t
of Indians, Basil galloped forward; and, alighting from his horse,
intercepted the dog. A halt was made to determine what was best to be
done. At that moment the fire blazed up, and a spotted object was seen
near it. Hurrah! It was Francois' mustang! Basil and Lucien now
advanced rapidly; and, to their great joy, beheld Francois sitting by
the fire holding something over the blaze. The next moment the brothers
were in each other's arms, all three weeping with joy as they embraced!

Francois soon related his adventures. He had killed his turkey, and
then lost himself; but instead of going back upon his own trail, as
Basil had done, he had wandered about until night-fall, at intervals
shouting and firing his gun. At times his spirit failed him; and he
rode for long stretches without touching the bridle, or in any way
guiding his horse. Wearied at length, he dismounted, and tied the
animal to a tree. It was night when he did so; and feeling cold and
hungry, he took courage and kindled a fire. Fortunately the gobbler
still hung from the cantle of his saddle; and he had just singed, and
was roasting it over the fire, when so agreeably interrupted by the
approach of his brothers. At sight of the fine broiling turkey, Basil
and Lucien became as hungry as a pair of wolves--for, in consequence of
their anxiety, they had not thought of dining. The roast was soon
ready; and, after a plentiful supper--which Marengo shared--the young
hunters staked their horses upon the grass, wrapped themselves in their
blankets, and went to sleep.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN.

JEANETTE AND THE JAVALIES.

Next morning they were astir at an early hour; and, after giving the
remains of the gobbler a hurried "devilling," they ate them, and rode
off on the back trail. They did not put the dog upon it to guide them--
as the scent was now cold, and they feared that Marengo, keen as he was,
might get astray upon it. They trusted to find it from their own
tracks, and the "blazes" they had made. It was a slow process, and they
were obliged to make frequent halts; but it was a sure one, and they
preferred it on that account, as they knew the importance of getting
back to Jeanette. The tent, with all their provisions and implements,
was in her keeping.

They were in high spirits--as most people are who have just escaped from
a perilous adventure--and joked each other as they rode along. Lucien
was without a shirt--for Marengo had torn it, a