60 LIFE IN THE FAR WEST 



When, therefore, he thought the officers of justice 

 had grown slack in their search of him, and that the 

 coast was comparatively clear, he determined to start 

 on his distant expedition to the Far West. 



Once more, before he carried his project into execu- 

 tion, he sought and obtained a last interview 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. 



