What he so much hoped for--that no harm had befallen Joe, and that he would return--he doubted.

He needed the encouragement of his hope.
"Never," answered Nell, solemnly.
"Oh, why--why do you say that ?" "I saw him look at you--a strange, intent glance.

He gazed long at me as we separated.

Oh! I can feel his eyes.

No; he will never come back." "Nell, Nell, you do not mean he went away deliberately--because, oh! I cannot say it." "For no reason, except that the wilderness called him more than love for you or--me." "No, no," returned Jim, his face white.