val's arms with a pistol bullet, one morning, just as he was
putting a letter under a log that stood in front of his tent.

The wife, for the first few days, refused to be comforted, and then she
apparently forgot the matter, and seemed to care no more about it. To
her husband's surprise, she paid more attention to his comfort than
usual--remained at her tent while he was absent, forsook the company of
strange men entirely, no longer run in debt, and such a complete change
was observed in her, that the Rev. Mr. Blackburn ventured to call once,
and inquire if her sinful heart had melted. What answer Maria returned
is unknown, as the reverend gentleman never divulged; but it was noticed
that he left her tent walking quite rapidly, and that he never ventured
there a second time.

I think that it was about six weeks after Barney had broken the
gallant's arm, that he suddenly presented himself in the store, his face
radiant with happiness.

"I've got some good news for you," he said, rubbing his hands with
satisfaction.

"What is it, Barney?" I inquired; "have you found a nugget?"

"Better than that," he cried.

"Then you have found a chunk."

"No; something better than that--ten times better."

"Well, relate it. We are impatient to learn what good has befallen you."

"You would never guess," Barney said, in a mysterious manner, as though
what he had to impart would bear keeping for some time; "but," and here
his face once more beamed with smiles, "my wife has cut stick."

"What do you mean--run away?" I asked, surprised at the intelligence.

"That is what I mean. She has run off with the fellow whose arm I broke
some time since; and she not only took her clothes, but she seized every
thing of value I had in the tent. They have got six hours the start of
me, but I think--"

He paused, and seemed to consider for a moment.

"You think that you can overtake them," I suggested; "I have no doubt
but that you can, and the best horse that we own is at your disposal."

"O, bless your heart, I was not considering the subject in that light,"
he answered, "I was thinking whether I should advertise that I would not
be responsible for any debts that she contracts."

I told him that I thought he need give himself no uneasiness on that
score; but Barney was a mathematical body, and always desired to do
business on the square; and as he seemed so set upon writing an
advertisement, I furnished him ink and paper, and after a