shade of a beautiful feathery pine, on a high promontory that
commanded a magnificent view down the lake.

"How pleasant it would be to have a house on this delightful bank,
overlooking the lake!" said Louis. "Only think of the fish we could
take, and the ducks and wild fowl we could shoot; and it would be no
very hard matter to hollow out a log canoe, such a one as I have heard
my father say he has rowed in across many a lake and broad river
below, when he was lumbering."

"Yes, it would, indeed, be a pleasant spot to live upon," said Hector,
"though I am not quite sure that the land is as good just here as it
is at Cold Springs; but all those flats and rich valleys would make
fine pastures, and produce plenty of grain, too, if cultivated."

"You always look to the main chance, Hec," said Louis, laughing;
"well, it was worth a few hours' walking this morning to look upon so
lovely a sheet of water as this. I would spend two nights in a
wigwam,--would not you, ma belle?--to enjoy such a sight."

"Yes, Louis," replied his cousin, hesitating as she spoke; "it is very
pretty, and I did not mind sleeping in the little hut; but then I
cannot enjoy myself as much as I should have done had my father and
mother been aware of my intention of accompanying you. Ah, my dear,
dear parents!" she added, as the thought of the anguish the absence of
her companions and herself would cause at home came over her. "How I
wish I had remained at home! Selfish Catharine! foolish, idle girl!"

Poor Louis was overwhelmed with grief at the sight of his cousin's
tears; and as the kind-hearted but thoughtless boy bent over her to