reason for concealing my object in travelling here--it is to sketch, and
shoot, and take notes, and witness the works of the Almighty in the
wilderness. I hold it to be an object worthy the ambition of a great
man to act the part of pioneer to the missionary and the merchant in
nature's wildest and most inaccessible regions; and although I pretend
not to greatness, I endeavour, humbly, to do what I can."

"No one can do more than that," said Redhand, regarding the young
enthusiast with interest. "But surely you have not travelled to this
out-o'-the-way place without a guide?"

Bertram pointed to the stars.

"These are my guides," said he; "the man who can read the heavens needs
no guide."

"But that book ain't always readable," said Redhand; "when clouds are
flying what do you do then?"

"Fur-traders in the far north have taught me how to ascertain the north
by the bark on the trees; besides this I have a bosom friend who always
points the way." So saying he pulled a small compass from an inner
pocket and held it up.

"Good," rejoined Redhand; "but a compass is not food, neither will it
kill game. Have you nought but them pistols?"

"I have none other arms now but these, save this good sword. They will
serve to defend me in the hour of need, I trust; though now that I have
seen the grisly bear I should doubt my chance of success were I to cope
with him alone. I should imagine that monster to be worse even than the
Wild Man of the West himself."

"The Wild Man o' the West!" echoed March Marston eagerly; "have you seen
_him_?"

"Nay, verily; but I have heard of him," replied the artist, smiling,
"and a strangely ferocious creature he must be, if all that's said of
him be correct. But, to say truth, I believe the stories told of him
are idle tales. Indeed, I do not believe there is such a man at all!"

March Marston's countenance fell. No Wild Man of the West at all! The
bare possibility of such a crushing blow to all his romantic hopes and
dreams caused his heart to sink. Bertram observed the change in his
countenance, and, quickly divining the cause, added, "But I am of a
sceptical turn of mind, and do not easily believe unless I see. There
is one thing I have observed, however, which is in favour of his
existence."

"What's that?" inquired March, brightening up. "That the nearer one
comes to his reputed dwelling-place, this wild man assumes smaller and
more natural proportions. I first hear