strange land toward which they turned their footsteps.

The lead mines of Missouri attracted notice a early as 1720, and
Saint Genevieve, its oldest town, was founded in 1755. At the
breaking out of the Revolution, St. Louis contained nearly a
thousand inhabitants, the country at that time belonging to Spain,
and a considerable fur trade was carried on with the Indians.

Among those who crossed the Mississippi was the widow Carleton. Her
friends believed that if she removed forever from the scene of her
great affliction she might recover; but if she remained she must
soon succumb. She suffered herself to be persuaded, and went in the
company of those who promised to give her the tenderest attention
and care.

Her decision was not made until the little company, that had spent
weeks in preparation, was on the eve of starting. It thus became
necessary for Jack to stay behind to look after certain interests of
both, his purpose being to follow in the course of a few weeks.

The long journey westward was made in safety, a thriving settlement
begun, and young Otto Relstaub, the son of a hard-hearted, penurious
German, was sent back over the trail, according to promise, to guide
Jack Carleton, who was impatiently awaiting him. The next morning
after his arrival the two started westward, all their earthly
effects packed upon the single horse.

They took turns in riding the animal. Accustomed as they were to
constant activity, they would have enjoyed the journey on foot much
more than on horseback. At first both walked, but, after their