92 IN THE OLD WEST 



as wild a state as the beasts he hunted and killed 

 for his support. 



Tired of this, he at last resolved to quit the 

 country and betake himself to the mountains, for 

 which life he had ever felt an inclination. 



When, therefore, he thought the officers of jus- 

 tice had grown slack in their search of him, and 

 that the coast was comparatively clear, he deter- 

 mined to start on his distant expedition to the 

 Far West. 



Once more, before he carried his project into 

 execution, he sought and obtained a last inter- 

 view with Mary Brand. 



" Mary," said he, " I'm about to break. 

 They're hunting me like a fall buck, and I'm 

 bound to quit. Don't think any more about me, 

 for I shall never come back." 



Poor Mary burst into tears, and bent her head 

 on the table near which she sat. When she again 

 raised it, she saw La Bonte, his long rifle upon his 

 shoulder, striding with rapid steps from the house. 

 Year after year rolled on, and he did not return. 



