CHAPTER V.
During the last few days, in which the frost had cracked open the hickory nuts, and in which the squirrels had been busily collecting and storing away their supply of nuts for winter use, it had been Isaac's wont to shoulder his rifle, walk up the hill, and spend the morning in the grove.
On this crisp autumn morning he had started off as usual, and had been called back by Col.

Zane, who advised him not to wander far from the settlement.

This admonition, kind and brotherly though it was, annoyed Isaac.

Like all the Zanes he had born in him an intense love for the solitude of the wilderness.

There were times when nothing could satisfy him but the calm of the deep woods.
One of these moods possessed him now.