ment, his smile broadened into one of pride and satisfaction.
The prophecy that he had made twelve years before was ful-
filled. His dream was realized. The wild, beautiful spot
where he had once built a bark shack and camped half a year
without seeing a white man was now the scene of a bustling
settlement; and he believed he would live to see that settle-
ment grow into a prosperous city. He did not think of the
thousands of acres which would one day make him a wealthy
man. He was a pioneer at heart; he had opened up that rich
new country; he had conquered all obstacles, and that was
enough to make him content.

"Papa, when shall I be big enough to fight bars and
bufflers and Injuns?" asked Noah, stopping in his play and
straddling his father's knee.

"My boy, did you not have Indians enough a short time
ago?"

"But, papa, I did not get to see any. I heard the shooting
and yelling. Sammy was afraid, but I wasn't. I wanted to
look out of the little holes, but they locked us up in the dark
room."

"If that boy ever grows up to be like Jonathan or Wetzel
it will be the death of me," said the Colonel's wife, who had
heard the lad's chatter.

"Don't worry, Bessie. When Noah grows to be a man the
Indians will be gone."

Col. Zane heard the galloping of a horse and looking up
saw Clarke coming down the road on his black thoroughbred.
The Colonel rose and walked out to the hitching-block, where
Clarke had reined in his fiery steed.

"Ah, Alfred. Been out for a ride?"

"Yes, I have been giving Roger a little exercise."

"That's a magnificent animal. I never get tired watching
him move. He's the best bit of horseflesh on the river. By
the way, we have not seen much of you since the siege. Of
course you have been busy. Getting ready to put on the
harness, eh? Well, that's what we want the young men to
do. Come over and see us."

"I have been trying to come. You know how it is with

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