other and father, and the home he was now
leaving. He remembered all that he had ever done to injure or annoy the
dear ones he was leaving; and it is strange how much alive our
consciences become when we are unexpectedly or suddenly removed from
those with whom we have lived and held daily intercourse. How bitterly
we reproach ourselves for harsh words, unkind actions; and how intensely
we long for one word more with them, one fervent embrace, to prove at
once that all we have ever said or done was not _meant_ ill, and, at any
rate, is deeply, sincerely repented of now! As Charley looked up into
the starry sky, his mind recurred to the parting words of Mr Addison.
With uplifted hands and a full heart, he prayed that God would bless,
for Jesus' sake, the beloved ones in Red River, but especially Kate; for
whether he prayed or meditated, Charley's thoughts _always_ ended with
Kate.

A black cloud passed across the moon, and reminded him that but a few
hours of the night remained; so hastening up to the camp again, he lay
gently down beside his friend, and drew the green blanket over him.

In the camp all was silent. The men had chosen their several beds
according to fancy, under the shadow of a bush or tree. The fires had
burned low--so low that it was with difficulty Charley, as he lay, could
discern the recumbent forms of the men, whose presence was indicated by
the deep, soft, regular breathing of tired but healthy constitutions.
Sometimes a stray moonbeam shot through the leaves and branches, and
cast a ghostlike flickering light over the scene, which ever and anon
was rendered more mysterious by a red flare of the fire as an ember
fell, blazed up for an instant, and left all shrouded in greater
darkness than before.

At first Charley continued his sad thoughts, staring all the while at
the red embers of the expiring fire; but soon his eyes began to blink,
and the stumps of trees began to assume the form of voyageurs, and
voyageurs to look like stumps of trees. Then a moonbeam darted in, and
Mr Addison stood on the other side of the fire. At this sight Charley
started, and Mr Addison disappeared, while the boy smiled to think how
he had been dreaming while only half asleep. Then Kate appeared, and
seemed to smile on him; but another ember fell, and another red flame
sprang up, and put her to flight too. Then a low sigh of wind rustled
through the branches, and Charley felt sure that he saw Kate again
comin