"But we can sleep in Charlemont to-night. A night in this earthly
Eden--"

"And run the risk of losing our company? Oh, no, most worthy nephew.
They will start at dawn to-morrow."

"We can soon come up with 'em."

"Perhaps not, and the risk is considerable. Travelling to the
Mississippi is no such small matter at any time, and, in these times
it is only with a multitude, that there is safety. The murder of
old Whiteford, is a sufficient warning not to go alone with more
gold than lead in one's pocket. We are two, it is true, but better
ten than two. You are a brave fellow enough, Warham, I doubt not;
but a shot will dispose of you, and after that I should be an easy
victim. I could wink and hold out my iron as well as the best of
you, but I prefer to escape the necessity. Let us mend our pace.
We are burning daylight."

The nephew, with an air of some impatience, which, however,
escaped the eyes of the senior, sent his horse forward by a sharp
application of his spur, though looking back the while, with a
glance of reluctance, which strongly disagreed with the sentiments
which he expressed. Indeed, with both the travellers, the impression
made by the little village of Charlemont was such that the subject
seemed nowise displeasing to either, and furnished the chief staple
of conversation between them, as they rode the remaining eight miles
of their journey. The old man's heart had been subdued and won by
the sweet air of peace which seemed to overspread and hallow the