ing undoubtedly the leading wit of the party. They
were heartily welcome at Roaring Water, and both Klitz and Barney showed
that they were willing and able to work. The only thing which seemed to
put the German out was when any allusion was made to a wheel-barrow.

We had just begun active operations when Winnemak came to see his
daughter. Maysotta, however, had no inclination to return with him, and
begged that she might remain to assist her new friend, from whom she was
hearing more wonderful things daily, as well as gaining more knowledge.
Winnemak offered us the services of some of his men, who were willing
to work for wages; and although they were not equal to the worst of the
white men, yet, by Uncle Jeff's good management, they were made very
useful.

From some passing emigrant trains we obtained a good supply of
tools,--axes and saws,--and we were busily at work from sunrise to
sunset. Clarice and Rachel had succeeded in recovering some of the
cattle, pigs, and poultry which had strayed, and in a short time the
farm began to assume something of its former appearance.

I had, one afternoon, come back from the forest in which we obtained our
timber, in order to get a fresh axe in place of one which I had broken,
when I found Maysotta alone in the hut. On asking for Clarice, I was
told she had gone to the cool fountain for a pitcher of water. It struck
me that something was amiss with the Indian girl, but what it was I
could not tell. I was going on to the mill, where I expected to find an
axe, when Maysotta added,--

"The young white chief, from the fort out there, came here just now
inquiring for you. When he heard that Clarice was at the spring, he
hastened off in that direction, without seeming to regard me."

Having obtained the axe, I set off after Manley, whom I was anxious to
see, and as I got near the spring I heard him in conversation with my
sister.

"Oh no, no! I must not leave my uncle and Ralph; I should be neglecting
my duty, should I do so," said Clarice.

"But I have told you how devotedly, how fondly I love you," said Manley.
"Do you not love me in return?"

"Yes, I do; I have loved no one else," she replied.

On hearing this confession I should have withdrawn, for I had perfect
confidence in Manley, and what I had heard gave me unbounded
satisfaction. Clarice, however, had heard me moving among the bushes,
and turned her eyes towards me with a startled look. I was sure she had
perceive