we learned where he was located.  Yesterday, about noon, we thought that we must be near his home; and on inquiring of a man that we met, he said that he knew him well, and would conduct us to his hut.  By his advice, we left the road which we had travelled for four days, and struck across the prairie.  I did not like the appearance of our guide, and expressed my fears to my husband; but he laughed at me, and placed implicit confidence in all that the stranger said.”

“What sort of looking man was your guide?” asked Smith.

“A dark-featured man, with long black beard, tall, and strongly framed.  Upon his forehead was a large scar, that looked as though recently inflicted.  I noticed him particularly, because I mistrusted him the instant he offered to act as our guide.”

“It was Black Darnley,” cried Smith, in reply to my interrogation; “the villain—­he shall yet suffer for his treachery.”

“That was the name by which his companions addressed him,” cried the woman, who overheard Smith’s remark.

The convict encouraged her to continue her narrative, and motioned Fred and myself to remain silent.

“He led us to the bank of this ravine, and said that we must here abandon our team, and walk a few miles to father’s hut.  My husband refused to follow his advice in that respect, and while Darnley was urging him to do so, our dog, which had faithfully remained with us since we left England, started in pursuit of a strange animal that bounded along the prairie faster than the hound could run.  We all became interested in the chase, and when we lost sight of dog and animal, I looked up and found five rough men close beside me.  I started with surprise; but before my husband could say a word, or use the gun which he carried, Darnley discharged a pistol full at his breast, and he fell dead.  I remember nothing more, or, if I do, I pray to God that I may soon forget it, or else join my husband in heaven.  Were I childless, I would dash my head against these rough stones, and so end my days.”

As she finished her story, she bowed her head upon her husband’s cold bosom, and her tears flowed fast and freely, while her frame shook as though she was laboring under an attack of ague.

“Listen to me,” said Smith, at length, laying his hand upon her arm to attract her attention:  “we have a long journey before us, and time is precious; but we will lose a day for the purpose of restoring you to your father.  Trust me, I know him, and if you think you can walk a few miles, a few hours from now will see you in his arms.”

“I am strong now,” she said, rising, as though the news had given her new life.

“Then lean on me, and I will assist you up this bank.  Courage—­remember you live for your children and parent now.”

As Smith offered his strong arm, she accepted it; but a sudden thought took possession of her mind, and she quitted his side and once more threw herself upon the body of her husband.