It was the exploring party, whose opportune appearance saved their
companions' lives.

[Illustration: PURSUED BY NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS.]




THE TRUANT'S SOLILOQUY


My schoolmates all are blessed to-day,
Their lessons conning o'er;
O, how I wish that I were now
Within that school-room door!

My teacher sits beside her desk,
With a smile upon her face,
Until she looks around the room,
And sees my vacant place.

My heart is aching while I walk
Along the mountain glade;
I love the trees, the rippling stream,
But sigh that I have strayed.

O, there's no joy in the hours of play,
If snatched from the study-time;
No music in the wild-bird's song,
While I hear the school-bell chime.