is father, he had spent
several years among the Indian tribes, resting in their wigwams,
hunting with them, and dealing in furs; but that, having met with an
injury in his dangerous calling, he had at last abandoned that mode of
life. Being fond of solitude, he had resolved, having the means of
following out his plans, to purchase a small estate, and a few sheep;
he should then be employed in the open air, and doubted not that
opportunities would occur, wherein he could make himself useful in the
neighbourhood. There was, also, another motive that much influenced
him in his plans. His mind had for some time been deeply impressed
with divine things, and he yearned for that privacy and repose, which,
while it would not prevent him from attending on God's worship, would
allow him freely to meditate on His holy word, which for some time had
been the delight of his heart.

He told Mr. Edwards, that he had lived there for some months, and
that, on entering the wood the day before, close by the narrow path,
he perceived by the swaying of the oak tree and moving of the
sand-stone rock, that there was every probability of their falling:
this had induced him to give that timely warning which had been the
means, by the blessing of God, of preserving the young lads from their
danger.

Mr. Edwards perceived, by his conversation and manners, that he was of
respectable character; and some letters both from missionaries and
ministers, addressed to the stranger, spoke loudly in favour of his
piety. After offering him his best thanks, in a warm-hearted manner,
and expressing freely the pleasure it would give him, if he could in
any way act a neighbourly part in adding to his comfort, Mr. Edwards
inquired if his children might be permitted to call at the house, to
inspect the many curiosities that were there. This being readily
assented to, Mr. Edwards took his departure with a very favourable
impression of his new neighbour, with whom he had so unexpectedly been
made acquainted.

Austin and Brian were, with some impatience, awaiting their father's
return, and when they knew that the stranger who had saved their lives
had actually passed years among the Indians, on the prairies and in
the woods: that he had slept in their wigwams; hunted beavers, bears,
and buffaloes with them; shared in their games; heard their wild
war-whoop, and witnessed their battles, their delight was unbounded.
Austin took large credit for his penetration in di