“William,” said Roughgrove, “listen to a tale concerning thy birth and parentage, which I feel it to be my duty to unfold.  Your sister has already learned the story from your friend, who sits beside her.  But I will repeat it to all present.  You who are the most interested can then determine whether it shall ever be disclosed to other ears.  The secret was long locked in my bosom, and it was once my purpose to bury it with my body in the grave.  I pondered long on the subject, and prayed to Heaven to be instructed.  I have satisfactory evidence in my own heart that I have acted correctly.”  He then related the history of the twins, as we have given it to the reader.  When he concluded, La-u-na, who had betrayed much painful interest during the recital, threw her arms round William’s neck, and wept upon his breast.

“Why do you weep, La-u-na?” asked the youth.

“La-u-na must die!” said she; “her William will leave her and forget her.  The wild rose will bend over her grave—­the brook will murmur low at her cold feet—­the rabbit will nip the tender grass by her tombstone at night-fall—­the katydid will chirp over her, and the whippor-will will sing in vain.  William will forget her!  Poor La-u-na!”

“No—­La-u-na! no!  Thou shalt go with me and be my bride, or else I will remain with thee!  Death only shall separate us!” said the youth, drawing the slight form of the Indian maiden closer to his heart, and imprinting a rapturous kiss on her smooth forehead.

“We will all go together,” continued Roughgrove, “save our beloved friend here, who tells me that no earthly consideration could induce him to dwell in cities among civilized men.”

“True,” said Boone; “I would not exchange my residence in the western wilds for the gorgeous palaces of the east.  Yet I think you do right in returning to the society which you were destined to adorn.  I shall grieve when I miss you, but I will not persuade you to remain.  Every one should act according to the dictates of his conscience.  It is my belief that Providence guides our actions.  You, my friends, were fitted and designed to move in refined society, and by your example and influence to benefit the world around you.  The benefits bestowed by me will not be immediate, nor altogether in my day.  I am a PIONEER, formed by nature.  Where I struggle with the savage and the wild beast, my great grandchildren will reside in cities, I must fulfil my mission.”

At this moment Joe and Sneak appeared at the door.

“There’s a covered flat-boat just landed down at the ferry,” said Joe.

“It is from the island above,” said Roughgrove, “and the one I have had constructed for our voyage down the river.”

“Are we going, sure enough?” asked Joe.

“Yes; to-morrow,” said Glenn.

“Dod—­are you all going off?” asked Sneak, rolling round his large eyes, and stretching out his neck to an unusual length.