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 "Gone!" echoed Augustus Reid, feeling his heart throb faster, at these tidings.

"Fled,—cleared out,"—was the answer; "so I was told by some of the hands, when they came in to-night. Their camps in the forest are empty. I was not sorry to hear this, for I mistrust that they have done some deeds of violence in the vicinity, and their decamping saves me the trial and hindrance of looking them up. I do not wish to bring a lawless set of men into the country, and will not retain such in my employ if aware of their character. I have been suspicious of these fellows for a week past, and was glad to hear of their flight."

"Do you know of any evil which they have done?" asked the young man, looking at the floor.

"Not positively; but I mistrust that they have disturbed the peace of the wigwam of some Indian family."

"In what manner? by theft, or violence?"