“Lady, you are the real genuine,” said Earth; “most people would think of themselves first; but you are right; if the Ingens get into the camp before the whites have notice, they will use 'em all up. I think a single life is nobly disposed of, when given for the preservation of many, so I will slip away and risk it;—hush!”—then listening,—“I hear some more passing along on the edge of the prairie. I will try and get into the camp if I can; if not, I will fire my gun and give the alarm. But oh! Rolfe, if I can only get inside, and tell them what the Ingens are about, we will have as much fun as if we were shooting turkies at a bait.” Then rising,—“good bye, may God bless you both.” “Stop, stop!” said Gay, addressing him, “I did not mean that you should go.” “Lady, I intended it from the first minute;—I was only waiting for them to stop passing a little, that I might at least have a chance to do some good.” “Earth,” said Rolfe, quickly, “what is to become of us, if you leave?” “Oh! I can do no good by remaining now,” said Earth; “you had better conceal yourselves as well as you can, and remain where you are;—keep a sharp look out, and if an Ingen comes near you, shoot him down. You will hardly be in danger, unless they stumble over you, for you see they have something else to think of. Watch how the battle goes, and if you find it going against us, why do the best you can; take the woods, and try and reach the settlements. The Ingens are now passing in every direction:—it will not do for you to stir yet; so, hide awhile longer; keep close, until the rifles begin to talk pretty pert, then, if you choose, get as far as you can from the town, and wait the result. If the Ingens are beaten, come to the camp, and if every thing goes well, we shall again meet; if not, why, as I said before, do the best you can; and as in that event, I shall probably be used up, we had as well, before we part, shake hands; for it may be for the last time.” Taking Gay's hand, he grasped it cordially, saying,—“lady, these little fingers tell that the forest should not have been thy home.—Good bye! may heaven bless you.”—then, turning to Rolfe,—“well, Rolfe, we have seen some strange things in our time. I wish I had told you, before we parted, of the last fight that old Jupe had; but I hav'nt time now. If I should happen to quit to night, why sometimes think of Earth when you take a glass, and recollect, that though a rough fellow, his intentions were always to do what he believed right. Farewell!”