his right hand upon
her head, imagining it was all a dream. But when Jean laughed at him,
drew off her hood, and stood erect before him, his last doubt was
removed. He reached out and passionately drew her to him, and silently
held her to his breast. Then he sank down upon his chair, completely
overcome by his emotion.

There was great excitement now in the room. Old Mammy had been
impatiently waiting to embrace her "li'l lamb," and she would scarcely
release her for a minute. She stroked the girl's hair, and held her
hands, crying and laughing as if bereft of her senses, and murmuring
words of endearment.

The neighbours soon heard the good news, and crowded into the house.
Jean laughingly declared that she had never been kissed so much before,
and that she was almost bewildered by the attention she received. But
when she explained how much Sam and Kitty had done for her, interest
was at once directed to the faithful Indians who had been curiously
watching all that was taking place. Pete was there, too, and it was a
wonderful night for those three dusky wanderers of the trails. They
were given plenty to eat and drink, and received the approving smiles
of all.

The Colonel kept his eyes fixed upon his returned daughter as she moved
about, talking and laughing in the gayest manner. The weary look had
gone from his face, and his eyes glowed with a new light. His heart
was overflowing with thankfulness, and as the neighbours were about to
depart, he rose to his feet, and requested them to remain for a few
minutes.

"This has been a wonderful night to me," he said. "The lost one has
been restored, and my heart is so filled with gratitude that I am going
to ask you all to sing the Doxology. Jean, dear, you know the words,
so suppose you start it."

The girl did as she was directed, and at once all lifted up their
voices in the old familiar words of "Praise God from whom all blessings
flow." It was no mere lip-service offered up there that night, but
sincere gratitude from humble thankful hearts.

The Colonel, Jean, and Dane sat late before the fire that night. It
was a marvellous story the girl related of her rescue from her captors
by Sam and Kitty. But when she spoke of Thomas Norman, her father was
deeply moved. He leaned forward so as not to miss a single word.

"Poor Tom! Poor Tom," he said. "What a pity that such a life was
wasted. If I could only have seen him before he was taken away. How