It is more than likely that when your young friend has told her story, you will be better given to believe mine.
"Friend!" said the youth, lifting a cap of skins from his head, and running his fingers leisurely through a dense mass of black and shaggy locks, "if I have ever laid eyes on the girl before to-night, may I--" "You've said enough, Paul," interrupted the female, laying her hand on his mouth, with a familiarity that gave something very like the lie direct, to his intended asseveration.

"Our secret will be safe, with this honest old man.

I know it by his looks, and kind words." "Our secret! Ellen, have you forgot--" "Nothing.

I have not forgotten any thing I should remember.

But still I say we are safe with this honest trapper." "Trapper! is he then a trapper?
Give me your hand, father; our trades should bring us acquainted." "There is little call for handicrafts in this region," returned the other, examining the athletic and active form of the youth, as he leaned carelessly and not ungracefully, on his rifle; "the art of taking the creatur's of God, in traps and nets, is one that needs more cunning than manhood; and yet am I brought to practise it, in my age! But it would be quite as seemly, in one like you, to follow a pursuit better becoming your years and courage." "I! I never took even a slinking mink or a paddling musk-rat in a cage; though I admit having peppered a few of the dark-skin'd devils, when I had much better have kept my powder in the horn and the lead in its pouch.