Jim's a preacher, and the best fellow--oh! I cared a lot for Jim." "Then, why did you leave him ?" "I was tired of Williamsburg--I quarreled with a fellow, and hurt him.

Besides, I wanted to see the West; I'd like to hunt deer and bear and fight Indians.

Oh, I'm not much good." "Was Jim the only one you cared for ?" asked Nell, smiling.

She was surprised to find him grave.
"Yes, except my horse and dog, and I had to leave them behind," answered Joe, bowing his head a little.
"You'd like to be Jim because he's a preacher, and could help uncle convert the Indians ?" "Yes, partly that, but mostly because--somehow--something you've said or done has made me care for you in a different way, and I'd like to be worthy of you." "I don't think I can believe it, when you say you are 'no good,'" she replied.
"Nell," he cried, and suddenly grasped her hand.
She wrenched herself free, and leaped away from him.

Her face was bright now, and the promise of smiles was made good.
"Behave yourself, sir." She tossed her head with a familiar backward motion to throw the chestnut hair from her face, and looked at him with eyes veiled slightly under their lashes.