have, very unfortunately, laid myself liable to her distrust, will
you have the goodness to place your approval on this slip of paper?"

Saying which, he handed him the paper and a pencil. He wrote as follows:

"MISS WALTON:--The bearer, Mr. Durant, has laid before me his
intentions and wishes, and the difficulties in the way of his
reformation. I most heartily approve his plans, as they seem to be
the most judicious that now occur to me, and hope you will assist
him to the utmost of your ability in his very worthy object.

"HAMILTON."

As Durant run his eye over the lines, a peculiar expression of satisfaction
crossed his features, and with the warmest thanks on his lips, he
departed, and lost no time in again presenting himself before Ellen, whom
he thus addressed:

"I have just laid my case before Mr. Hamilton, whose opinion on the subject
you will find here expressed in his own hand-writing."

And he gave her the slip. She read the lines traced upon it, when he
proceeded:

"If I only dared to hope you would as readily approve and as heartily enter
into my plans, all disquiet in my heart would at once be set at rest."

"I am quite sure I shall object to nothing Mr. Hamilton approves; and in
all good endeavors, I shall be most happy to render you all the assistance
I can command or bestow."

"Then I need entertain no further apprehensions, and will at once make
known to you the details which seem to me necessary to be carried out.
There are very few persons in the settlements who have any knowledge of my
connection with the Indians, and my first request is that you never, under
any circumstances, allude to this connection, or let it be known that I
have been here. Have I your promise?"

"Most certainly."

"I desire, in the second place, that you will say as much good of me as you
can, (and that, I am sorry to say, will be but little,) to those who may
ask you for information concerning me; but if you have _nothing_ good to
say, then that you will say no evil, and especially if my Indian life is
alluded to. May I hope for your favor in this respect?"

"I will do my best to exonerate you in all cases where your reputation is
at stake, and to aid you in reaching a place of honor in society."

"Thank you. I have but one additional solicitation to make, and if to this
you can give your assent, I shall be truly happy, delighted, and
confident."

All this time he had been driving at o