eatures. The rest
were in tears.

"William," said Roughgrove, "listen to a tale concerning thy birth and
parentage, which I feel it to be my duty to unfold. Your sister has
already learned the story from your friend, who sits beside her. But I
will repeat it to all present. You who are the most interested can
then determine whether it shall ever be disclosed to other ears. The
secret was long locked in my bosom, and it was once my purpose to bury
it with my body in the grave. I pondered long on the subject, and
prayed to Heaven to be instructed. I have satisfactory evidence in my
own heart that I have acted correctly." He then related the history of
the twins, as we have given it to the reader. When he concluded,
La-u-na, who had betrayed much painful interest during the recital,
threw her arms round William's neck, and wept upon his breast.

"Why do you weep, La-u-na?" asked the youth.

"La-u-na must die!" said she; "her William will leave her and forget
her. The wild rose will bend over her grave--the brook will murmur low
at her cold feet--the rabbit will nip the tender grass by her
tombstone at night-fall--the katydid will chirp over her, and the
whippor-will will sing in vain. William will forget her! Poor
La-u-na!"

"No--La-u-na! no! Thou shalt go with me and be my bride, or else I
will remain with thee! Death only shall separate us!" said the youth,
drawing the slight form of the Indian maiden closer to his heart, and
imprinting a rapturous kiss on her smooth forehead.

"We will all go together," continued Roughgrove, "save our beloved
friend here, who tells me that no earthly consideration could induce
him to dwell in cities among civilized men."

"True," said Boone; "I would not exchange my residence in the western
wilds for the gorgeous palaces of the east. Yet I think you do right
in returning to the society which you were destined to adorn. I shall
grieve when I miss you, but I will not persuade you to remain. Every
one should act according to the dictates of his conscience. It is my
belief that Providence guides our actions. You, my friends, were
fitted and designed to move in refined society, and by your example
and influence to benefit the world around you. The benefits bestowed
by _me_ will not be immediate, nor altogether in my day. I am a
PIONEER, formed by nature. Where I struggle with the savage and the
wild beast, my great grandchildren will reside in cities, I must
fulfil my mission."

At