passed by them. I am rich above gold, and silver, and precious
stones."

"If there is anything you desire, you will let me know? Command me
in all things; there is nothing I am not ready to do for you," said
Pownal.

"The blessing of one who is ready to depart be upon thee, for thy kind
words and loving intentions; and should real trouble arise, I will
call upon thee for aid. I know not now," he continued, "why I should
hide like a wounded beast. I fear 'tis but for a visionary point
of honor. Why should not a gentleman,"--this he said
sarcastically--"occupy the workhouse as well as a boor. In the eyes of
One, we are all equal. Ah, it might do this hard heart good."

"You have promised to respect the prejudices of your friends," said
Pownal, "whatever you may think of their weakness."

"You shall never endure the disgrace," said Anne, with kindling
cheeks. "See how Providence itself interposes to protect you!"

"Your suggestions, my children, find an echo, alas! too truly in my
own heart to be rejected," said Holden, dejectedly. "I repeat, I will
obey you."

The young people remained for an hour or more at the hut, conversing
with the Solitary, to whom their presence appeared to give great
pleasure; and, before parting, Pownal exchanged some words apart with
Esther, having for their object the promotion of her guest's and
her own comfort. The kind heart of the squaw needed no incentives
to conceal and protect Holden, but Pownal felt he had no right to
encroach upon her slender means, and such arrangements were made as
would more than compensate her.

As the sleigh started from the door, Anne said to Pownal, with some
tenderness in the tone of her voice:

"You need not tell me, Mr. Pownal, the name of one of the strange
Paladins last night. How will Faith thank and admire you. But, O, let
me beg you to be prudent, lest you fall into the power of these bad
men."

It would have better suited the feelings of Pownal, had Anne uttered
her own thanks more directly. His inexperience and distrust of himself
did not comprehend that it was in reality the way in which the modest
girl expressed the admiration that swelled her heart.

CHAPTER XX.

Impelled with steps unceasing to pursue
Some fleeting good that mocks me with the view;
That, like the circle, bounding earth and skies,
Allures from far, and, as I follow, flies.

GOLDSMITH.

Whenever Tom Gladding and Primus put their heads together, it