Not a little precaution was necessary, according to Pathfinder's judgment and experience, in performing even this simple act, for he had known the careless slain by their want of proper attention to what might have seemed to the ignorant, supererogatory means of safety. He did not place his mouth to the loop itself, but so near it that he could be heard without raising his voice, and the same precaution was observed as regards his ear.

"Who is below?" Pathfinder demanded, when his arrangements were made to his mind. "Is any one in suffer ing? If a friend, speak boldly, and depend on our aid”

"Pathfinder!" answered a voice that both Mabel and the person addressed at once knew to be the sergeant's, "Pathfinder, in the name of God, tell me what has become of my daughter?

"Father, I am here! unhurtthink the same of you!"

safe; and O! that I could

The ejaculation of thanksgiving that followed was distinctly audible to the two, but it was clearly mingled with a groan of pain.

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"My worst forebodings are realized!" said Mabel, with a sort of desperate calmness. Pathfinder, my father must be brought within the block, though we hazard everything to do it."

"This is natur', and it is the law of God. But, Mabel, be calm, and endivor to be cool. All that can be effected for the sergeant by human invention, shall be done. I only ask you to be cool."

was I But re

"I am-I am, Pathfinder. Never in my life more calm, more collected, than at this moment. member how perilous may be every instant; for Heaven's sake, what we do, let us do without delay."

Pathfinder was struck with the firmness of Mabel's tones, And perhaps he was a little deceived by the forced tranquillity and self-possession she had assumed. At all events he did not deem any further explanations necessary, but descended forthwith, and began to unbar the door. This delicate process was conducted with the usual caution, but as he warily permitted the mass of timber to swing back on

the hinges, he felt a pressure against it that had nearly in duced him to close it again. But catching a glimpse of the cause through the crack, the door was permitted to swing back, when the body of Sergeant Dunham, which was propped against it, fell partly within the block. To draw in the legs and secure the fastenings, occupied the Pathfinder but a moment. Then there existed no obstacle to their giving their undivided care to the wounded man.

Mabel, in this trying scene, conducted herself with the sort of unnatural energy that her sex, when aroused, is apt to manifest. She got the light, administered water to the parched lips of her father, and assisted Pathfinder in forming a bed of straw for his body, and a pillow of clothes for his head. All this was done earnestly, and almost without speaking; nor did Mabel shed a tear until she heard the blessings of her father murmured on her head, for this tenderness and care. All this time, Mabel had merely conjectured the condition of her parent. Pathfinder, however, showed greater attention to the physical danger of the ser geant. He ascertained that a rifle ball had passed through the body of the wounded man; and he was sufficiently familiar with injuries of this nature, to be certain that the chances of his surviving the hurt were very trifling, if any

"When the body of Sergeant Dunham, which was propped against it, fell partly within the block. To draw in the legs and secure the fastenings, occupied the Pathfinder but a moment." - Page 228.

CHAPTER XXIV.

Then drink my tears, while yet they fall;
Would that my bosom's blood were balm;
And well thou knowest I'd shed it all,
To give thy brow one minute's calm.

MOORE

THE eyes of Sergeant Dunham had not ceased to follow the form of his beautiful daughter from the moment that the light appeared. He next examined the door of the block, to ascertain its security; for he was left on the ground below, there being no available means of raising him to the upper floor. Then he sought the face of Mabel; for as life wanes fast, the affections resume their force, and we begin to value that most which we feel we are about to lose for

ever.

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God be praised, my child, you at least have escaped their murderous rifles!" he said; for he spoke with strength, and seemingly with no additional pain. "Give me the history of this sad business, Pathfinder."

That

"Ah's me, sergeant! it has been sad, as you say. there has been treachery, and the position of the island has been betrayed, is now as sartain, in my judgment, as that we still hold the block.

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But".

Major Duncan was right," interrupted Dunham, laying и hand on the other's arm.

"Not in the sense you mean, sergeant no, not in that p'int of view; never. At least, not in my opinion. I know that natur' is weak- human natur', I mean - and that we should none of us vaunt of our gifts, whether red or white; but I do not think a truer hearted lad lives on the lines than Jasper Western."

"Bless you

bless you for that, Pathfinder!" burst forth from Mabel's very soul, while a flood of tears gave