nounced _moskeeto_--and it is, perhaps, the most
tormenting, the most persevering, savage, vicious little monster on the
face of the earth. Other flies go to sleep at night; the mosquito never
does. Darkness puts down other flies--it seems to encourage the
mosquito. Day and night it persecutes man and beast, and the only time
of the twenty-four hours in which it seems to rest is about noon, when
the heat puts _it_ down for a little. But this period of rest
strengthens it for a renewal of war during the remainder of the day and
night. In form the mosquito very much resembles the gnat, but is
somewhat larger. This instrument of torture is his nose, which is quite
as long as his body, and sharper than the finest needle. Being unable
to rest because of the mosquitoes, Heywood resolved to have a chat.

"Come, Jasper," said he, looking up into his companion's grave
countenance, "although we have been many weeks on this journey now, you
have not yet told me what has brought you here, or what the end of your
trip is going to be."

"I've come here a-hunting," said Jasper, with the look and tone of a man
who did not wish to be questioned.

"Nay, now, I know that is not the reason," said Heywood, smiling; "you
could have hunted much nearer home, if you had been so minded, and to as
good purpose. Come, Jasper, you know I'm your friend, and that I wish
you well. Let me hear what has brought you so far into the wilderness--
mayhap I can give you some good advice if you do."

"Well, lad, I don't mind if I do. Though, for the matter of good
advice, I don't feel much in need of any just at this time."

Jasper shook the ashes out of his pipe, and refilled it as he spoke;
then he shook his head once or twice and smiled, as if his thoughts
amused him. Having lighted the pipe, he stretched himself out in a more
comfortable way before the blaze, and said--

"Well, lad, I'll tell ye what it is--it's the old story; the love of
woman has brought me here."

"And a very good old story it is," returned Heywood, with a look of
interest. "A poor miserable set of creatures we should be without that
same love of woman. Come, Jasper, I'm glad to hear you're such a
sensible fellow. I know something about that subject myself. There's a
pretty blue-eyed girl, with golden hair, down away in Canada that--"
Heywood stopped short in his speech and sighed.

"Come, it ain't a hopeless case, is it?" said Jasper, with a look of
sympathy.