ted by the judge and his family
to preparations for their departure.

As the time slipped and the interval of their stay grew shorter and
shorter, Ishmael began to count the days, treasuring each precious day
that still gave him to the sight of Claudia.

On the last day but one before their departure, all letters having been
finished, the judge was in his library, selecting books to be packed and
sent off to his city residence. Ishmael was assisting him. When their
task was completed, the judge turned to the youth and said:

"Now, Ishmael, I will leave the keys of the library in your possession.
You will come occasionally to see that all is right here; and you will
air and dust the books, and in wet weather have a fire kindled to keep
them from molding, for in the depths of this forest it is very damp in
winter. In recompense for your care of the library, Ishmael, I will give
you the use of such law books as you may need to continue your studies.
Here is a list of works that I recommend you to read in the order in
which they are written down," said the judge, handing the youth a folded
paper.

"I thank you, sir; I thank you very much," answered Ishmael fervently.

"You can either read them here, or take them home with you, just as you
please," continued the judge.

"You are very kind, and I am very grateful, sir."

"It seems to me I am only just, and scarcely that, Ishmael! The county
court opens at Shelton on the first of December. I would strongly
recommend you to attend its sessions and watch its trials; it will be a
very good school for you, and a great help to the progress of your
studies."

"Thank you, sir, I will follow your advice."

"And after a while I hope you will be able to go for a term or two to
one of the good Northern law schools."

"I hope so, sir; and for that purpose I must work hard."

"And if you should ever succeed in getting admitted to the bar,
Ishmael, I should advise you to go to the Far West. It may seem
premature to give you this counsel now, but I give it, while I think of
it, because after parting with you I may never see you again."

"Again I thank you, Judge Merlin; but if ever that day of success should
come for me, it will find me in my native State. I have an especial
reason for fixing my home here; and here I must succeed or fail!" said
Ishmael earnestly, as he thought of his mother's early death and
unhonored grave, and his vow to rescue her memory from reproach.

"I