not suffered to proceed. The old man was firm, and
settled further controversy in short order.

"No talk, Mark--seeing that it's no use, and there's no occasion for it.
It must be as I say. I cannot permit of Kate's connection with a man in
your situation, who the very next moment may be brought to the halter
and bring shame upon her. Take your parting, and try to forget old
times, my good fellow. I think well of, and am sorry for you, Mark, but
I can do nothing. The girl is my only child, and I must keep her from
harm if I can."

Mar