^LIFE INTHEFARWEST. 59 



Once more, before he carried his project into execution, 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. 



