lonel
brought forth a small, well-worn book from an inside coat pocket. This
he opened and then glanced around upon the little band.

"Friends," he began, "the hour is late, and we are all weary. But ere
we separate, I ask you to join with me in a brief service of prayer and
praise. But first of all, we need a message from the Great Book."

Then in a clear strong voice he read the ninety-first psalm, and as the
words of promise sounded forth an intense silence reigned. The psalm
ended, the Colonel closed the book, and dropping upon his knees began
to repeat the Lord's Prayer. All immediately followed his example,
including the captain and the crew of the schooner. As they rose to
their feet, one man started to sing. The words and tune were familiar,
and in another minute old and young were lifting up their voices in
Isaac Watts' grand hymn of comfort and hope.

O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.

Never before had the silent, brooding forest witnessed a like
gathering, nor its dark mysterious depths re-echoed with such
unfamiliar sounds. But that camp-fire scene was merely a prelude to
the tide of progress already setting, when unnamed rivers, hidden
lakes, crouching valleys, lofty hills, and secret woodland depths would
know those sounds, and rejoice in the knowledge.

An hour later silence reigned over the camp in the wilderness, broken
only by the occasional hoot of an owl, or the light steps of some
little forest creature.

About midnight the moon rose beyond the eastern hills, and rode high
above the Isle of Vines. It cast its bright beams across the now
placid water, and stole on furtive foot into the camping ground of the
weary sleepers. As the river and shore thus became illuminated, a tall
Indian stepped out from the darkness of the forest, and stood for a few
minutes gazing upon the ghost-like tents. In one hand he carried a
heavy flint-lock, and in the other a string of fine trout, while across
his right shoulder hung a long bow and several arrows. He was not at
all surprised at the sight before him, as he had been lurking near all
the evening, watching with intense interest the group about the
camp-fire. His attention now, however, was fixed upon the tent where
Jean and Old Mammy were sleeping, and the Colonel's form wrapped in his
blankets just outside.

At length he placed his gun and fish upon the