, not absolutely engaged, but with very sanguine hopes.

At that time, in that region, wolves were abundant and very
destructive. The neighbors, for quite a distance, combined for a great
wolf-hunt, which should explore the forest for many miles. By the
hunters thus scattering on the same day, the wolves would have no place
of retreat. If they fled before one hunter they would encounter
another. Young Crockett, naturally confident, plunged recklessly into
the forest, and wandered to and fro until, to his alarm, he found
himself bewildered and utterly lost. There were no signs of human
habitations near, and night was fast darkening around him.

Just as he was beginning to feel that he must look out for a night's
encampment, he saw in the distance, through the gigantic trees, a young
girl running at her utmost speed, or, as he expressed it in the
Crockett vernacular, "streaking it along through the woods like all
wrath." David gave chase, and soon overtook the terrified girl, whom he
found, to his surprise and delight, to be his own sweetheart, who had
also by some strange accident got lost.

Here was indeed a romantic and somewhat an embarrassing adventure. The
situation was, however, by no means so embarrassing as it would have
been to persons in a higher state of civilization. The cabin of the
emigrant often consisted of but one room, where parents and children
and the chance guest passed the night together. They could easily throw
up a camp. David with his gun could kindle a fire and get some game.
The girl could cook it. All their physical wants would thus be
supplied. They had no material inconveniences to dread in camping out
for a night. The delicacy of the situation would not be very keenly
felt by persons who were at but one remove above the native Indian.

The girl had gone out in the morning into the woods, to hunt up one of
her father's horses. She missed her way, became lost, and had been
wandering all day long farther and farther from home. Soon after the
two met they came across a path which they knew must lead to some
house. Following this, just after dark they came within sight of the
dim light of a cabin fire. They were kindly received by the inmates,
and, tired as they were, they both sat up all night. Upon inquiry they
found that David had wandered ten miles from his home, and the young
girl seven from hers. Their paths lay in different directions, but the
road was plain, and in the morning they se